The Aim High Pilot Project for young adults was run throughout 2007 and for the first half of 2008, with the support of funding from the Disability Services Commission. 

Pilot Project

 Throughout 2007 and for the first half of 2008, a group of 18 young people with Down syndrome aged 15 to 25 attended the Aim High every Saturday afternoon. The 18 month pilot program was funded through the DSC Strategic Plan Implementation Grant funding, supplemented by Down Syndrome WA.  Sport and Recreation Network generously provided advice and support with policy development and recruitment to help get the program started.

The weekly sessions were structured around a series of learning modules and club members enjoyed learning new skills and being involved in a variety of activities, group discussions, role plays, dance sessions and outings.  The program of learning modules was developed by Down Syndrome WA in conjunction with E-QUAL disability consultants.  It included some sessions modified from the Your Rights workshop program as well as other sessions specifically developed for Aim High.

The sessions were run by  a Coordinator and three Assistant Coordinators and some volunteers. The Assistant Coordinators are all in the same age group as the club members and brought their own skills and talents to the program and provided good role modelling and lots of energy!  They were involved in the planning and running of sessions as well as program evaluations.  Another positive aspect of the program is that these young people are themselves learning valuable skills and developing leadership potential.

E-QUAL conducted ongoing evaluation throughout the program.  Club members, their families and staff have provided very positive feedback which includes increased skills and socialisation and the enjoyment of regular time with friends.  Parents commented that their sons and daughters love going to Aim High and are always ready early to get there.  Parents said they are noticing that skills and learning is being carried over into the home as well.

The Aim High Project worked to identify and nurture young leaders and to help enable self determination.  Club members took part in the planning of outings and events and had specific roles and responsibilities.  Club members helped organise and run a disco for Down Syndrome Week, an end of year celebration, a weekend camp and the graduation ceremony.

The graduation ceremony was held at Fraser’s Restaurant function room in King’s Park.

The room was packed with family and friends who were delighted by the speeches by club members and the audio visual display of memorable club moments on the big screen. 

 Each club member received a graduation certificate and trophy and the young staff and regular volunteers were presented with thank you gifts. It was wonderful to witness this celebration and see the pride of these young people as they received their awards.

Due to the success of the pilot program Down Syndrome WA hopes to continue it as an ongoing program; however ongoing funding or sponsorship needs to be found. 

 Ideally, there would be two streams – one for new participants each year taking part in the learning module program  (there is a new group of 16 waiting to begin), and one as a club that will be as self determined and managed as possible by members who have already completed the program.  Down Syndrome WA is actively seeking funding to continue Aim High.

  Check the 2007 and 2008 Down Syndrome WA newsletters for progressive reports on the Pilate Project.

aim high favourites.....…

• “We have club rules that we made ourselves”

• “I like to play games in Aim High Club and I like the rules: have fun, be friends, watch your language, no swearing and be on time”

• “I enjoy public speaking” 
  
• "The games"
• "Listening to the stereo at break time"
• "Dancing"
• "Hanging out with my mates"
• "Meeting new people"
• "Listening to the speakers and talking to my friends" 
• "Having fun"

• “Making friends”

• “Awards”

• “Learning new things”  

     “I like everything!”

aim high club members' hopes for the future........

What do we want?

• “To have a family and pets”
  
• “To own a home”  
  
• “To be a champion dancer”
  
• “To play for the Eagles”
• “To learn to speak Greek” 
• “To be a full time worker for fair money and work conditions
  

• "Learn how to drive a car for transport" 

• To be a role model in fitness, skill, dedication and study”   

•  “To have a family of my own”

• “To live independently” 

• “To have money”

•  “With a good job that I enjoy”

•  “Stay in touch with family”    

• "Owning your own house”

• "To be included in community decisions”     

• “Playing AFL” 
• “Give my family an education and a good life” 

•  “Be a world champion body builder”
•  “To use public transport easily and safely”

“To be included in the community”

What obstacles are in our way?

• “Money – we might not have enough”     

•  “Need a good public transport system”  
• “Not enough assistance to get a house or apartment, to get a loan”       
  
• "Family"
  
• “Driving – I might not be able to”   
• “Employers not hiring people with Down syndrome”   
• "How do we know who to ask?”

“Need to change people’s view points around the community”

How do we get around these obstacles?

• “Supportive people around us”      

• “Gain more knowledge” 

• “Help to maintain relationships”

• “Good information when decisions are made - in a way we can understand”      

• “Assistance with money”     

• “Good pregnancy support”        

• “Coping with children stuff so I can take home”   

• “If we can’t drive we want a safe public transport system – buses, trains”    

• “If we have issues with people around us – we can become more independent”       

• “If we don’t have enough money – we want to get good jobs and have good pensions”

• “Education that caters for people with Down syndrome”  

• “Government incentives - own a home”  

“For a person with Down syndrome, I need good information I understand and support as well as understanding to achieve my goals.