Joint Position Statement of AAIDD and The Arc:
"Every person has the right to exercise choices regarding sexual expression and social relationships. The presence of an intellectual or developmental disability, regardless of severity, does not, in itself, justify loss of rights related to sexuality". (http://aaidd.org/news-policy/policy/position-statements/sexuality#.VX7eJvlViko)
Thank you for taking the time to review our curriculum. We believe you will find our curriculum quite unique. The Quality of Life Curriculum was written due to a need for educating individuals with Disabilities, their loved ones, and the community as a whole on healthy sexual behaviors and healthy relationships. Education in this subject has often been time limited and not sufficient in content or depth to improve understanding and alter behaviors. Therefore, with the request and financial backing of the Arc of Blair County, PA, we set forth to create something that would truly make a difference in this area. We believe that we have created in this curriculum a method of teaching that can be used to educate individuals across their lifespan and which covers many important areas of sexuality, self esteem, and relationship building in a way that is more readily understood.
In the process of creating the QOL Curriculum as a program that would enhance knowledge and alter behaviors over time, the Arc of Blair County, entities from school districts, service providers for adults with disabilities, families, self advocates, and criminal justice personnel met to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the current state of the community and to make suggestions for the development of this project. Following this, Michelle Garcia, Psy.D. & Brandon Delgado, M.A. created the usable lessons with the assistance of Jessica Whatley, Stacey Claghorn, and several practicum students of Michelle Garcia, Psy.D. & Associates. This curriculum was intended to be a unique contribution to the field in form and utility. The lessons were created to encompass a wide variety of learning styles and to address multiple levels of understanding.
To maintain integrity of the QOL Curriculum, use of this curriculum requires a three-year commitment (with opportunities to renew at the end of each three-year period) during which the purchasing organization receives a comprehensive initial training, log-in ability for three key personnel, and technical support (weekly for the first two months and once monthly following this initial period). Michelle Garcia, Psy.D. & Associates provides a pre/post-test to ensure that the curriculum is attaining goals set forth in the creation of this program, and conducts audits at three months, six months, one year, and two years to assist with consistent implementation of the QOL Curriculum.
If you would like more information or to purchase the QOL Curriculum, please complete the Contact Form.
"Every person has the right to exercise choices regarding sexual expression and social relationships. The presence of an intellectual or developmental disability, regardless of severity, does not, in itself, justify loss of rights related to sexuality". (http://aaidd.org/news-policy/policy/position-statements/sexuality#.VX7eJvlViko)
Thank you for taking the time to review our curriculum. We believe you will find our curriculum quite unique. The Quality of Life Curriculum was written due to a need for educating individuals with Disabilities, their loved ones, and the community as a whole on healthy sexual behaviors and healthy relationships. Education in this subject has often been time limited and not sufficient in content or depth to improve understanding and alter behaviors. Therefore, with the request and financial backing of the Arc of Blair County, PA, we set forth to create something that would truly make a difference in this area. We believe that we have created in this curriculum a method of teaching that can be used to educate individuals across their lifespan and which covers many important areas of sexuality, self esteem, and relationship building in a way that is more readily understood.
In the process of creating the QOL Curriculum as a program that would enhance knowledge and alter behaviors over time, the Arc of Blair County, entities from school districts, service providers for adults with disabilities, families, self advocates, and criminal justice personnel met to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the current state of the community and to make suggestions for the development of this project. Following this, Michelle Garcia, Psy.D. & Brandon Delgado, M.A. created the usable lessons with the assistance of Jessica Whatley, Stacey Claghorn, and several practicum students of Michelle Garcia, Psy.D. & Associates. This curriculum was intended to be a unique contribution to the field in form and utility. The lessons were created to encompass a wide variety of learning styles and to address multiple levels of understanding.
To maintain integrity of the QOL Curriculum, use of this curriculum requires a three-year commitment (with opportunities to renew at the end of each three-year period) during which the purchasing organization receives a comprehensive initial training, log-in ability for three key personnel, and technical support (weekly for the first two months and once monthly following this initial period). Michelle Garcia, Psy.D. & Associates provides a pre/post-test to ensure that the curriculum is attaining goals set forth in the creation of this program, and conducts audits at three months, six months, one year, and two years to assist with consistent implementation of the QOL Curriculum.
If you would like more information or to purchase the QOL Curriculum, please complete the Contact Form.
We would like to thank all those who have contributed to the creation and success of the QOL Curriculum, including:
We want to offer a special thank you to our artists who created the art you see throughout the QOL Curriculum. The image on the title page and some documents throughout the QOL Curriculum was created by Kayla Horton. This original artwork utilizes ancient symbols for awareness, knowledge, and maturing, which are all key concepts in the program. The original image on the lesson pages was created by Kristiane Guerra. It represents the aspects of life males and females experience during the maturation process, such as relationships, interests, and daily stressors. Both artists did an amazing job visually representing the curriculum as a whole.
- Maria Brandt for her dedication, passion, and support for this project (the Arc of Blair County, PA)
- Altoona School District for their willingness to pilot this program in their schools
- All those who participated in the focus group and attended the initial presentations
- Practicum students with Michelle Garcia, Psy.D. & Associates, including: Aishat Sadiq, Monica Zelaya, Josie Martinez, Megan Riff, Ashley Almanza, Kasey Ford, Rosalyn Locke, Adam Wojteczko, Danita Ealy, Rachel Tocker, and Natarsha Johnson
We want to offer a special thank you to our artists who created the art you see throughout the QOL Curriculum. The image on the title page and some documents throughout the QOL Curriculum was created by Kayla Horton. This original artwork utilizes ancient symbols for awareness, knowledge, and maturing, which are all key concepts in the program. The original image on the lesson pages was created by Kristiane Guerra. It represents the aspects of life males and females experience during the maturation process, such as relationships, interests, and daily stressors. Both artists did an amazing job visually representing the curriculum as a whole.
**QOL Curriculum is a copywritten program and that no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, printing, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of Michelle Garcia, Psy.D. & Associates, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. Furthermore, any previously printed materials should be destroyed upon completion or discontinuation of the program unless they are already completed and part of the student’s record. Furthermore, after discontinuation, no entity may continue to use, photocopy, or distribute the materials within the QOL Curriculum.
PO Box 8915, The Woodlands, TX 77387 * www.drmgarcia.com