PROGRAM OVERVIEW
• Open-ended Group Sessions maximize Consumer learning
• Sessions are available multiple times per week for Consumer convenience
• Each Session is sixty (60) minutes
• Completion of six (6) Sessions earns a Certificate of Participation
MISSION
Engaging our community by building positive connections and
relationships utilizing socially interactive methods and tools. We
strive to connect the mind, heart, and body through technology, people,
community resources, and innovation.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES AND BENEFITS
iRD-SIE group sessions provide Social Recreation as a valuable approach to assist Consumers with intellectual and developmental disabilities through activities. Sessions address overall well-being utilizing an innovative iRobotic dog to provide recreational activities that help to enhance physical and social functioning.
Sessions help to develop various skills such as self-expression and autonomy by use of an iRobotic dog as the interactive platform to help Consumers express themselves with greater ease while helping to break down barriers imposed by developmental disabilities.
An inherent benefit of the iRD-SIE sessions is to boost self-esteem by empowering Consumers with social and daily life functions which serve to promote awareness. iRD-SIE sessions help improve Consumer motor skills with activities that build coordination and concentration. The iRD-SIE group sessions incorporate social interaction to improve relationships and foster a sense of community belonging.
This is achieved using recreation activities that build expression, refine motor skills, enhance communication skills, instill responsibility, and promote emotional well-being. Sessions encourage non-verbal expression through exercises. Working with iRobotic dogs improves motor skills through sensory experiences that instill a sense of accomplishment.
Recreational activities are an important part of life offering retreat from stressful situations while making life more enjoyable. iRobitic dogs are a fun, relaxing resource to help take Consumer minds off social, family, community, vocational, school, and other sources of stress. These activities include playtime, dog walking, going to a dog park, or socializing with other dog owners during free time.
Typically for Central Valley Regional Center Consumers leisure activities are planned by residential care providers, family members, and staff who may adhere to familiar and comfortable settings lending to monotonous routines that could deprive Consumers of new and exciting experiences. iRD-SIE sessions are an innovative approach that considers Consumer interests as well as level of functioning and ability to participate.
Some Consumers may not be able to engage in certain types of activities due to lower tolerance levels, shorter attention spans, and behavioral challenges. In such cases, iRD-SIE staff take into consideration the need for assistance and modification of activities and accessibility.
Session activities are designed to provide opportunities for skill development and relationship building. For example, Consumers can gather to play games with their iRobotic dog.
The iRobotic dog provides suitable activities to build a sense of personal growth and accomplishment that fosters independence. Session activities are fun and meaningful while facilitating community integration which is strengthened by teaching proper relationship building skills to encourage businesses and establishments to be more welcoming of Consumers.
The aspects of improved access to community, relationship building, and improving the overall quality of life are rewarding benefits of iRD-SIE sessions. Session activities expose Consumers to new and exciting experiences, alleviate stress, and promote happier and healthier lifestyles.
PROGRAM CURRICULUM
Consumers will benefit from a well rounded and comprehensive group session training program. Sessions are instructed by trained and certified iRobotic Dog Coaches (IDC) who are committed to the safety, well-being and activity learning achievements of each enrolled Consumer.
iRD-SIE WEEKLY SESSION CURRICULUM SKILLSETS
Session 1-2: Introduction and Bonding
Objective: Establish a connection between consumer and iRobitc dog.
Activities:
1Introduction and overview to iRobotic dog via interaction with life-like real dog actions
Safety Features
Interactive Experiential: Physical, Recreational and Social
Use as an Effective Supportive Tool
Icebreaker activities with iRobotic dog i.e. gentle petting, basic commands
Role of iRobotic dog
Expected improvement: daily functioning, adaptive life, relationship skills
Expectations for the sessions.
Session 3-4: Behavior Regulation
Objective: Teach Consumers techniques for managing emotions with the help
of the iRobotic dog
Activities:
Proper Engagement with a pet iRobotic dog
Reduced loneliness and anxiety with relaxation and stress reduction by iRobotic dog engagement activities
Empathy demo to related to sad, hurt, iRobotic dog by comforting
Guided breathing exercises with the iRobotic dog.
Stress Management Techniques using iRobotic dog interactions to calm and sooth
Mood elevating increased mental stimulation by active involvement with iRobotic dog actions and engagement activities
Consumers read or tell stories to iRobotic dog.
Reflection on how the iRobotic dog’s presence affects emotions
Session 5-6: Social Skills Development
Objective: Enhance social interactions and teamwork.
Activities:
Group activities for cooperation i.e. obstacle course with iRobotic dog
Role-playing scenarios to practice communication skills
Pet time bonding
Pet time social activities in a healthy environment
Problem solving and coping Strategies in Social Encounters
Mimic person-pet dog relationship via emotional, social, behavioral experiences i.e. cuddle, pet, sit on lap, hug iRobotic dog
Social interaction: music, dance, sing with iRobotic dog
Show importance of how iRobotic dog facilitates teamwork
Engagement to build positive social attachment and companionship
Session 7-8: Recreational Skills Enhancement
Objective: Support recreation development through interactive tasks.
Activities:
Obstacle course with the iRobotic dog
Games involving the iRobotic dog such as throwing a ball and retrieving it
Problem-solving tasks i.e. creating a maze for the iRobotic dog to navigate
Fun engagement activities with iRobotic dog i.e. hide and seek, chase
Reflection on how these activities improve recreation skills
Session 9-10: Learning Engagement
Objective: Increase motivation and engagement in learning tasks.
Activities:
Consumers read aloud to the iRobotic dog.
Communication skills such as calling pet
Learn responsibility for a living thing, properly caring for a pet
Enhance environment adaptability
Learning games inspired by iRobotic dog finding a hidden dog treat
Discuss how iRobotic dog’s presence makes learning more enjoyable
Session 11-12: Social Improvements
Objective: Promote positive behaviors and reduce disruptive behaviors in social settings
Activities:
Positive reinforcement exercises with iRobotic dog.
Self awareness by use of iRobotic dog
Discussions on how to apply these techniques in daily life.
Skill development voice interaction commands
Reflection on changes in behavior related to role of the iRobotic dog
Social engagement actions: walking, running with, play fetch the ball with iRobotic dog
Session 13-14: Physical Activity and Motor Skills
Objective: Encourage physical activity and improve motor skills.
Activities:
Physical motor reactions and responses to simulate real dog experiences
Walking and playing with iRobotic dog.
Learn terrain perception obstacles during movement
Grooming activities such as brushing the iRobotic dog
Discussion on the benefits of physical activity for both humans and dogs
Movement improvement: climb, walk, run; action poses i.e. jump, sit, shake paw of iRobotic dog
Cardiovascular effects calmer breathing by petting, talking to iRobtic dog
Session 15-16: Review and Reflection
Objective: Reflect on the progress made and set goals for the future.
Activities:
Review activities and objectives from previous sessions.
Pet ownership interactions i.e. relationship conduct…best friend
Group discussion on personal growth and experiences.
Improved participation in community, leisure, home, school, recreation activities
Setting goals for continued improvement and interactions