July 2002

Guide to social skills training

A unique training manual is helping improve essential social skills for people with an intellectual disability.

The 11-module Life Skills: Facilitation Guides For Educators Working with People with an Intellectual Disability provides a holistic and integrated approach to social skills training.

Authors from the Statewide Forensic Services and the Department of Human Services’ Disability Services Division contributed to and edited the manual.

Topics are:

• Problem-solving and decision-making skills;

• Anger management;

• Assertiveness training;

• Team building;

• Social etiquette;

• Communication skills;

• Human development and sexuality;

• The law;

• Drugs and alcohol;

• Conflict resolution;

• Relaxation training.

The modules give educators flexibility to expand on session content as needed. Each session can easily be adapted to meet the differing needs of individuals and groups.

Life Skills has generated interest from interstate and international service providers such as adult training support services, community health centres, private practioners, treatment services and correctional services.

• For further information contact Richard James on 9280 2747 or email richard.james@dhs.vic.gov.au. Copies of the Life Skills are available from the Statewide Forensic Service, P.O. Box 137, Fairfield, 3078, telephone 9280 2730 or fax 9280 2750. Cost is $110 plus GST, postage and handling costs.