Our community offers more than just a network of connectivity: it gives us a sense of self. Everyone is a part of it, and everyone shares in its benefits – and that includes folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Everyone learns, works, and plays at their own pace. No matter how far along a person is on their learning journey, we all want, need, and deserve to thrive as a member of our community. Beyond that, everyone is entitled to live with independence, dignity, and self-determination.
The Importance of Community Services
Unfortunately, many services designed for IDD individuals are insular establishments that can lead them to feel isolated from their community. Group homes and residential programs located on campuses or private property limit engagement, making the people who live there feel cut off from the world – to their detriment.
Beyond the lack of connection, many IDD folks struggle with the lack of accessibility to community services. A dive in funding for disability services has resulted in decreased quality and availability of these kinds of public programs.
Fortunately, community-based programs like those at Independent Learning Association are working to fill those gaps. Assisted community living and day programs for IDD individuals are crucial for promoting health, wellness, and independence at every level.
There are countless documented benefits to a smaller community-based model of IDD living. Individuals living within their community experience a greater sense of control and safety, more social relationships, an increase in community engagement, and overall happier, more satisfying lives.
That’s why ILA offers both day habilitation and community habilitation services. Here are some of the features and highlights of our programs:
Day Habilitation
Our Day Habilitation programs, located in Brooklyn and on Staten Island, offer services Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 3 pm. Each location has a meeting hub, but the focus is community based activities. Our services include games, arts and crafts, gentle fitness routines, a variety of training modules, ranging from everyday life skills to enjoyable hobbies. This service also offers the foundations of pre-vocational training skills to teach our clients the basics of entering the workforce.
These programs are designed so that IDD individuals can socialize, integrate, and improve their existing life skills. Our goal is always to support and facilitate learning, participation, growth, and development. To us, there is nothing greater than supporting individuals in achieving their goals.
Community Habilitation
ILA’s Community Habilitation services assist individuals out and about in the community. It’s about meeting clients where they’re at, and independently supporting them through daily activities. Accompanied outings, both for chores and entertainment, help foster a sense of accomplishment, enthusiasm, and pride in those who use the habilitation services.
ILA’s services can help improve an individual’s self-esteem, confidence, motivation, self-sufficiency, and ability. After all, everyone feels good when they can contribute and give back to their community!
Our community engagement services prioritize meaningful participation, the ability to make choices for oneself, manage responsibilities, and live their best lives. After all, there’s nothing quite like being included and getting involved in something greater than yourself.
To learn more about ILA, visit our website, or give us a call. We are always happy to answer your questions anytime.
