June 2003

Young people on the move towards adulthood

Guests at the launch of Yooralla’s new FirstBase program in Leongatha were treated to a show of African drumming.

FirstBase’s music group participants have been learning the African rhythms as part of their music sessions.

FirstBase is a program for people with disabilities aged 18–30, predominantly to help their transition from school to chosen adult lifestyles.

Participants are given a daily timetable with scheduled programs such as drama, music therapy and environmental exploration.

At Leongatha, recreation and fitness, life skills and personal expression are also high priority programs.

Participants who are more independent can further their learning by completing certificate courses in literacy or computing skills through local training institutes such as TAFE.

Yooralla opened the doors to Leongatha FirstBase clients in early February.

Over the past three months, 16 young people with disabilities—ranging in ages from 18 to 25 years—have joined the program.

Yooralla has employed three disability support workers on a permanent basis and also has a casual staff pool.

Leongatha program coordinator Kerri Grall said FirstBase helps young people with disabilities to determine their goals then achieve them or take important steps toward achieving them.

‘We see ourselves as a stepping stone from secondary school to adult life.

‘With adult life comes the responsibility of making choices and taking ownership of our decisions and the consequences, while learning how to achieve what we want.

‘It is our aim to offer just the right amount of encouragement, without being pushy and to offer support without being a permanent crutch and to give direction about where the answers might be found,’ said Ms Krall.

‘We aim to be increasing self-esteem and social interaction skills, confidence and personal awareness and the effect all of us have on each other.’

FirstBase programs available in Leongatha include personal development, artistic expression, music and African drumming, training in numeracy and literacy, computers, job surfing, independent living skills, cooking, gymnastics and swimming.