Forward Conference

Katherine Clausius-Thompson, ABE Teacher at Department of Health Services - Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center
Ashley Differt, Recreation Therapist at Department of Health Services - Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center

The presentation will cover an alternative pathway to an adult HSED while focusing on re-entry life and leisure skills. Specifically, highlighting the development of recreation and leisure skills while building upon math and reading comprehension related to cooking. Our adult learners are committed to a secure mental health facility and as part of their commitment they no longer have the option to use the internet-based GED testing. Due to this restriction Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center (SRSTC) staff have implemented the WI 5.09 HSED program for adult learners. Part of this program provides adult learners the opportunity to learn and show their skills in alternative methods. Clausius-Thompson and Differt have developed and facilitated multiple adult learning-based cooking classes for all patients at SRSTC. Recreational therapy assists in the development of preferences, a healthy leisure lifestyle, and increased autonomy when coupled with lifelong learning. This education and recreation therapy collaboration has provided staff and patients with the opportunity to expand leisure capacities for meaningful engagement at SRSTC while preparing for re-entry into the community.