Skill Building & Social and Community Participation Mentoring
At Unity Studios, we recognise that as we strive for societal progress, a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t effective. Introducing Uability, our specialised intensive programming designed to deliver the Unity Studios signature programs for Skill Building and Social and Community Participation. Uability intensive programming provides mentees with an elevated level of professional support through personalised care planning, observation, ongoing assessment and reporting.
To access our mainstream services, you can choose to self-fund your standard mainstream enrollment via our website. Alternatively, you have the option to self-fund or utilise NDIS funding to access our exclusive Uability programming. It’s important to note that spaces in the Uability program are limited, and an application submission is required.
Uability is a comprehensive social and community participation support program, allowing participants in Penrith and Surrounding areas to use their NDIS funding for their Unity Studios placement, while benefiting from specialised support tailored for success within our inclusive mainstream community. Individuals who have higher needs that do not have an NDIS plan are also invited to apply for inclusion within the Uability intensive support program. Important to not that people that living outside the Penrith area, can still access our support as an online option.
Before applying to the Uability Program, we encourage you to review our Privacy & Confidentiality Policy here.
For any questions regarding the application process, feel free to reach out to us at admin@unitystudios.com.au or call us at the studio between 3:30 pm – 6 pm on 0466580175.
Application Process:
Step 1: Complete the application form below
Step 2: Send your NDIS plan to us with the Subject: [surname] Uability application to admin@unitystudios.com.au
Step 3: We will contact you via your preferred communication method to acknowledge your application and send you a questionnaire for you to share more information with the Mentee Care Panel at Unity Studios.
Step 4: Following the Mentee Care Panel’s review of your application, we will contact you to inform you of your next steps.
Join us on this journey toward personal growth and community inclusion with Uability at Unity Studios
Introducing Our Mentee Care Panel!
Meet Cass Jensen, the driving force behind Unity Studios and the visionary leader of our Uability program. With a dynamic blend of expertise, Cass holds a Bachelor of Music and pursued postgraduate studies to become a qualified Secondary Music Teacher. Not stopping there, she delved into Inclusive Education, elevating her capabilities to teach at a secondary level while specialising in Learning Support.
Currently serving as a Primary Music Teacher at a prominent Western Sydney School, Cass’ commitment to education extends even further. Her role as a casual Lecturer at Western Sydney University reflects her passion for sharing knowledge and shaping the next generation of educators.
Cass’ impact reaches beyond the classroom; she has successfully navigated the role of Learning Support Coordinator in a large school, overseeing over 100 personalized student plans. Her extensive experience includes consultancy work with numerous schools in Western Sydney, where she has played a pivotal role in enhancing educational standards in the region.
This wealth of experience positions Cassandra as a uniquely qualified leader for the Uability program. Her dedication to inclusive education, coupled with a proven track record in personalised support, ensures that every mentee in the Uability program receives the tailored guidance they need.
In the vibrant tapestry of Unity Studios, Sophie Limbert shines as a beacon of dedication, resilience, and excellence, contributing her brilliance to the Mentee Care Panel.
Sophie’s Remarkable Journey: Amidst the luminaries at the iconic Mint in Sydney, Sophie received the prestigious Premier’s Anika Foundation Youth Depression Awareness Scholarship, a testament to her commitment to mental health advocacy. This scholarship propels her into studying natural disaster intervention programs, promising insights that will impact the short-term and long-term mental health outcomes for youth globally.
But Sophie’s journey doesn’t stop at accolades. Shortly after, she earned the Early Career Practitioner of the Year award, showcasing her exceptional leadership during the November 2022 floods in her local area. Sophie’s resilience and commitment were unwavering as she played a pivotal role in supporting students and families during school closures and relocations.
Commitment to Unity Studios Mentees: What sets Sophie apart is her extraordinary dedication to her Unity Studios mentees. Despite facing the challenges of a natural disaster and receiving prestigious awards, Sophie remained steadfast in inspiring and guiding her mentees, nurturing their growth week after week.
A True Inspiration: Sophie’s journey, marked by resilience and leadership, reflects the spirit of excellence at Unity Studios. We are privileged to have her as an integral part of our team, where her holistic approach to mentorship aligns seamlessly with our philosophy.
In Sophie’s Words: “I love working at Unity Studios for its supportive environment and holistic approach towards mentorship. The philosophy, ‘You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream,’ resonates with me, reflecting the limitless potential we aim to unlock.”
Sophie’s multifaceted skills, knowledge, and compassionate approach make her an invaluable asset to the Mentee Care Panel at Unity Studios.
At Unity Studios, we are delighted to welcome Liam to the Mentee Care Panel—a dedicated mentor and integral member of our team.
Liam has been a pillar of support at Unity Studios since 2016, displaying an unwavering passion for assisting individuals. His journey is marked by extensive work experience in areas of inclusion, coaching, and education since leaving school. Currently undertaking studies for a Certificate III in Community Service and a Bachelor of Teaching, Liam’s commitment to personal and professional growth is evident.
Operational Excellence: As 2IC at Unity Studios and Lead Educator to all mentors and mentees, Liam brings a wealth of operational insight to the Mentee Care Panel. His role as a mentor extends beyond traditional expectations, as he continually strives to make the learning experience engaging and meaningful for each unique mentee.
Scholarship Recognition: Recently awarded a scholarship through the NSW Government’s “Grow Your Own Teacher” program, Liam’s dedication to education is acknowledged at a broader level. This recognition is a testament to his commitment to the field and his valuable contributions to the learning community.
Liam’s Wisdom: Reflecting the Unity Studios philosophy, Liam shares quotes that resonate with our mission: “Children must be taught how to think, not what to think” by Margaret Mead
Liam’s energy, dedication, and innovative approach make him an exceptional addition to the Mentee Care Panel. We’re excited to have him contribute to the growth and well-being of our community at Unity Studios.
We tell you all this, not as a matter of self-importance, but to give you a picture of the theory, knowledge, training and experience the team draws from to formulate our signature Uability programming at Unity Studios.
We work hard to make sure our learning environments are safe, supporting and nurturing. Where people of all ages and abilities can come to learn, grow and socialise at a level each individual is comfortable with.
Embrace the opportunity to work alongside Cass and the Uability team.
Together, we’re not just shaping education; we’re fostering empowerment and inclusivity.
Join us on this transformative journey at Unity Studios.
IMPORTANT DATES 2023-2025
Block | Unity Studios Block dates for Uability | Block payment months |
Block B – Week 1 – 24 | 9 October 23 – 15 December 23 –
4 week Break return 16 January 24 – 26 April 24 |
October
November December January February March April May |
Block A – Weeks 1-24 | 29 April 24 – 11 October 24 | June
July August September |
Block B – Weeks 1 – 24 | 14 October 24 – 25 April 25 | October
November December January February March April May |
Some of the benefits we hope to see from our participants within our Uability programs are –
- developing your self identity and individual style
- growing in self confidence as you experience success
- confidence to experiment and try new things in a supportive environment
- practicing different techniques (fine motor skills)
- portfolio building with close guidance of mentors
- a balance of tasks – sometimes self directed learning and other times mentor lead learning
- practicing following instructions
- practicing communication and other social skills (1:1 and within a group)
- learning to give your opinion and accepting advice from others
- practicing being able to receive and accept constructive criticism
Interested in finding out more?
The best way to judge the effectiveness and compatibility of our programs would be to book an initial consultation with us.
Once satisfied that you would like to join our programs, we will formulate an individual program of service with you with regular review dates to make sure your program continues to meet your needs and goals.
In preparation for your NDIS planning review, you are supplied with a Unity Studios service report to assist you with the planning process.
UABILITY PROGRAMMING OPTIONS
Individual Skill Building
Unity Studios Social and Community Participation Uability Programs can be formulated to your individual needs.
Face to Face or Online
Option 1 INDIVIDUAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT includes a weekly personalised plan, continuous feedback on progress, 55 min. scheduled individual or group sessions.
Option 2 LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE Teens – Adults Weekly sessions with Cass Jensen to discover your abilities and talents to put them to use in your life to make sure you are living your best life!
OPTION 3 CREATIVE WRITING (Courses available for primary, young adults – adults): Explore character design and plot development, socialisation with other literature lovers!
OPTION 4 IGNITE YOUR PASSION FOR LIFE with Cass Jensen – 16+ YEARS ONLY: 14 weeks self development creativity course to rediscover yourself and your passion for life. Coursework within an ONLINE classroom with resources on Unity Studios website and social interaction and support in ONLINE forum. Taking expression of interest for JULY 2020!
Social Groups
Option 1 UNITY JAM – GUITAR/UKULELE/KEYBOARD/PIANO/VOICE/MUSIC PRODUCTION/DRUMMING: BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED FOR ALL AGES: Learn a mix of theory and practical skills in a small group or as an individual in a highly interactive way (by appointment).
Option 2 UNITY ART : PRIMARY & YOUNG ADULT – ADULTS Build your portfolio with the guidance of art mentors. Explore various artist techniques and mediums with different qualified teachers and professional artists in an inclusive environment (Tuesday or Thursday afternoons).
Option 3 DRAMA/THEATRE: PRIMARY & YOUNG ADULT – ADULTS Explore acting, stagecraft, movement, physical theatre and social interaction – building self confidence in a warm and friendly environment.
Option 4 BUSY BEES (mid afternoons and once a month on a Saturday) – TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS (PARENTS & CARERS) Learning through exploration and building confidence – gross/fine motor & social/communication skills through music & movement.
Option 5 BE SCHOOL READY (mornings and early afternoons) – PRESCHOOLERS Learning through exploration and building confidence – gross/fine motor, foundation numeracy and literacy, social/communication skills to be school ready!
Option 6 VISION BOARD TUESDAY @ UNITY STUDIOS: YOUNG ADULT – ADULTS Create you own Vision Board in a warm, welcoming and supportive environment over 2 Tuesday evening sessions. You will receive a workbook to prompt your thinking and get your creative juices flowing. you will also be provided with as little or as much support as you require to create your vision board. We run this workshop twice a year, in February and September.
Option 7 OUT OF THE BOX GAMING – PRIMARY – PRE TEENS – TEENS (runs Friday 4 x’s per year – usually on the last day Friday of the School Holidays)
Option 8 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS – Young Adults – Adults (we run 4 campaigns per year – sessions are fortnightly and run in week 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 of the school term)
Again, thank you for your interest in our programs at Unity Studios.
Find out more?
Thank you for your interest in our Uability programs at Unity Studios. For more information on the Uability programs:
Resource Links
Unity Studios Facebook pages
Unity Studios (official Facebook page)
Uability
Unity Studios Facebook groups
Inclusion @ Unity Studios
Unity Studios Seniors
Unity Studios Family & Friends
Unity Studios Busy Bees Parents & Friends
Unity Studios Intermediate Ukulele