Let’s InterACT: An Integrated Improv Ensemble

Please Note: Information and registration for the 2024-25 session will be available on May 3, 2024.

Improvisation (improv) is acting without a script—everything is spontaneous and made up on the spot… but it’s more than just dramatic people on stage with no plan!

Improv develops an awareness of self and others. It depends on one’s ability to be present in the moment, understanding that our actions directly effect others and others’ influence us.

Many of the rules of improv have many benefits for interacting with others such as listening, being open to new ideas, making others look good, taking risks, and embracing mistakes (because there are none)!

Improv helps people with Down syndrome develop many skills that are needed for successful interactions. This includes social and executive functioning skills like perspective-taking, predicting, inferencing, interpreting, turn-taking, and storytelling abilities. Through team-building activities, theatre and improv games, participants develop these skills in a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment. Participants learn to work collaboratively, develop their acceptance of other’s, their own independent thinking and creativity, all while gaining confidence, trusting relationships, and having fun in the process.

Warning: Side effects may include uncontrollable laughter, embracing your inner child, and bloating.

We are currently seeking volunteers for Let’s InterACT; click here for more information.

Alternate Languages

For clients and families whose primary language is something other than English, we offer in person translation services for important meetings with DSRF service providers. Some therapists and teachers are able to provide services in alternate languages. Please email us for details.

Payment Policy

Families should inquire if a program offers financial assistance or if they qualify for funding (e.g. Variety, CKNW, At Home Program, CLBC) at the time of registration. Financial assistance allocation is at the sole discretion of the DSRF. Families not part of a funding program (such as the Autism Funding Unit or the At Home Program) are required to pay the full fee of the session. Sessions are billed once monthly. Depending on the funding model, you will receive an invoice for any monies owing and/ or organizations will be billed directly. You must pay in order to ensure continuity of services.

Attendance Policies

CANCELLATION POLICY: INDIVIDUAL SERVICES

Emergency Cancellations:

We understand that emergencies, especially those related to health, but also last-minute school routine changes that are beyond a family’s control, happen from time to time and may require last-minute cancellation or rescheduling of your DSRF appointment. When these occur, you will not be charged for your cancelled session.

Non-Emergency Cancellations:

To provide the highest quality service to as many families as possible, DSRF requires sufficient notice to manage non-emergency session cancellations. Without sufficient notice, we cannot provide the cancelled spot to another family or reassign the time to other service delivery purposes.

As a result, the following will be strictly enforced:

  • Non-emergency cancellations require notice of one full week. (Note: Notice of more than one week is greatly appreciated if possible.)
  • Non-emergencies include vacations, pre-planned medical appointments, family events, school events, parties, sports events, a general lack of childcare, or anything that is not reasonably considered an emergency.
  • Non-emergency cancellations made with less than a one-week notice will be subject to a surcharge equivalent to the full cost of the scheduled session. (Note: This also applies to families who receive external funding such as the At Home Program, Autism Funding Unit, and Variety funding, whose regulations state that DSRF can only bill the funder for sessions delivered. Cancellation surcharges are the responsibility of the family.)
  • If there are more than three non-emergency cancellations in a three-month period, you may lose your spot in the therapist’s or teacher’s schedule.
  • A “No show” cancellation, other than one that qualifies as an Emergency Cancellation, will be subject to a surcharge equivalent to the full cost of the scheduled session. (Note: This also applies to families who receive external funding such as the At Home Program, Autism Funding Unit, and Variety funding, whose regulations state that DSRF can only bill the funder for sessions delivered. Cancellation surcharges are the responsibility of the family.)
  • Please note that the DSRF cancellation and ‘no show’ policy applies to sessions taking place in person or carried out via telehealth at home or school. If your child’s school cancels a session or there is a ‘no show’ the family will be subject to a cancellation fee.

DSRF Cancellations:

If a session is cancelled by the DSRF due to therapist or teacher absence, weather, or other any reasons, families will not be billed for the session.

LATE POLICY

  • If you are more than 15 minutes late for your appointment and we do not hear from you, it will be considered a “no show cancellation” and you will be charged the full cost of the scheduled session.
  • If you are late, your session time will be shortened. Due to client scheduling reasons, therapists and teachers are not permitted to go beyond the regularly scheduled end time.
  • Sessions shortened due to client lateness will be charged at the full cost of the scheduled session.
  • Repeated (two or more) instances of lateness may result in removal from the therapist’s or teacher’s schedule.

MAKEUP POLICY

Make-up sessions are not guaranteed when there is a violation of the cancellation policy. For example, if you are charged for a no-show, we may not be able to reschedule that visit. Talk to your teacher/therapist directly about the possibility of scheduling a make-up session. It is not guaranteed that a make-up session can be scheduled. It depends on the individual therapist’s or teacher’s schedule.

PARENT, GUARDIAN & CAREGIVER ATTENDANCE POLICY

If a parent, guardian, or caregiver leaves the centre or outdoor area while their child is in session with our team, they must have a cell phone with them that is charged and in working condition so they can be reached in case of an emergency. They must remain within 5 minutes (driving or walking) distance of the session location

Client Agreement: Group Programs

Tuition Fees

Families have the option to pay the full fee at time of registration or pay the first month fee and provide post-dated cheques or credit card information for a monthly payment schedule, as outlined on the payment information form. Program withdrawals for group yearly programs must be made by September 30th and are subject to one month’s fee and a $150 administration fee. After September 30th, program fees are non-refundable

Student Progress

Informal assessments are used to evaluate students’ progress.  This information, along with regular communication with parents, is used to set individual and group program goals.

For more information on policies of specific programs or for any questions please contact Eleanor Stewart at 604-444-3773 x111 or eleanor@dsrf.org.