NDCPD implements ‘I Can Do It, You Can Do It’
The North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities on Minot State University’s campus recently received a $15,000 grant from New Editions Consulting, Inc. and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to implement the "I Can Do It, You Can Do It" program in the Minot community. Launched in May 2004 by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Disability, ICDI is a national mentoring program for youth with disabilities to increase physical activity and good nutrition. An ICDI mentee registration will be conducted on Wednesday (Jan. 28) in the Dome’s south lobby, 5-8 p.m.
"The ICDI program is a unique opportunity for youth with disabilities in our community to become more physically active by establishing goals and building a relationship with their mentors," said Kylene Kraft, ICDI project director. "In addition, mentors that are MSU students will benefit by applying what they are learning in the classroom."
To participate in the program, youth with disabilities should be between ages 12-21 and have a doctor’s consent. A child is paired with a trained mentor who will help them set goals to increase physical activity and good nutrition. All mentors must be 18 years or older and pass a criminal-background check before they will be allowed to meet with a child. Mentors will meet with their mentee a minimum of one hour each week, for a total of eight weeks. Mentors are also encouraged to communicate, participate in activities and meet with the child more than once per week to help build the relationship.
The mentee, the participating child, will be asked to complete three surveys. One before the program begins, one at the end of the eight-week program and a final survey six months after the program ends. The surveys are written at a 5th-6th grade reading and comprehension level. Children may have assistance reading and understanding the survey questions from a parent or guardian or another adult, however, self-response is encouraged.
For additional information, please contact Kraft at 858-4365 or kylene.kraft@minotstateu.edu.
01/30/09