I CAN SCHOOL®
Since 2014, I CAN Network partners with primary and secondary school leadership teams to develop inclusive school cultures. I CAN School® mentoring directly empowers Autistic students with optimism, belonging, self-acceptance, pride and confidence. Use our QR code to the right to complete an expression of interest form or by using the button below. Download our I CAN Network brochure.
WHEre
Schools decide, in conversation with I CAN staff, on an appropriate space to run the program within the school (e.g classroom or library), or online.
when
Mentoring sessions run weekly or fortnightly. Participants are chosen by each school’s Disability Inclusion Coordiantor and liased with parents carers.
Who
Up to 16 students can participate in a session, which must be supervised by a school staff member. Sessions are facilitated by two I CAN mentors, at least one of whom is Autistic. I CAN mentors are trained by professionals and all have valid Working With Children’s Checks or Blue Cards.
how
Mentoring sessions run for 1 hour. We provide 8-16 mentoring sessions in a school, weekly or fortnightly.
high school program
Our high school program is structured in a way which is organised and consistent. It is designed for the long-term. The two stages of student progression are as follows.
TEAMWORK
Students get to know each other by working together.
Understanding Autistic Strengths
Students further understand how their Autism has helped develop their own unique strengths.
Communication
This module runs over several weeks and focuses specifically on listening, networking and public speaking.
Stress Management
Students share tips and are given advice on how to manage and regulate stress and emotions.
Planning a Celebration
Students focus on organisation and begin to plan for their end of year event.
Celebration Event
The program ends with a student-led celebration where students put the ‘awe’ into Awetism.
how to access i can schools
What we offer: We offer weekly one hour group mentoring sessions for up to 16 Autistic students in both primary and high schools. Our packages also include educational talks for students and parents as well as professional development workshops for school staff.
I CAN Schools Online: We also offer an online version of our successful face-to-face program.
Areas served: Greater Melbourne, South West Victoria, Goulburn Murray Victoria, Brisbane Queensland, South East Queensland, North Coast Queensland
How to access: Interested schools can write to us at mentoring@icannetwork.com.au for program details, prices and packages. For families who are keen to bring our program to their young person’s school, we recommend starting with hosting an I CAN presenter on campus for an introductory presentation. We can also provide tailored templates and information for parents/carers to use for approaching school leadership who might not be familiar with our programs.
our program complements Australian curriculum
I CAN mentoring programs support students to become successful learners, confident and creative individuals and active and informed citizens. The importance of these capabilities has been laid out by the Australian Curriculum and Assessment Reporting Authority (ACARA). The values to which the I CAN Network holds itself and the contents of our mentoring modules are congruent with ACARA’s general capabilities, specifically personal and social capabilities.
