The Arc Maryland Personal Space Program Curriculum Guide | Page 19

fit their everyday experiences. Differing attitudes towards sexuality and the role of women
brought out important issues during discussions.
Prior to classes, collect some basic information about the participants in order to better meet
their training needs.
1. Has the individual been given information about Personal SPACE’s subject
matter and is she interested in attending?
2. How does the individual communicate?
3. What accommodations and supports will the individual need to participate in
classes and to do Continuing Learning Projects?
4. How much time does the individual spend in the community?
5. Are there any concerns for the individual’s safety?
6. Has the individual identified a “Trusted Friend” (someone who she can talk to
and who will assist her with Continuous Learning Projects)?
7. Has the individual experienced any act of exploitation or violence and if so, has
she received individual counseling? (Confidentiality regulations will limit what
can be shared.)
If anyone outside of the classes asks to observe the program, get permission from the
program participants. If you plan to take pictures or videotape any of the classes for training
purposes, ask participants to provide written permission.
Find a Comfortable Location for Classes
The physical environment for classes should be comfortable for both the participants and
trainers. The room should be large enough for participants and trainers to move about during
role plays, but small enough that there is a sense of privacy and participants can converse
easily. Trainers should arrange the room in a way that is comfortable to them, however we
recommend that participants be seated in a half circle with tables in front of them where
they can place their binders/manuals. There should be plenty of area at the front of the room
for trainers to teach, hang up large visual aides, place teaching materials, and model role
plays. If the program is being offered in a public place, ensure that doors to the room can be
closed during training. An additional room may be used as a “listening room” for program
participants to talk privately with a trainer after class.
Set a Regular Class Schedule
Each class within the Personal SPACE curriculum takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
A final Self-Defense class may be contracted out and can range from 2-4 hours. Classes
should be run once or twice per week at a regularly scheduled time. Because each class
builds on the information learned in prior classes, it is important that participants commit to
attending all of the classes. Schedule the classes at a time convenient for the participants. If
most participants work during the day, run the classes in the evenings. If participants work a
late shift, schedule the classes in the morning or early afternoon. Arrive early and run
through the class with the trainers. Plan to stay 30 minutes after the class to talk to class
participants and evaluate the day’s class with the trainers.

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