About the program

The Work and Play Disability Community Center is an evidence-based, comprehensive approach to teach individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the skills needed to develop meaningful relationships and prevent interpersonal violence. In 2025, at the request from behavioral health providers familiar with the program, a version of the Work and Play Disability Community Center was developed for youth with serious emotional disturbance (SED). 

​​The Work and Play Disability Community Center is a 10-week curricular intervention that focuses on skill building using a group process and experiential learning opportunities. The FDP is a train-the-trainer program; community agency personnel facilitate the program to groups of teens and adults in agency and community settings. The curriculum is designed to be taught in small groups of 6-10 mixed-gendered participants.

Who delivers the Friendships and Dating Program?

The Center for Human Development trains community agency providers to deliver the Work and Play Disability Community Center. Trained facilitators recruit groups of 6-10 coed participants.​

How long is the program?

Work and Play Disability Community Center sessions are held twice a week over a 10-week period. Each session is approximately 1.5 hours for a total of 30 hours over 20 sessions.

What topics are included in the 10-week program?

Session topics include, but are not limited to: feelings, relationships,  boundaries, communication, meeting people, first impressions, planning social activities, the dating process, personal safety, sexual health, recognizing differences, conflict resolution, maintaining relationships