- Phone: (203) 334-IDEA (4332)
- Email: info@ideaonline.us
Comprehensive approach to individual needs:
Each participant will receive an individualized service plan that provides a full range of services to address each area of concern. The hallmark of this program is its goal of offering each participant as many naturalistic and structured opportunities as possible to practice social awareness. This practice will occur with a variety of people in a number of different activities that are critical for independent adult life.
Participants will Receive:
- Group and direct instruction across a range of needs
- Social awareness development across all aspects of the program
- Self-help & daily living skills
- Social/emotional support
- Instruction in recreational skills, and support of opportunities for recreation in the community
- Self-advocacy training
- Vocational training
Clinicians Include:
- Psychologist
- Special Education Teachers
- Speech/Language Pathologist
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- Assistive Technology Professionals
- Social Workers
- Behavioral Interventionists
- Theater/Dance/Music Instructors
- And more...
Program Components:
Social Awareness
Individual and partnered instruction focused on developing social thinking and understanding. Building confidence by building awareness of what another person is communicating by increasing the ability to find and respond to the non-verbal information available. Conducted by a speech and language clinician. The clinician will also train other staff members in these techniques so that participants are practicing these skills in all program areas.
Leisure and Recreation Planning
Participants will meet twice a month in a facilitated group to plan and participate in various social outings designed to develop organizational abilities and encourage participation in leisure activities, planning social events and practicing social awareness skills.
Independent Living Skills
Through participation in small group activities participants will learn and practice problem solving, budgeting/money management, accessing transportation, personal time management and organization, and critical independent living skills such as shopping, nutritional education, cooking and laundering. Social awareness skills will be an integral part of instruction.
Post-Secondary Education Skills
Social competency and engagement in a post-secondary environment, self advocacy skills, identification and use of available support and problem solving skills.
Employment Skills
Assessment of barriers to employment, job development, workplace etiquette, preparing participants for job seeking, identifying strengths and interests, learning interviewing skills and résumé writing, while social awareness skills are reinforced and practiced in this context.
Individual and Group Counseling
Participants will be offered individual and group counseling to discuss issues of concern, coping strategies and overall support as they proceed through the program.
Family Support Group
Monthly meetings for families to meet and share successful strategies and provide mutual support.
Needs Assessment
Depending on the needs of each of the participants of the program, these services may be delivered either individually or in a small group.