The Lab is coming to Grafton for Term 3 2019.
The Lab is a network of technology clubs for young people, aged 10 to 16, with high functioning autism and Asperger’s who enjoy working with computers.
The Lab is a not-for-profit charity which aims to improve social skills and computer technology skills.
At each weekly two-hour Lab session, two or more computer programmers and designers work individually with young people to develop their social and technology skills. The Lab provides an environment where participants can share their interests in a wide variety of activities such as gaming together, video creation and sharing, graphic design, programming and game development. Mentors are available during Lab sessions to support activities or work with participants on new projects. Mentoring of is provided by technical professionals in programming, 3D, digital design and gaming.
Some of the most useful things first learned by participants during Lab sessions are social and personal skills. This includes learning about how to work with others, how to make friends and how to interact socially, as well as simply feeling accepted and valued by peers with common interests. The Lab is about technology skills too, but typically the programming and design skills come a little later once participants have settled in. This can take a little time and one of the essential aspects of The Lab is that kids find their own place and in their own time.
For more information or to register your interest visit www.thelab.org.au.