Independent Living Program

Make Friends and Learn Skills! - This seven-month program provides opportunities for individuals to learn and experience living independently. Prospective residents will be given an opportunity to move into an apartment for a short stay. During that time they will be assessed on the skills needed to live safely and successfully. A Resident Assistant will be available in the evening and morning to help facilitate living, social, and community skills.

• Program Goals:
• Goal 1. Work with other agencies and groups that provide services to adults with developmental disabilities to create social and recreational activities to enhance the building of friendships possibly leading to future roommates.
• Goal 2. Lease an apartment for six months to allow trial apartment living for various lengths of time. Provide supervision for safety, and skill building.
• Goal 3. Provide an assessment that will give feedback about skills needed to live independently. Suggest specific classes and recommend skill building activities accordingly.
• Goal 4. Provide a schedule of skill building activities to ensure a greater success for independent living. Work with DD providers to maintain a high level of professionalism in the classes.
• Goal 5. Provide a mentoring program for families preparing to allow their adult with DD to live independently. Give opportunities for group discussion of issues concerning advocacy for someone in transition. Share information about resources available to this population with these families.