The Yes I Can curriculum consists of 20 lessons intended to be presented in weekly classes of 45-60 minutes. Although some lessons will be completed within one class period, many will require multiple sessions. The program should be offered for an entire academic year to allow sufficient time for development of partner relationships and acquisition of skills and knowledge.

The curriculum begins with information on the social inclusion needs and challenges experienced by persons with disabilities. Throughout the lessons, disability-specific information is combined with interpersonal skill building and with opportunities to practice using the skills and knowledge in community settings.

Lesson Topics

The curriculum is comprised of the following 20 lessons, each accompanied by master copies of handouts and overheads:

• Lesson 1: Orientation
• Lesson 2: Introductions
• Lesson 3: “A New Way of Thinking”
• Lesson 4: How We’re Alike
• Lesson 5: Myths and Misconceptions
• Lesson 6: Quality-of-Life Issues
• Lesson 7: Understanding Friendships
• Lesson 8: Developing Communication Skills
• Lesson 9: Characteristics and Needs of Persons with Autism and Mental Retardation
• Lesson 10: Characteristics and Needs of Persons with Physical and Other Disabilities
• Lesson 11: Enhancing Sensitivity
• Lesson 12: Everyone’s a Winner
• Lesson 13: Being a Team Member
• Lesson 14: Legal and Human Rights
• Lesson 15: Being an Advocate
• Lesson 16: Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy
• Lesson 17: Person-Centered Social Inclusion Planning
• Lesson 18: Making a Difference
• Lesson 19: Yes I Can Review
• Lesson 20: Planning the Yes I Can Celebration

The information in the lessons is intended to be presented in a classroom format. The content is, however, applicable beyond the classroom in the experiential component of the program. As students are paired for the experiential component of the program, the partners have many opportunities to practice the skills and use the knowledge offered in the lessons.

For each lesson the Instructor’s Guide describes the following:

• Objectives
• Key Learning Outcomes
• Materials Needed
• Instructor Preparation
• Detailed Lesson Plan

When student preparation is needed for an upcoming lesson, that is noted in the previous week’s lesson.

Instructors should note that the curriculum provided here is intended to serve only as the foundation of the program. Depending on the capacities and experiences of students taking part, additional activities may need to be developed to supplement the material provided.

Curriculum Materials

Included in the Instructor’s Guide are master copies of overhead transparencies and handouts, along with copies of supplemental reading materials for instructors and students. Some lessons incorporate other items that must be acquired.

The following lessons use videotapes, which should be obtained as early as possible:

• Lesson 7: With a Little Help From My Friends
• Lesson 10: People in Motion: Ready to Live
• Lesson 14: Tony Coelho Speaks on the ADA

Please download the Yes I Can Movies List (Microsoft Word document, 56k, 3 pages) for a complete listing of movies to consider obtaining to supplement your lesson plans.

Adapting the Curriculum

The Yes I Can curriculum has been adapted in a variety of ways by those who have used it. Instructors may stretch certain lessons over more than one class session, omit lessons, or change the sequence in which they are presented. The lesson plans presented here are intended as a starting point from which instructors can launch a program that meets the unique needs of their students.