866-857-1161 (toll-free)
401-738-1083
Quest for Independence 2025 | Photo Gallery
Quest for Independence 2025 brought together youth, families, peer mentors, and community partners for a full week of learning and connection centered on independent living. Hosted by OSCIL at the Kent County YMCA, the event highlights accessible programs, hands‑on demonstrations, and resources that help young people with disabilities build confidence and prepare for successful transitions into adulthood.
The annual Quest event is part of OSCIL’s commitment to empowering individuals with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to pursue independence and take the next steps toward their goals.
Highlights from the 2025 Event
What Participants Experienced
Team Building and Peer Collaboration
Campers engaged in group‑based activities designed to build trust, encourage communication, and strengthen social connections. Games, challenges, and shared creative projects helped participants work together, problem‑solve, and build supportive peer relationships—an essential foundation for independent living and self‑advocacy.
Emotional Regulation and Coping Skills
Campers took part in activities centered on self‑awareness, emotional regulation, and stress‑management strategies. Through tools like the coping toolbox exercise and guided discussions, participants explored personalized methods for staying calm, recognizing emotions, and navigating challenges in daily life.
Assistive Technology and Accessibility
A dedicated Assistive Technology session introduced campers to devices and tools that can support independence at school, work, and home. Participants learned about practical solutions that promote accessibility, build confidence, and expand their ability to make informed choices about the technology that fits their needs.
Budgeting, Cooking, and Meal Planning
A multi‑step cooking challenge immersed campers in hands‑on skill building. Activities included meal planning, budgeting, grocery shopping, preparing ingredients, and cooking together as a team. This sequence strengthened practical life skills such as decision‑making, organization, collaboration, and safe food preparation—all essential components of independent living.
Community Navigation and Real‑World Practice
Traveling together to the grocery store, local restaurants, and recreational locations gave participants opportunities to practice navigation, communication, and social interaction in community settings.
Supporting Confidence and Social Skills
Swimming, bowling, arcade visits, and other recreational options helped campers build confidence, explore movement and leisure activities, and connect with peers in a relaxed environment.
Civic Engagement and Advocacy
A day at the Rhode Island State House offered hands‑on learning about government, voting, and advocacy. Campers participated in a building tour, a mock legislative session, and a demonstration of the Express Vote Machine, followed by a Q&A session.
Expression and Empowerment
Songwriting with Mark Cutler, team games like Jeopardy, and personal projects such as quilt making and vision boards encouraged creativity, goal‑setting, and self‑expression.
Future Planning and Vocational Exploration
Multiple sessions led by ORS introduced campers to transition services, employment supports, and resources available as they move into adulthood. These presentations empowered participants to think proactively about their goals and understand the services that can help them succeed in school, work, and the community.
Program Reviews
Coming soon...
Our Partners
OSCIL extends a special thank you to the community partners and organizations that made our 2025 Quest for Independence such a success.
