SOAR

SOAR (Safety, Opportunities, All abilities, Resources) is an educational, weekly program designed for youth and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). 

Using engaging activities, tools, discussions, and presentations, SOAR aims to reduce rates of sexual violence among youth and adults with I/DD. SOAR groups are typically held weekly, and focus on a variety of important topics, including bodily autonomy, healthy relationships, boundaries, and safety skills. Lessons are adapted to accommodate learners of varying needs and abilities.

 SOAR aims for all participants to leave with:

  • A greater sense of their own bodily autonomy

  • Increased knowledge about how to have healthy relationships and interactions with both partners and friends, such as setting and respecting boundaries, practicing consent, and communicating effectively

  • Safety skills and information regarding safe vs. unsafe touches, unhealthy relationship behaviors, and steps to seeking help if they need it

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are affected by sexual violence at rates 7x higher than those without.[1]

Why is this population disproportionately impacted by violence?

Lack of understanding of what constitutes sexual violence

Often, individuals with I/DD are excluded from sex education and therefore are never taught how to identify sexual violence.

Lack of knowledge of what to do if they are ever victimized

There are many barriers to reporting sexual violence, and for individuals with I/DD one of those barriers may be a lack of knowledge of who to tell or how to talk about this type of violence.

Possible communication barriers

Many individuals with I/DD may have communication barriers that limit their ability to seek help if they experience this type of violence.

SAVA aims to prevent violence against this population by filling an educational gap.

SOAR Curriculum Options

To learn more or to request SOAR in your school, transition program, or organization, please contact Hope Cornelis, Director of Prevention Education and Outreach at hope@savacenter.org.

SOAR Video Series

The SAVA Center, the Responsible Sex Education Institute, and the Arc of Larimer County partnered to create videos as supplemental materials for our SOAR Curricula. These videos star individuals with I/DD who have a passion for acting. We utilize these videos to show short scenarios followed by discussion questions to build social skills and awareness around these topics. Take a look at the videos below!

 

For more information on having SAVA facilitate these video lessons with students, please contact Hope Cornelis, Director of Prevention Education and Outreach at hope@savacenter.org.

  • Two girls talking in a school hallway, one smiling and the other listening, with lockers on one side and classroom doors on the other.

    Boundaries

    Define 3 types of boundaries, how to identify when a boundary has been crossed, and what to do if you or someone else has crossed a boundary.

    Watch Here
  • A young man in a red polo shirt being interviewed by a woman with glasses and braids in a classroom or cafe setting with round tables, chairs, string lights, and wall decorations.

    Types of Communication

    Define passive, aggressive, and assertive communication and learn how to assertively communicate boundaries.

    Watch Here
  • A young man and a young woman standing in a park with lush green trees. The man is offering a hug and says, "Hey Amy, can I give you a hug?"

    Consent

    Define consent, identify when consent was given and when it was not, and learn how to respectfully hear no.

    Watch Here
  • A young man and woman are sitting across from each other in a living room, engaging in a serious conversation. The man has short blond hair and glasses, wearing a white shirt and a dark vest. The woman has long dark hair tied back with a hair clip, wearing glasses and a plaid shirt. There are stairs, a flat-screen TV, and framed pictures on the walls behind them.

    Healthy Relationships

    Define healthy and unhealthy relationships and identify healthy vs. unhealthy behaviors in relationships.

    Watch Here
  • Two women are having a conversation in a modern kitchen with a granite countertop, hanging pendant lights, and decorative plants.

    Exploring Dating

    Explore the basics of dating.

    Watch Here
  • A young man and boy stand outside a high school building with a sign that reads "Chucky - Doak High School." The young man is wearing a white polo shirt, and the boy is wearing a vest over a collared shirt. They are engaged in a conversation under a partly cloudy sky.

    Steps to Being in a Romantic Relationship

    Explore this step by step guide to being in a romantic relationship.

    Watch Here

We are grateful for our community partners! 

The SAVA Center has partnered with wonderful community agencies committed to educating and supporting people with I/DD in the development and implementation of our SOAR curricula. Learn about these community partners below.

The Arc of Larimer County


The Arc of Larimer County promotes and protects the civil rights and overall wellbeing of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through individual and systems advocacy and education to foster lifelong inclusion in every aspect of community life.

Learn More

The Responsible Sex Education Institute (RSEI)


 A leader in the sex education field, the Institute ensures its programs empower participants with the knowledge and skills to make responsible decisions with regard to their sexual health.

Learn More

[1] Shapiro, J. (2018, January 8). The sexual assault epidemic no one talks about. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2018/01/08/570224090/the-sexual-assault-epidemic-no-one-talks-about