Program Development Project

Our mission at Opal Family Services is to help individuals with disabilities, and their families, to thrive. Opal Family Services has been serving our community of Greater Fredericton since 1984. When it was founded, the purpose was to provide quality respite to families caring for loved ones with disabilities. Through our numerous programs, we continue to offer quality respite along with inclusive educational and recreational programming. Respite allows individuals with disabilities to have increased independence, improved mental health, community engagement, and enhanced social and life skills.
Inclusive programming has improved in schools, the community, and society, however, exclusion persists. Opal’s programs fill these existing gaps and allow individuals with disabilities of all ages to participate in recreational activities with their peers. In our various programs, we provide support that is tailored to the individual. We celebrate each participant’s strengths, abilities, and interests and encourage them to be their authentic selves which promotes positive self-esteem and personal growth.
With the aim of enhancing the quality of our programming, the Program Development Coordinator will focus on developing inclusive, consistent, evidence-based education modules that are adaptable to the children, youth, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities attending our respite programming. They will also help with the onboarding process by improving program facilitator training. The programs that we currently provide are Kids Club, Youth Group, Adult Social and Recreation Program, and Camp Wonder. The Program Coordinator will develop learning modules for each program that can be adapted for different abilities. The Program Coordinator will assure programs are adaptable to different locations and groups. While we have been offering social/recreational programming for many years, we would like to increase the focus on skill development for our participants including: emotional regulation, social skills, anxiety, anger management, and baking/cooking.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kyle Brymer

Student:

Partner:

Opal Family Services

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

New Brunswick Community College

Program: