AFTER SCHOOL CONNECTION
2012 Spring Term (February to May 2012)
The RCD, in partnership with SDC Blue Ribbon Foundation, offered a brand new after school activity for children with special needs – AFTER SCHOOL CONNECTION, in September 2011 and received tremendous response. We continue to offer the project with expansion in 2012; now there are two groups for secondary students and elementary students respectively on Wednesday and Thursday.
Purpose: To provide affordable and educational after school activities for children with disabilities, focusing on music, drama and movement in addition to games, team work and socialization.
Objectives: To foster creativity, confidence, self-expression, spontaneity and awareness in participants.
Participants: Children with special needs ages 9 to 15 years old
Fee: $80 for the entire term (12 sessions); subsidies are available for families which are low income
Venue: RCD (100-5671 No. 3 Road, Richmond)
Registration: Submit registration form in its entirety before deadline, new applicants need to attend an interview. Space is limited, register early!
2012 Spring Term Schedule
Class A (Secondary School students age 12-15 or as ability appropriate)
February 15 – May 16
Wednesday 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Class B (Elementary School students age 9-12 or as ability appropriate)
February 16 – May 17
Thursday 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. No session during Spring Break (March 12 to 23, 2012)
For new registrants: Interviews will be conducted on February 2 or February 9 at after school hours (will notify parents individually)
Click here to download Registration Form for new participant.
Returning participants: do not need to fill out the registration form again, contact RCD if you wish to continue joining the activity at your earliest convenience.
Click here to view the After School Connection Brochure.
Click here to view the After School Connection Poster.
Step 1:
Eligibility criteria – Household Income is less than $28,000 per person or $32,000 per couple (Current Income Tax Assessment Notice must be submitted with application)
Step 2:
Complete Subsidy Application Letter and return to RCD, subject to registration deadline as well as space availability
Step 3:
RCD will inform parent of the decision in a timely fashion
Click here to download the Subsidy Application Letter.
Xi has extensive experience working with people with disabilities and children with autism. She obtained her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education in China and Bachelor of Music Therapy degree at Capilano University in BC. Xi is a piano teacher, pianist and a performer. She specializes in developing and facilitating music therapy sessions for people with disabilities in different settings such as care homes, hospitals and community groups; as well as working as a Practising Music Therapist for children with autism and learning challenges in schools. Currently Xi oversees a RCD activity – Music in Motion for our members.
Music Therapy is the skilful and creative use of music to improve health, well-being and quality of life. Qualified therapists help people of all ages and abilities to reach their fullest potential through music.
Music Therapists bring creative opportunities to develop the potential of each person, not their musical ability. It is through making and responding to music that significant benefits arise.
What is the impact of Music Therapy for children with disabilities?
Facilitate relaxation
Increase motor coordination
Reinforce and provide motivation for physical exercise
Foster independence, self-confidence and self-esteem
Develop functional speech and communication abilities
Motivate interaction with others
Music Therapy and Children with Autism
Children and adults with autism often have an unusual sensitivity and preference for music. Music can be a very effective motivator to learn non-musical material, to provide positive sensory experiences, decrease self-stimulatory behaviours, improve social behaviours and relationships, enhance motor coordination and improve communication skills. In music therapy sessions, the therapist and participant create music together by singing and playing various instruments and the music is used as a tool to work on various therapeutic goals.
There are 3 Fun days in the term; these are the days planned by the Buddy Team to organize games, social interaction and leisure times for the participants. It is perfect opportunity for the participating children to know each other, as well as get to know more about the Buddy Team. The Music Therapist will take a break for these 3 days.