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The following group of young women recently completed the “A Celebration of You” program: front row from left — Katrina Freeman, Jennifer Koley and Erin Stienblock; back row from left — Kim Wright, Sarah Gardels, Kris Davey and Tina Maxwell. |
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Tina Sedersten demonstrates for a group of young women with developmental disabilities how to properly care for their hair as part of a new program called “A Celebration of You.” The program also holds sessions on skin care, clothing, nutrition and exercise. |
But the group of young women didn’t gather just to socialize. They were there to learn about hair care as part of a new program called “A Celebration of You” started by the social work department at UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute.
Funded by the Nebraska Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, the project curriculum consists of six group sessions designed to help young women with developmental disabilities ages 18-30 acquire health and wellness skills.
Meetings are held once a month at the Ollie Webb Center, Nebraska Mentor and ENCOR and include the following topics:
- Skin care;
- Hair care;
- Clothing;
- Nutrition;
- Exercise; and
- Women’s hygiene.
A final session allows the young women to put their skills to use at a pizza party.
Program has two goals
Tina Sedersten, a behavioral health practitioner who leads the classes, said the goal of the program is two-fold.
“We hope to help young women with developmental disabilities assimilate into their communities by teaching them about the different aspects of self-care to become independent,” she said. “We also want to help them learn to practice good hygiene to prevent sores and infections that are common for those with disabilities who live in residential settings.”
A Celebration of You also readies the young women for employment.
Teaching the basics
At a recent meeting, Sedersten explained in step-by-step detail how to shampoo, condition, comb and style hair.
She got the participants involved by asking why it’s important to practice good hair care.
“For the guys,” responded one of the girls, and the room erupted in laughter.
Program benefits
Research shows the individuals with developmental disabilities benefit from group interaction, Sedersten said.
Talkative Jennifer Koley, 30, has formed several new friendships.
“I really enjoy being with different people and talking,” she said. “The classes have taught me to be more independent. Right now I live in the basement of my parents’ house, but I would like to get an apartment with a roommate.”
A volunteer at the Ollie Webb Center, Koley improved her professional appearance with the help of the apparel session.
“Before I didn’t know how to dress and I wore old, scrungy clothes. Now I’m dressing like an adult,” she said. “It makes me feel nice.”
Program’s future
Given the success of the program’s first session, Sedersten said the department may resubmit for future funding to offer the program to women with developmental disabilities ages 31-50.