"Help expands possibilities!" — furnishing a socialization studio that helps children socialize

«Life Skills Space»

How to teach a young person with Down syndrome to be more independent?

Not with words, but by giving them the opportunity to practice simple things daily that most of us take for granted: making tea, folding clothes, tidying up after themselves, or organizing their own space.

That is exactly why we are creating the «Life Skills Space» — a series of 40 practical workshops for 10 teenagers and young people with Down syndrome, which will take place throughout the year in a specially equipped and adapted space called «Help Expands Possibilities» in Poltava.

Our parent community has been operating since 2018, supporting families raising children and youth with Down syndrome. Most of our initiatives are created through our own efforts, because every day we think about what matters most — what the future holds for our children.

Self-care skills are the foundation of independent living for any person. People with Down syndrome can successfully develop these skills, but they need special conditions: an adapted environment, clear structure, many repetitions, and consistent practice.

The space will be divided into 4 training zones, as close to real life as possible:

«Wardrobe» — participants will learn to sort clothes, fold items, and maintain order in a closet.

«Kitchen» with several sub-zones — participants will be able to prepare simple meals and drinks, use kitchen utensils, set the table, clean up after cooking, and follow basic safety and hygiene rules.

«Creative Workshop» — in this zone, participants will organize their workspace, use materials and tools, follow step-by-step sequences, developing attentiveness, responsibility, and fine motor skills, and will also clean up after completing tasks.

«Active Leisure» — this zone will help children learn to organize their own free time, interact with others in shared activities, develop skills for safe and comfortable recreation, and build social interaction and self-confidence.

Classes will take place weekly and last 2 hours. Each session will have a clear structure and consist of 4 practical blocks: creativity, movement, cooking, and cleaning. Learning will occur through simple step-by-step algorithms, visual cues, adapted tasks, repetition, and practice in a comfortable environment.

This project is important not only for the participants, but also for their families. While children engage in the space, parents get a few hours of respite, community support, and the opportunity to restore their own resources.

Our greatest dream is that in the future, young people with Down syndrome will be able to be more independent, self-confident, and fully included in the life of society.

By supporting this project, you will help purchase materials for workshops, print visual guides, and equip the training zones. Together we are creating a space where simple daily skills become great steps toward an independent future!