Our Programs

To view information on all programs, please see the links below:

• About Cosmos Programs
• Cosmos Art Studio
• Outdoor Recreation Program
• Radio Show
• Computer Suite
• Cosmos Performance Group
• Out of Hours Program
• Dances
• Post School Options
• Youth Pathways
• Youth Program
• Program Aims
• Weekend Respite Program

About Cosmos Programs

Cosmos endeavors to provide innovative and creative programs designed individually for each participant. Over the years Cosmos has initiated several unique programs that offer exciting opportunities to people with disabilities.

Cosmos currently produces a community radio show. We believe that this is the only radio program in the country designed and presented by people with an intellectual disability.

Troupadoors is a performance group incorporating music and movement. The group has performed at many local festivals and events. The group has created a number of CD’s.

An art studio operates five days a week. The quality of the work being created is of a very high standard. The studio has worked in conjunction with local art councils presenting workshops and shows. We have assisted people in holding individual art exhibitions and as a group we have exhibited in several local shows.

As well as the unique activities described above programs are offered in: bushwalking, swimming, gardening, transport travel, literacy, horse riding, cooking, craft, self-advocacy, indoor cricket, indoor wall climbing, fishing and yoga. The list is endless and new activities are always developed.

We are committed to empowering people with disabilities to advocate for themselves by offering opportunities to discuss issues and by providing relevant information. The Cosmos Committee is made up entirely of people who use the service. The committee has recently developed a Client Induction Package for new people coming in to the service.

Cosmos also operates annual camps for women, men, and for young people.

Cosmos Art Studio

Cosmos has operated an art studio since 1997. Originally it was intended to provide studio space for a small group of people. However we have just continued to grow and grow. We have had studios at Salamanca and Bellerive, both which we outgrew. We are now situated in the heart of Moonah and operate classes five days a week.

We offer sculpture, painting, pottery, and photography on a regular basis. Along with these activities there is always something else happening or being planned.

We work with a broad range of community groups and are involved in many annual projects and events. Some of these have included: Tulip Festival, Walk Against Want, Fringe Festival and Abilities Expo.

Outdoor Recreation Program

Outdoor recreation activities offer a variety of avenues for personal development. People have opportunities to participate in non competitive personally challenging activities such as camping, bush walking, rafting, abseiling, canoeing and sailing.

These activities have a positive impact on self esteem, individual confidence and personal social skills. Most of these activities are based in outdoor environments which allow people to experience and learn about their natural environment.

People with disabilities often have limited opportunities to participate in adventure recreation. Existing mainstream programs are often not setup for people with disabilities, and generally are not responsive to individual needs with the cost also often being prohibitive.

Cosmos currently runs camps when funding is available. We try to offer an annual Youth Camp, Women’s Camp and a Men’s Camp.

Radio Show

The Cosmos Radio Show has been creating community radio shows since 1998. The group began using a small tape player and airing a half-hour show once a week. The program has expanded beyond expectations and produces two hours of airtime each week.

We have been fortunate to have professional assistance from the ABC in Hobart who provided old surplus equipment and the expertise to set up an in house recording studio. Weekly programs are pre-recorded on to mini disc and shows and produced on computer based digital format. This has been a great step forward as it allows the opportunity to edit, change and try again, which results in higher quality programs.

The radio crew has developed a mission statement that focuses on ensuring that the show remains client driven and providing learning opportunities for participants.

We believe we are the only group in Australia where people with an intellectual disability host a radio show. Cosmos has been featured in the National Community Radio Newsletter.

The show covers a wide range of issues, from sport to general current affairs with some specific disability issues. Participants and staff have learnt so much from this program and it has been great watching confidence develop alongside their desire to express their point of view.

Computer Suite

A client computer suite is offered from the Eastern Shore building. The suite offers four up to date networked machines all with internet access. A wide variety of adaptive equipment is on hand which is supported by an excellent range of software covering a variety of client needs. The computer suite offers:

• Touch screens
• Big keys keyboards
• Adaptable desks
• Track ball mouse
• Variety of adaptive switching devices
• Internet access
• Height adjustable screens
• Intelli keysII
• Boardmaker
• Cause and Effects – sight and sound
• Music Factory
• +++ much, much more

Cosmos Performance Group

“Troupadoors” is a live performance group that has been working together since 2003. The focus of the group is basic movement, and drama. The group develops each performance to suit the theme of the event. “Troupadoors” work in conjunction with the music “Workshop”. The “Workshop” creates the music for each performance.

The works created are contemporary, vibrant, and individual to the group. The group has become quite skilled in performing and we have seen individual’s confidence, skills, and expression grow with each performance. It has been a major aim of Cosmos to have the group drive and develop the performance content for each show. Participants “workshop” the core ideas for each performance and it has been exciting to watch production abilities develop since the program started.

The group has performed at many local events, including; the Tulip Festival, Fringe Festival, Moonah Community Arts Centre, Community Aid Abroad, People in the Parks Program, the Abilities Expo and the annual Awakenings Festival held in Horsham, Victoria.

Out of Hours Program

This program offers supported weekend and evening outings where participants can meet new friends and access night time and weekend entertainment. Up to six activities are offered each month.

The outings encompass a wide range of activities focusing on mainstream venues and current festivals.

These activities can include:

• exhibition openings
• restaurant meals
• going to the movies
• slot car racing
• pub meals and eight ball
• a stroll along a moon lit beach
• nightclub visits
• live bands at various venues
• seeing plays
• attending concerts

And this list can include anything that people request an interest in.

People who attend this program are encouraged to help decide what outings will be included in the following month’s events.

We endeavor to keep prices low, usually the money for a drink or perhaps a couple of dollars entry fee. At least once a month there is an outing requiring $15 to $20. For example a counter meal followed by the movies.

If you are interested in joining in on some of the outings please call the Cosmos New Town office... See you there!!!

Dances

Throughout the year Cosmos organises and runs a number of dances which are open to all members of the community and are held at public venues. There may be a theme for the night, there is great music and prizes are all part of the bash!!

Post School Options

Cosmos offers a work skills preparation course primarily for young people who have recently finished school and are thinking about finding employment (paid or non-paid). Participation in the course however is not restricted to recent school leavers, and can be offered to people in the older age ranges who may also be considering work as an option.

The course has a total of 17 modules and runs for 47 weeks and offers participants the following:

• Self-paced learning.
• Use of a wide range of learning tools.
• Extensive selection of field trips.
• Work placements.
• Links with an established employment agency.
• Individualised support where possible.
• Small groups of participants.
• A fun interactive environment.

Youth Pathways

Cosmos has a strong commitment to young people with disabilities and offers a range of weekday programs which are specifically tailored to meet their needs. These programs focus on the individual needs of group members within a peer based environment.

The program has a strong commitment to learning and skill development with the capacity to respond to a wide range of abilities. Work preparation courses are available for those seeking employment. There is a particular focus on assisting people through periods of transition either to employment or more independent living arrangements.

Programs are structured in a variety of formats and occur off site in a formal but fun learning environment. There is an emphasis on establishing varied and balanced programs which also include some recreation based activities. The program has established links with specialist providers such as employment services, literacy and numeracy and Family Planning etc.

There is a strong focus on encouraging independence, building self-esteem and confidence.

All members of the learning group have time together to ensure that a strong peer group identity is maintained.

Youth Program

The Cosmos Youth program provides a high quality recreational service to people aged 13 to 23 years who have an intellectual or developmental disability. The program assists this group of people to gain access to and explore community recreational facilities and options. The program offers activities according to member choice and preference, with the emphasis on having fun whilst learning new skills, particularly in the development of peer relations. As part of Cosmos’s commitment to young adults we are continually seeking new experiences and activities for our clients to participate in.

The youth program runs approximately 5 activities per month which occur primarily on Friday nights and Saturdays. Activities on the monthly calendar are diverse and endeavor to cater for people with varying support needs. In addition to the regular monthly activities the youth program also runs a school holiday program during the January and September which provides an excellent opportunity for members to experience new activities away from the home environment.

Programs provide a large range of activities and experiences including camel trekking, trips to Regattas, movies, eating out, Go-Karting, animal parks, white water rafting, trout fishing, annual events and shows such as the Rock Eisteddford and beach days just to mention a few.

In addition to the weekend and school holiday activities an annual camp is held for participants of the youth program and can include anything from raft building and racing to jet boat rides. The camp provides an opportunity for young people to further develop friendships and have loads of fun at the same time.

Program Aims

The Cosmos Youth Program provides a recreational environment that:

• promotes self-determination by supporting informed choice
• facilitates a satisfying leisure lifestyle through quality recreation opportunities
• facilitates the opportunity for members to feel good about themselves through enhanced self-concepts, self-esteem and the freedom to recreate
• develops the quality and breadth of peer group interactions and the member’s social networks
• participants may feel comfortable in discussing and exploring issues associated with adolescence such as puberty, sexuality and interpersonal relationships
• enhances the relationship between people with disabilities and the wider community
• facilitates integration through increased access to community resources and increased community acceptance.

Cosmos Family Options

Weekend Respite Program

Cosmos has been operating a program with a peer group approach to overnight respite. A number of successful programs have seen groups of four people spend a weekend away together with staff leaving Friday evening and returning Sunday evening, therefore providing families with a forty eight hour respite period. All members of each group know one other, have a common interest and a history of getting on well. The destinations for these groups include:

• Girl’s weekend
• Men’s footy weekend away
• Ladies pamper weekend at the Roman Baths
• Guys and Girls fishing weekend at Coles Bay
• Pamper weekend for the ladies in Launceston
• Men’s weekend at Grindelwald, Launceston

The respite program targets people living at home with their families and who have limited access to other respite options. Twenty eight families have been part of this program to date and the evaluation forms that families, participants and staff have filled in at the conclusion of these weekends has given us positive feedback so that we can look at maintaining this program on a permanent basis.