Okanagan Workshops + Groups

The Down Syndrome Resource Foundation is pleased to offer groups and workshops in the Okanagan area under the leadership of Jillian Baldwin, RSLP. Below is information on currently available services. To register for any of these groups and workshops, please click here.

Jillian, a registered Speech and Language Pathologist, has been a part of the DSRF team since 2014. She specializes in working with individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, with experience providing one-to-one therapy, facilitating groups and classes, and presenting to small and large audiences. Jillian is very excited to extend the quality services of the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation to families around the Okanagan!

Empowerment Through Employment is designed to equip teens and adults with disabilities with essential pre-employment skills and the confidence to thrive in the workplace. Our program focuses on cultivating employable skills, ensuring participants are well-prepared to enter the workforce with competence and self-assurance. 

Topics: 

Exploring Career Pathways: Participants will explore various career options and identify their interests, strengths, and goals. 

Introduction to Employment: Participants will explore the fundamentals of employment readiness, including the importance of punctuality, personal hygiene, and professional appearance. 

Building Confidence and Self-Advocacy: Participants will build confidence in advocating for themselves and their needs in the workplace, empowering them to succeed. 

Asking for Help: Communication breakdowns and confidence in asking for help in the workplace can be challenging. Learning preferred ways to learn new skills can help provide a future employer with a better understanding of how to support the participant. 

Communication Skills in the Workplace: Focus on honing verbal and non-verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on effective small talk and building rapport with colleagues. 

Giving and Receiving Feedback: It can feel uncomfortable and even frustrating to receive feedback. Participants will learn the importance of feedback, not only in the workplace but in many areas of life. The focus will be on how to receive feedback and various ways participants may prefer to receive feedback. 

Benefits of Participation: 

Individualized Support: Our program offers personalized one-on-one sessions with DSRF’s Employment Support Specialist, ensuring each participant receives tailored guidance and support. 

Practical Skills Development: Participants will acquire practical skills essential for success in the workplace, from effective communication to time management. These skills will help them  

Confidence Building: Through interactive activities and supportive feedback, participants will gain confidence in their abilities and potential for eventual employment success. 

Who Should Attend: 

This program is ideal for teens and adults with disabilities who are eager to develop essential pre-employment skills and embark on a journey toward greater independence and confidence. 

Program Structure: 

The program consists of eight engaging sessions, blending in-person and online learning experiences to accommodate diverse needs and schedules. There will be four in-person sessions that will take place on the following dates:  

• Friday, June 14
• Friday, July 19
• Friday, August 23
• Friday, September 27

In person sessions will take place at the Kelowna Downtown Library ORL Branch, 1380 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC.

Online sessions will be scheduled individually with each client to accommodate different schedules and provide flexibility. 

Cost: $500 for 8 Sessions

Registration: To register or learn more about the program, please email Aja Masters

Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. 

The Social Circle is a social group for teens with Down syndrome, facilitated by a Speech-Language Pathologist. The objective is to provide a safe space where teens can connect with their peers, build new friendships, and practice their social communication skills in a relaxed atmosphere!

Dates: July 16 – August 20, 2024

Time: Tuesdays (10:00-10:45 am)

Location: 1580 Bernard Ave., Kelowna

Ages: 13-19

Cost: $20 per session or $120 for all 6

Register

Questions? Please feel free to email jillian@dsrf.org 

The Social Circle is a social group for adults with Down syndrome, facilitated by a Speech-Language Pathologist. The objective is to provide a safe space where individuals can connect with their peers, build new friendships, and practice their social communication skills in a relaxed atmosphere!

Dates: July 19, Aug 23, and Sept 27, 2024

Time: 3:00-4:30 pm

Location: Kelowna Library, Downtown Branch, 1380 Ellis St. (Meeting Room 3)

Ages: 20+

Cost: $20 per session or $60 for all 3

Register

Questions? Please feel free to email aja@dsrf.org 

Parents and their child with Down syndrome, ages 5 and under, will be coached to foster communication development through interactive play, singing, and reading, with a focus on implementing user-friendly sign language. This will also provide the opportunity for local parents and their children to connect with each other in a fun and supportive environment!

Monthly interactive 45-minute classes will take place on the first Tuesday morning of each month at Starbright in Kelowna, from September 2024 to June 2025.

Cost: FREE

Register

Questions? Please feel free to email jillian@dsrf.org