PROGRAM DATES: TBA
Wednesday: 3:30 - 5:30 pm PST ( youth participants 6 - 11 years )
Thursday: 3:30 - 5:30 pm PST ( youth participants 11 years and up )
Our LINK@OSNS sessions are currently on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working behind the scenes to restart this much-needed youth program soon.
Please follow our social media for updates!
UPDATE!
Click on the title to learn more!
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WHAT IS LINK@OSNS?
LINK@OSNS is a place for youth! It is designed to help young people with Autism or social communication difficulties develop social skills and make friendships in a welcoming, fun and engaging environment.
LINK@OSNS was created by an Occupational Therapist, Speech Language Therapist, Social Worker and Behaviour Interventionist. LINK@OSNS will be delivered by OSNS staff and supported by local youth leaders - our YOUTH CREW!
Youth Participants and Youth Crew will meet once a week every Wednesday & Thursday after school (3:30 - 5:30 pm) to share interests, participate in social activities and spend time with others.
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Learn social negotiation skills
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Learn relationship building skills
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Meet new people
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Try new activities
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Hang out and have fun!
PARTICIPANTS WILL:
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Board games (Heads Up, UNO, Giant Jenga, Cards etc.)
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Cooking / eating (making smoothies,BBQ events, baking muffins)
- Music
- Outdoor activities
- Art (paint night, pumpkin carving, tree ornaments)
- Building a photo wall (polaroid cameras and films)
- Other activities decided by participants
ACTIVITY HUBS
INCLUDE:
THE SPACE:
LINK@OSNS is located at OSNS Child & Youth Development Centre. It has indoor and outdoor areas that meet varied sensory needs including adjustable lighting, a low key sensory space, hammocks, kitchen, soft couches and a large projector screen. There is a designated outside entrance for youth to the LINK@OSNS space.
LINK@OSNS MISSION
PROGRAM DATES: TBD
Stay tuned for Upcoming Dates
Wednesday: 3:30 - 5:30 pm PST ( youth participants 6 - 11 years )
Thursday: 3:30 - 5:30 pm PST ( youth participants 11 years and up )
Please note that this program runs for 8 weeks. We will not have drop-in availability
"Everyone will have a friend"
In order to ensure success we will be
speaking with families upon registration
to determine if this is a good fit for
your child
FUNDING
This is a fee for service program that accepts autism and private funding. We strive to meet the financial needs of all families. Please reach out to Andria Anderson at info@osns.org if you would like more information about the program and funding options. The program cost is $1100.00 per 8 week block of sessions.
Have inquiries about the upcoming session of LINK@OSNS?
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Our LINK@OSNS lead will contact
you to follow up with more
information about the program.
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COME JOIN OUR STUDENT
LINK LEADERSHIP CREW!
We need your help to run the LINK@OSNS youth activities!
We are looking for students interested in building relationship skills and working with youth. Your role would assist in the support and engagement of LINK@OSNS program activities. Since most of the youth attending may be living with Autism and other abilities, peer role modeling can be a natural learning opportunity.
Youth Leadership Crew Commitment?
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Commit to once a week either Wednesday or Thursday from 3:30 - 5:30 pm PST
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We are looking for an 8 session day commitment
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Please stand by for confirmed 2020 dates!
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We are looking for a total of 6 Youth Leadership Crew members to volunteer per program - 3 per session based on age group
Training?
Staff at OSNS will be providing a two hour training sessions that will include an overview of the program and the different activities you will be supporting. You will learn about various abilities and how to engage and disengage with youth participants.
Everyone will have a friend
#letsconnect
Did you know....
1 in 68 youth in British Columbia has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Many others struggle with social communication disorders and developmental delays. These youth often struggle with fitting in and creating lasting friendships - and this can lead to social isolation, sadness and mental health concerns.
LINK@OSNS will not only teach skills but will connect youth with common interests activities, giving opportunities to practice social negotiation skills.
