|
Contact: Esmeralda Garcia (esmeraldag@php.com), Tel: (408) 727-5775 x 150 |
 |
The Circles Program teaches social distance and levels of intimacy through the use of six color coded concentric circles. Starting from the center circle, which is the self, each new colored circle represents behaviors, feelings, and actions appropriate to the distance from the center, or self. For example, a person may hug and kiss members of the family, people in the Blue Hug Circle, but only wave to the mailman, who is in the distant Orange Wave Circle. The Circles Program assists students to discriminate different degrees of intimacy and to adapt their behaviors accordingly. |
The program teaches students how relationships can be formed and maintained according to the social norms of our day. Thus, the CIRCLES Program lays the foundation for people with social deficits due to their disabilities to manage the amount of personal responsibility and social integration in their lives.
Circles Part I: This class, which spans the first part of Circles I, consists of video programs, discussion, activities and role-plays designed to teach social and sexual distance. It explores the level of intimacy between people in the way that they TOUCH, TALK to and TRUST each other. Students will learn "relationship boundaries" and relationship-specific behaviors, i.e., it's okay to hug your mother, but it's not okay to hug the mailman.
Circles Part II: This class is designed for students who have already completed Circles, Part I. This class discusses relationship transitions, and how relationships can and do change over time. For example, someone may start out as a stranger in the Red Stranger Space, but develop into a friend in the Green Far-Away Hug Circle.
(Program descriptions taken from The Circles I Intimacy & Relationships Curriculum Manual. James Stanfield Publishing Company, Santa Barbara, CA)
Who Should Attend? Special needs adolescents and young adults with a social skills level of at least kindergarten (5 year old equivalent) and above. Call for consideration outside these ranges.
“Before Circles class, (my daughter) was hugging or trying to hug the workers coming in and doing our remodeling work. Afterwards, she started shaking hands.” “Our 11-year-old daughter tends to be overly physically affectionate with everyone. Since she participated in Circles , however, she is much more conscious of who gets a close hug, a faraway hug, a handshake or simply a wave. Sometimes she will check with us (mom and dad) to see if it is OK to hug or kiss a friend. (Before Circles she just acted on impulse.) She has also identified people giving each other "faraway hugs" on TV. It is nice that she now understands these distinctions.” “My son's teacher commented on how he was now not invading other's personal space when working in a group, sharing desk space, and waiting in line or waiting to talk to someone.”
Parent Participation: It is critical that parents participate with their child for the program to be successfully integrated into everyday life. One parent/caregiver or support person MUST ATTEND each class with their son or daughter. Parent Orientations: A one-hour orientation will give you an overview of the Circles program, a preview of the videotapes, and an understanding of class structure, curriculum, and expectations. Parents planning to enroll in Circles are strongly encouraged to attend. Materials and instructions for the first class will be distributed. An orientation is scheduled prior to each session. ... ... ... Class Dates and Times: Circles Part I is a 7-week commitment. Circles Part II is 6 weeks... While we try to separate the classes as best we can into groups of similar cognitive abilities, we understand that there may be scheduling difficulties that preclude us from forming classes in this manner. We remain committed to meeting your needs as best we can. Sessions: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. @ PHP for 2007-2008 ...... ...... ... Cost: $150 per team of parents/caregiver and Circles participant *Please check with your Regional Center for possible stipend. Reimbursement, partial or full scholarships may be available through a variety of funding sources. Please contact PHP for more information. Contact: Esmeralda Garcia, Circles Specialist PHP 408-727-5775 ext 150 Email:esmeraldag@php.com; Tonia Shaw, Circles Instructor PHP 408-727-5775 ext 150<
What Parents Have Said About PHP's Circles Program:
Class Size: Each session is limited to 10-12 families.
Should you need immediate assistance or a parent-to-parent contact please phone PHP's office at (408) 727-5775. PHP provides a forum for parents and professionals to get information. PHP does not promote or recommend any treatment, therapy, institution or professional.
 |
 |
|
 |
More events... | |