 
SSENSES Our Mission Safe Structured Environment for Sensory Experiences Society (SSENSE) is a transitional recreational program available to children with autism spectrum disorders from ages three to twelve years. The objectives are to create a safe, structured environment so the children may develop the necessary skills to access inclusive recreation programs, to assist volunteers from diverse areas of study to gain hands-on experience with children with autism, to provide our families with informal support and networking opportunities, and to have FUN!! The SSENSE Program is designed for children ages three to twelve who are diagnosed within the autism spectrum. The purpose of the program is to have children work individually with a university student volunteer to build on sensory experiences, to enhance the child's social skills and to have FUN! Volunteers gain valuable experience and parents access informal support and make new friends as well.
It is our objective to fill the recreational void for children with autism. The cost of private lessons is prohibitive to most parents and they still may not be conducive to these children. At SSENSES we are creating an ENvironment and a program suited to the children's various needs. As they participate more fully and gain self-confidence they may learn the social skills to use SSENSES as a stepping stone to other recreational activities. To date we have accommodated over 125 children placements in our programs. Parents are requesting future sessions. This program is in demand! It is imperative to continue SSENSE!
"...It would be an immense benefit to families in our community who have children with special need to have this program continue..." ~E. Massoud & N. Atallah "...The one-one relationship with the volunteer provides my child with the sense of support, trust and confidence..." ~L.Jones
SSENSE has been almost four years in development. In July 1997 we applied to the IWK Grace Health Centre Foundation External Grants Program for pilot funding and in October SSENSE was selected as a recipient. An Advisory Committee was formed consisting of parents and professionals. We were able to hire our Coordinator in November and further program development began immediately. Volunteers were recruited from our local universities and in January 1998 they were provided with an orientation workshop to further their knowledge and understanding of autism and SSENSE. The program began January 17, 1998 with a completion date in May 1998. Since then, funding from corporate and private donations has allowed us to continue over the summer months. We have also received a second grant from the IWK Grace Health Centre Foundation External Grants Program to develop, produce, and distribute a manual. This manual is two-fold in nature, as it will provide additional information for our volunteers and may assist other groups to independently develop the SSENSE program in their communities. We have been fortunate to access students from Mount Saint Vincent, Dalhousie and Saint Mary's universities. Our logo was designed by Lin Qiang, a NSCAD student and our manual is being edited by Stephanie McGrath of King's College School of Journalism In order to cover liability and insurance issues for our Board of Directors, families and volunteers, SSENSES incorporated in November 1998. Our Registry Number is 3024269.
Our Board of Directors is comprised of highly motivated parents of children with autism. We are joined by our Coordinator. Dedicated consultants provide orientation sessions for our volunteers.
We have accessed excellent university students from diverse fields including Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology, Recreation, Kinesiology, Medicine, Early Childhood Education, and Psychology. All bring their various strengths and abilities. The last half hour of each morning is spent in a Team Meeting discussing the morning's activities. These students have the opportunity to gain hands on experience with many children with autism, providing them with valuable experience which may help them in their chosen career paths. Many students have made class presentations on various components of the program for course credit. .
Unfortunately our Spring Session had to be cancelled due to lack of funds. Financial assistance is being sought for the summer and fall sessions. The bottom line is that SSENSES costs $462 per week or $23.10 per morning per child (based on twenty children) to run. An extensive equipment / resource material wish list includes items ranging from $25 - 400+. With all its many aspects SSENSES offers great value for the dollar and more importantly offers these special children, the university student volunteers, and parents a chance to learn while having fun.
Your financial support will make it possible to continue this program.
Our children are counting on you! Please help us to make SSENSE in the world of autism.
Supported by Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre Technical Resource Centre |
