ASDAN is a UK-based education charity, which has developed flexible educational and life skills courses and programs for young people. ASDAN programs can help prepare participants for adulthood by developing teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and other life skills.

Arundel Park is an international ASDAN centre and offers programs for participants aged 14 and above with special or diverse needs. Using a horse themed approach to learning is a great way to motivate many young people who are struggling in a classsroom setting. Arundel Park will be offering a number of programs many of which build over time into employability skills. ASDAN program runs on a School term basis with all learners required to complete the necessary forms.

ASDAN programs 2023

Towards Independence – Animal Care including horse riding/driving

This course is multi levelled for participants with a range of abilities and needs. It covers the basics of caring for a horse, feeding, housing, grooming and health and in the second term participants get the opportunity to learn to ride or drive. It is delivered over two terms and is a two hour weekly program helping develop many different skills. A commitment to two terms is required.

Towards Independence modules- half day programs

Our half day programs are non riding and incorporate ASDAN Towards Independence modules such as Developing Communication Skills. Participants spend 2 or 3 hours at APRDA doing a variety of activities that will help them with independence skills. Our programs are designed to blend learning in the classroom with hands on activities such as creating vegetable gardens, spending time with horse and learning about animal care.

The modules are externally moderated and a certificate of achievement recognises the type of support given to the participant.

Workright

This “Preparing for adulthood” program focuses on 4 units which can help develop your employ-ability skills such as reliability, punctuality, working in a team and completing tasks to a standard set by the workplace.

Units cover:

• Health and safety at work
• Responsibilities in the workplace
• Working with others
• You at work

This program will be delivered over two terms and is a 2 or 3 hour weekly session with an ASDAN tutor and is ground-based (non-riding).

This program is externally moderated and certificates of achievement will note the type of support given to the participant.

Animal Care or Volunteering Short Courses

These short courses are multi-level and allow participants to develop a range of skills including problem-solving, IT, literacy, numeracy, team working along with exploring animal care or the world of volunteering. The courses accommodate participants who are new to horses along with those who have knowledge and experience of horses. A capacity to explore issues such as safety around animals, why people volunteer and similar topics is required along with basic literacy.

The programs will be available each term and are 2 or 3 hour weekly session with an ASDAN tutor and are ground based (non riding).

This program is internally moderated and participants will receive a certificate of achievement.

Can I get funding from NDIS? 

APRDA are working hard to deliver services and supports that participants need to have a fulfilling and independent life. Our ASDAN programs help to deliver life skills and we will be encouraging participants to seek support from NDIS for our ASDAN programs.

Preparing for adulthood

A range of courses including Towards Independence and Workright,  which are particularly suitable for learners with special needs  and help develop independent living skills.

Short Courses

These courses are open to all young people and comprise challenges in different topics such as volunteering, leadership, and animal care.

Workright

Specialising in developing skills in areas associated with employment

Giving participants real world experience of working in a busy working environment at APRDA

Multi level to incorporate different levels of support to those with special needs

What happens in these sessions? 

Coaches will facilitate learners to build a portfolio of evidence and the knowledge and understanding required to meet each ASDAN program. This will take place both indoors and outside, focusing on experiential and collaborative learning. Sessions will take place in small groups.

The sessions will run weekly for 2-3 hours, during QLD School terms. Programs or modules generally take one or two terms to complete.

ASDAN HALF DAY PROGRAM

We are pleased to be able to offer a half day program for youth and young adults with an intellectual disability at APRDA. The program is aimed at increasing independent living skills through ASDAN’s Towards Independence program, giving participants the opportunity to learn about horsemanship and horse care whilst gaining valuable skills including building confidence, communication skills and social awareness. The ASDAN component will be integrated into the session and can be completed at the student’s own pace. Our first module will be “Developing Communication Skills: Introduction” and covers speaking and listening as well as an introduction to writing.
Activities include a project where our participants work together to create their own ideas to support our center.

ASDAN Session Fee

$100 per 2hr session Mondays 9.30am-12.30am with a term booking.

$120 per 3hr session Wednesdays 1.00 pm-3.00pm with a term booking.

$40 per Course Modules

CLICK HERE  APRDA New-Returning Participant Enquiry Form