Life Skills Program

The Life Skills program is for students with physical and cognitive disabilities who are pursuing an independent lifestyle. The objective is to maximize students' full potential and personal development by:

• Learning a variety of practical skills required for everyday independent living
• Improving social skills
• Strengthening community connections and knowledge
• Preparing for independent volunteering/work opportunities

TRU is partnering with People in Motion — a non-profit organization aimed at improving the quality of life of people with disabilities by delivering educational, fitness, and social programs — in delivering this community-based program.

1. Print, complete, and submit Life Skills Application Package
2. Applicants who are new to TRU, or who have not attended TRU within the past year, must also complete the TRU Application for Admission and submit it with their completed application package. PLEASE NOTE: the application fee does NOT apply to applicants to the Life Skills program.

Life Skills students needing financial assistance may be eligible for the Adult Upgrading Grant. Please visit the StudentAidBC website for more information.

For more information regarding the Life Skills program, please call 250-376-7878 ext 2.

Course descriptions

Computer & Social Skills - XASE 1100 (Fall and Winter Semester - September to April)

(24 sessions: 12 sessions in September - November 2024, and 12 sessions in January - April 2025)

This interactive course is designed to increase the level of independence of the students attending. The course emphasizes conversational skills, increasing personal awareness, enhancing social competencies and judgement so students have more confidence and feel more equipped to handle social situations at home, school and in the community. Students will be provided with a variety of opportunities to explore their independence in a supported environment. Students will also learn about computer safety and responsible use of social media and other platforms. Students will also practice typing in the TRU computer labs. This course is delivered in a way that allows all types of learners to successfully grasp the course content. Students will practice what they have learned in the classroom during community outings that emphasize their learning. Social skills will be taught during all activities taking place in the classroom or community.

*Students taking this course are expected to be able to attend class on their own, without a support worker present. Due to the teacher to student ratio, students are expected to have self-regulation skills and to be able to participate in classroom activities without regular disruptions.

**Please note spaces are limited. Registration does not guarantee enrolment in the program. Students’ personal development, motivation, and growth will be taken into consideration.

Goals for Student Development:

• Develop skill sets required for everyday living;
• Improve social competencies & expand social network;
• Learn coping skills & appropriate behaviour in different situations;
• Increase confidence and independence where appropriate;
• Develop an understanding of the appropriate use of electronics and social media.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion students will be able to:

• Understand the expectations of a professional (school, work, volunteering) setting;
• Display appropriate social skills and behaviour in different situations;
• Self-regulate and exhibit more self-control;
• Understand personal boundaries and etiquette;
• Recognize difference between friends, acquaintances, and strangers;
• Have more knowledge of community resources (libraries, etc.) available to them;
• Understand the importance of safety.

Reading & Money Skills - XASE 1200 (Fall and Winter Semester - September to April)

(24 sessions: 12 sessions in September - November 2024, and 12 sessions in January - April 2025)

This interactive course is designed specifically to teach reading and money skills in a group setting with students receiving feedback on an ongoing basis. While learning basic comprehension skills required for everyday living students will interact with others in a supportive environment. Students will complete a book study during this semester, in which a variety of reading and writing skills are incorporated and applied to evaluate comprehension levels. Students will also learn about savings and budgeting skills in the classroom. The course is designed to improve comprehension skills and to ensure students understand more about money management and saving skills.

*Students taking this course are expected to be able to attend class on their own, without a support worker present. Due to the teacher to student ratio, students are expected to have self-regulation skills and to be able to participate in classroom activities without regular disruptions.

**Please note spaces are limited. Registration does not guarantee enrolment in the program. Students’ personal development, motivation, and growth will be taken into consideration.

Goals for Student Development:

• Develop spelling and writing skills required for everyday living
• Improve vocabulary and reading comprehension
• Learn basics about savings and spending habits
• Increase confidence and independence where appropriate
• Develop students to their full potential

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion students should be able to:

• Read out loud with improved reading comprehension;
• Read community signs and know the meaning of hazardous signs;
• Have more knowledge of community resources (libraries etc.) available to them;
• Understand importance of money safety.