Community Living Supports
Our three community living supports programs focus on the life skills that allow individuals more independence and productivity. Promoting inclusion and participation in different ways.
Individual Community Living Support (ICLS)
Individual Community Living Supports (ICLS) program instructors provide individualized instruction in life skills that are necessary to increase or maintain independence.
All services provided will be in accordance with and following the Individualized Plan of Service (IPOS) and Support Needs Worksheet. These outline the independent living skills that have been identified as medically necessary to gain or maintain independence.
In a conscious effort to create and foster independence, all skills are completed alongside or with the individual, and never done for them. The provision of staffing is tailored to the needs outlined in the IPOS.
Note: This service is only provided in Kent County.
We focus on the development of individual living skills in the areas of:
- Meal prep and planning
- Routine household tasks
- Community integration and leisure choice development
- Self-care
- Medication management
- Socialization and relationship building
- Laundry
- Self-advocacy
- Money management
- Community calendar for group activities
- Health and safety skills
- Shopping
Life Skills Community Living Supports (LSCLS)
The goal of this program is to develop an individual’s full potential by enhancing their interpersonal, self-care, communication, community participation, mobility, and daily living skills in areas targeted by their person-centered plan, leading to opportunities for increased independence.
Note: In Cadillac and Paris, the program is called Sensory and/or Group CLS. Kent County also provides a Life Skills Intensive Supports Program with smaller ratios for persons with higher personal care and/or behavior-support needs.
We focus on teaching interpersonal, safety, and social skills including but not limited to:
- Following direction
- Getting along with others
- Leisure skills
- Community safety
- Van safety
- Dependability
- Adaptability as identified in individual plans of service
In order to experience meaningful and engaged lives, the individual is involved in activities that provide cultural enrichment, enhance their self-esteem, and develop a sense of belonging. Activities include:
Recreation, leisure, and volunteerism through involvement in current and seasonal community-sponsored cultural events.
Projects can include conservation work in local and state parks, Meals on Wheels, veterans associations, senior centers, the Humane Society, and local nursing homes.
Safety skills, such as pedestrian safety and awareness of surroundings, are also taught.
We promote social appropriateness and interactions by training in interpersonal relations, anger management, cultural diversity, and citizenship. Individuals also participate in many leisure activities such as cooking, creating various arts and crafts, or playing games, while working on relationships with their peers.
Sign language, augmentative communication training and speech therapy, conversational skills, vocabulary, spelling, and letter writing.
Individuals are provided with training to enhance gross and fine motor skills, eye/hand coordination, recreational play, and leisure experiences for personal and social development. Physical activities are done both on and off-site. Examples include basketball, swimming, bowling, dancing, and exercise classes.
Special therapies are available for certain individuals, such as occupational therapy and/or sensory integration. Individuals also learn many skills to address health and nutrition needs, such as food types, healthy diets, and basic food preparation.
Out of Home Non-Vocational Habilitation
The Out of Home Non-Vocational Habilitation program creates opportunities for independence by helping individuals maintain or improve their self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills.
Note: This program is for individuals on the Habilitation Waiver, and it is only offered in Kent County
We focus on motivating individuals to focus on their strengths, providing opportunities and practice within a therapeutic environment.
The program provides necessary supports in smaller group setting to adults with developmental disabilities who are interested in enhancing their abilities and growth through various activities provided in a non-residential setting.