SOAR

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

Through engaging discussions, activities, and presentations, SOAR provides individuals with I/DD opportunities to learn about a variety of important topics. Lessons are adapted to accommodate learners of varying needs and abilities, with curricula ranging from nonverbal to advanced. Sessions are typically 1 hour and run around 8 weeks.

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/ Developmental Disabilities are 2.5 times more likely to experience violent crimes, including sexual assault, than those without disabilities [1].

Why is this population disproportionately impacted by violence?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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.