|

"Bowling with Friends" At the Empire Hotel & Country Club"

The Community Adaptation of Brunei Autism Centre for Adults (B.A.C.A) of SMARTER Brunei was held last 30th November 2009. Around 30 people participated in the activity including 18 IWAs, siblings, aunties, parents and therapists. The activity was sponsored by the Empire Hotel & Country Club. Empire staffs were there to interact, assist, and play bowling with our IWAs.
The activity in
tegrated learned concepts such as waiting, turn taking, eye – hand coordination, social skills like communication skills and social graces. It has exposed the IWAs to real life community setting wherein they were able to participate actively and have fun. It has created awareness also to the community to have a positive outlook through understanding the unique skills of Individuals with Autism.
The month long preparation included the used of visuals such as pictures and powerpoint presentation of the different areas, equipments used, service providers and the steps on how to play bowling in the bowling alley.

Simulations of the activity were done during leisure time wherein they used a real bowling ball.
We had one familiarization day in the Empire Hotel & Country Club last 21st November 2009. Even if we only stayed one hour in the venue, the IWAs showed what they have learned. The teachers were amazed when most of them went straight to the counter and politely asked the attendant to borrow the bowling shoes. The teachers did not need to ask them to do so. The familiarization day had created greater excitement for the upcoming actual activity.
During the actual day, everyone was excited wearing their bowling attire and waiting for the time to leave. While travelling, you could see the smiles on their faces. The whole activity went on smoothly; they were cheering one another every time their friend would hit a bowling pin while waiting for their turn. Our IWAs even let the Empire staffs to assist and show them how to use the bowling ball roller (equipment used to assist to roll the ball hard enough to reach and hit the bowling pins). For first time bowlers, they were able to get scores ranging from 30 to 60 points. They were better as compared to some of us.
After playing, the Empire Hotel & Country Club prepared simple snacks for the participants. The IWAs were able to queue, choose food, sit and eat independently together with their friends.
As the actual activity ends, the IWAs said their "Thank Yous’ to all staff members with smiles and happiness reflecting on their faces.
The success of our activity can be measured through the independence that our Individuals with Autism have shown while playing bowling with friends. They had fun, enjoyed the company of friends and interacted with others in a real life setting and in an age appropriate activity that they can do with their families as well. |