The Arc Maryland Personal Space Program Curriculum Guide | Page 35

For A Trusted Friend
Class 1: Orientation

Class Summary
During this class we stress that each person is different, with different likes and dislikes, and
that differences are positive. We also stress the concept of choice – that each of us has a
right to make choices that reflect our different preferences.
Key Concepts
Confidentiality Class members are told that they have a right to confidentiality. We also
stress the class rule, “What we talk about in this room, stays in this room.” We even do a
role play where an outsider asks a class member whether someone else in the class talked
about her boyfriend, and the class member replies that this is private information.
How You Can Support the Class Objectives
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Look for opportunities to point out differences, and that we have a right to our
differences. This can be as simple as acknowledging food choices when menu
planning or shopping. Some of us like fish and others don’t. Our differences
extend to temperament. Some of us are outgoing, and some are shy.
Encourage class members to make choices and state their preferences. Encourage each woman to select what she wants to eat or what she wants to do.
Create opportunities for the women to make choices.
Talk about privacy and confidentiality. If someone is going to a medical or
psychotherapy appointment, stress that the professionals whom we trust with
our bodies--doctors and nurses--and the professionals whom we trust with our
feelings--counselors, social workers, and psychologists--can only talk about
us to someone else if we give them our permission.
Make it clear that when someone is getting hurt we can break a confidentiality
agreement to protect that person.

Continuing Learning Project
Each class member has been asked to list things that make her special. Some individuals
may find this difficult. You can help by asking housemates, coworkers or others to
volunteer their ideas about what makes the person special.

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