The Arc Maryland Personal Space Program Curriculum Guide | Page 10

While each class within the Personal SPACE Program has a set of distinct objectives, the
overall program goals are that women completing the program:
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Are knowledgeable about their rights to privacy and to freedom from physical
harm;
Have a basic understanding of different types of violence;
Are able to identify places or situations that might pose a threat to their safety;
Are able to recognize common forms of sexual harassment;
Show an understanding of what constitutes sexual assault or abuse;
Are able to identify the common signs of an abuser and understand the cycle of
domestic violence;
Have a physical safety plan prepared, and;
Have knowledge of local resources and people to whom they can turn to for
assistance.

In addition, it is hoped that participants will have:
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Increased self-confidence and self-control;
Improved problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to
problem-solve with intimates;
Heightened assertiveness and improved communication skills, and;
Evidence of positive change in attitudes and behaviors relating to peers and
intimate partners.

Personal SPACE includes 8 interrelated lessons on gender violence prevention that should be
considered a framework curriculum, meant to be adapted and modified to the learning styles
of the individual or individuals participating. Women with developmental disabilities have a
wide range of abilities and find themselves in a variety of living situations. We highly
encourage the repetition, modification, and augmentation of classes if the individuals or groups
you are teaching need extra practice or have needs in specific content areas.
Included in the curriculum are:
• Guidelines for class discussions, role playing activities, and using visual aides.
• Select visual aides and information on where to obtain graphics and pictures to

enhance the curriculum.
• Sample scripts for role playing activities to reinforce class discussions.
• Continuing Learning Projects to be done by participants between classes.
• Sample letters for communicating with family members or staff who may be

providing support to the class participant and who can help in the generalization of
skills into daily activities.
The first Personal Space Program pilot was held at The Arc of Southern Maryland in the Fall
of 1999 and, following curriculum revisions, a second pilot was held at The Arc of Prince
George’s County in the Spring of 2000. The curriculum is a product of the Gender Violence
Prevention Research and Development Team, the women who attended classes, and the individual and
organizational partners who assisted the Research and Development Team in its work.
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