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 High School Infographic flyer.

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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.

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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.

I CAN BROCHURE

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.

Stage One – empowers Autistic students with the basic outcome of the I CAN program: a positive Autistic identity.

Stage Two – develops Autistic students who are wanting to progress in the program and achieve outcomes around leadership and self-advocacy. Students are given opportunities to run activities during their mentoring sessions.

Below outlines our high school program modules:

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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.

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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. See this leaflet for more details.

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 [email protected] 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.

I CAN BROCHURE

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Courtney Hunt, PSD Coordinator, Parkdale Secondary College

“The mentoring program has been such an amazing experience for our Autistic students. Both they and the staff who were involved learnt so much. It has shown me more ways to celebrate the strengths of autistic students. It has made a very positive impact on the students involved, as friendships and trust has evolved in the group.”

James – Parent, Kew High school

“Oliver has really enjoyed the program and growth in confidence. Oliver benefited from meeting others similar to him and getting some focus on him to realise more of his potential. The impact has been really positive, he thoroughly enjoyed it and it helped build his self image and confidence.”

Vanessa – Teacher, St Joseph’s High school, Echuca

“For one of our students in Year 7 who is high needs and has mostly one-on-one support at school, the I CAN program has proved to be an invaluable experience. He wishes to continue the program next year. The student’s family has recognised how important I CAN has been. It has been wonderful to see this student completely engage and relax within the supportive program that I CAN is”