Hanging Out Program (HOP): Interaction for Adults with Profound ID

There are many people in adult residential and day services who are at risk of isolation because of their difficulties in communication. They may be unable to initiate interactions with others, and rely on other people to approach them for company. Their own style of communication may be very different from other people: sounds, movements, eye gaze, all things that may be difficult to understand. The H.O.P. (Hanging Out Program) was designed for those people who were at risk of not having meaningful engagements with other people.

In this workshop you will learn about the attitude and approach of HOP. You’ll have a chance to try out HOP for yourself and get a copy of the HOP booklet. You will have a chance to discuss some of the issues relating to interaction with people who have profound intellectual and multiple disabilities, such as the use of touch and play in interactions with adults.

The workshop is suitable for disability support workers and therapists supporting adults with severe or profound intellectual disabilities. It may be suitable for case managers, planners, service managers who provide services to people with profound intellectual disabilities. Families and other community members are also welcome to participate and share their experience of how to engage with people who do not use and may not understand speech.