Teens with Disabilities Social Program

Social support networks

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

High quality, comprehensive services for people with IDD are limited. Unfortunately, community-based services for teens are even further limited. Forming strong social relationships and developing friendships can be challenging for teens, particularly for teens with IDD who struggle with making friends due to the perception that they do not fit in. Further, school events are rarely (if ever) tailored for students with IDD, making their participation difficult and exacerbating issues of isolation. Loneliness can be detrimental to mental health, and it is imperative that youth are given the tools and resources they need to develop vital social skills that will not only help them make and keep friends, but also support the development of their life and work skills. Additionally, there is confusion even among providers about whose responsibility it is to support teens through the transition from high school to adulthood. ICAN is eager to start serving teens to address this critical need.

In alignment with LA2050’s Social Support Network priority, ICAN’s Social Program promotes social networks, friendships, and shared experiences which are essential for building a community and developing a sense of belonging. To meet the social-emotional needs of our clients, ICAN’s Social Program offers camps as well as weekday and weekend programs where staff and volunteers interact with clients and visit community sites to socialize and integrate in the community. ICAN is the only program vendor with a Regional Center to deliver this type of program which is currently delivered only for adults with IDD. ICAN seeks to expand this program to teens ages 13-18 to promote social interaction, community involvement and prepare them for the transition from high school to adulthood. Not only do teens with IDD face social challenges, but they will also face challenges securing employment and often are not yet equipped with the skills needed to secure meaningful employment. By participating in ICAN’s Teen Social Program, clients will develop critical soft skills including interpersonal communication, social awareness, conflict resolution that will help with making friends and being a successful employee. The Program also addresses the need to educate youth and their families on services available to them after finishing school. Notably, the Teen Social Program will also serve as a gateway to ICAN’s day programs and employment services that teens can access after graduation.

Transitioning from high school to adulthood can be challenging for everyone, particularly for individuals with IDD. During this time, families must transfer services from the school system and are often uninformed of what comes next or available services, including social recreation programming, leading to gaps in care. Further, if families do not utilize authorized social recreation services, funding for these services may be taken away by the state, causing families to have to pay privately – a cost that is prohibitive for many families. By offering a Teen Social Program, ICAN will help ensure continuity of care between high school and adulthood and expose youth to ICAN’s other programming. Additionally, teens will start laying a strong foundation of life skills that will not only support relationships, but also future employability. Ultimately, Social Program will promote greater awareness, inclusion, and support for individuals with IDD throughout LA County.

Started over 40 years ago as a Summer Camp, ICAN’s Social Program effectively helps adults with IDD foster social skills, develop lasting bonds, and participate in community-based activities. Further, in recognition of our dedicated service, ICAN was awarded the 2023 Torrance Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year! Given our impressive track record with adults with IDD, and the fact that the Regional Center has already approved ICAN to offer Social Program for teens, ICAN is ready and able to respond to the regular requests by families to launch this proven model for a new age group. Like our Social Program for adults, success of the Teen Social Program will be measured by our clients’ ability to form meaningful relationships, willingness to participate in activities, and progress towards their individual goals. Since ongoing costs for Social Programs are supported by state funding, we are confident in the expansion, scalability and sustainability of this program once established.