There are many people in adult residential and day services who are at risk of isolation because of their difficulties in communication. People 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.