Written by Felicia Nielson, Service Coordinator Becoming independent with transportation is something that *David has discussed in length with his team since he started SVA. He expressed a desire to be independent in this area but was very resistant to taking the bus. He didn't want to talk about riding the bus with his team and he had a difficult time even discussing what an experience on the bus might involve. Over the past few months we have seen a change in David in this area. When he accepted an internship through Intermountain HealthCare, we explained that he will need to begin taking the bus either to the internship or back to SVA. Eventually, working up to taking the bus as his only form of transportation to and from his internship. David expressed some resistance but agreed to take the bus with me and practice the route he would be taking. After taking the bus one time with me, David said that he felt confident enough to begin taking the bus to his internship on his own and has done that every day since. His mother was very excited to hear that he took the bus and is beginning to feel confidant with independent transportation. Since beginning as a student at SVA, David has reached goals that he originally didn't think he could reach. With support of staff and his family, he earned his high school diploma, improved work skills enough to be a top candidate for the internship at IHC, and is becoming independent with transportation. He is on his way to graduating from SVA within the year. *Name has been changed
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Jenna Higgins, Recreation Therapy Intern
Belle* loves the sensory room every time she is able to go in there. For class last week, I had her go into the sensory room for 15 minutes at the beginning to help her relax and take time to focus on herself. When I went back to get her, she came out with a huge smile on her face and said, 'that felt really good.' We then proceeded to talk about how much she enjoys the room and why it helps her feel calm. She told me her favorite object in there were the sparkly glitter wands. When she puts them upside down the glitter moves up and down the wand, and 'it is cool to watch because it is free to move however it wants.' She always looks forward to her time in the sensory room and wants to go every class period because she enjoys it so much and it makes her feel better. *Name has been changed Written by Joanna Posey, Teacher Did you know we have an Animal Therapy class at ScenicView Academy? It is truly changing lives! Recently, the students learned how animals express their emotions, especially fear, and how we can teach our animals how to reduce that fear. Therapy teams Jill and Lucy (Standard Poodle) along with Maureen and Gus (Golden Retriever) with Debbie and Thomas (Sheltie) interacted as Thomas showed how fearful he was around people and other animals that could be seen in his body language. Social interventions were used to reduce Thomas' fear. People have the same emotions, including fear. Through similar interventions, students can reduce their fear, as well. Dan, Previous Student
I am currently employed full time in Arizona for a construction company, and part of my job requires me to have contact with city and county offices. Recently, a staff member at one of these offices was very rude and short with me. I walked away and realized I handled that situation very professionally and well and I did not let the other person’s behavior affect me. I was able to do this because of the many skills I learned at ScenicView Academy. I am proud of myself that I can handle tough situations appropriately. Thank you ScenicView Academy for helping me get confidence in myself, learn appropriate social and work skills, and learn how not to react to others who behave inappropriately. |
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