Support Services

Physical Therapy

A Licensed Physical Therapist provides one-to-one therapeutic intervention activities in accordance to client Individual Service Plans as ordered by the client's physician following assessment. The Licensed Physical Therapist also completes very specific wheelchair assessments and works with vendors so individuals can acquire appropriate seating to insure proper body alignment along with durable medical equipment if needed. The Physical Therapist trains staff in positioning techniques to insure comfort, maintain posture and lessen potential for skin breakdown.

Transportation

To provide consistent programming and enhance the level of physical, mental and social functioning of the clients, the Center maintains four vans with handicapped accessible lifts to transport clients from all areas of Lorain County and Vermilion, to and from the Center, Monday through Friday, year-round. Clients are also transported to and from dental and medical appointments, to the Lake Erie Lanes Bowling Alley one day a week, to the Splash Zone in Oberlin one day a week, and recreational activities including field trips. Transportation determines the number of individuals that can be served by the Center. Thirteen individuals are transported in their wheelchairs. Four qualified van drivers maintain records of passengers, mileage, maintenance, client care, etc. to assure dependability and cost effectiveness.

Behavior Support

The purpose of behavior support is to promote the growth, development and independence of all enrolled individuals and promote choice in daily decision-making, emphasizing self-determination and self-management. The appointed Behavior Support Committee reviews and approves or rejects all plans to insure that the least restrictive behavior support methods are implemented for each client involved in the behavior support process. The focus is on positive teaching and support strategies, which encourage the least restrictive environment and least intrusive forms of services. These Behavior Support policies specify a hierarchy of teaching and support strategies which are specific to behavioral needs of the client involved. All clients are assessed annually to identify the target behavioral outcome, considered variables and identified re-enforcers. The assessment also describes the most appropriate teaching and support strategies. Behavior support programs are based on captured daily data designed to alter inappropriate behavioral events, which may cause harm to the individual involved, or others. The Behavior Support Committee approves or rejects all behavior support plans and programs with monthly reviews and is overseen by the Licensed Psychologist.

Human Rights Committee

Approve or reject all behavior modification programs and review data on all on-going programs ensuring that human rights are not violated and that support techniques are appropriate. The committee meets every 90 days and more frequently if needed.

Social and Recreational Services

Socialization and recreation activities assure that clients experience community integration by leaving the building to participate in weekly swimming and bowling activities, visits to the library, shopping and going to parks. The center also takes the clients on scheduled field trips. Examples: the Cleveland Zoo, the Rain Forest, Midway Mall, a nature preserve, metro-parks, Gathering Hope House for special events and an annual visit to the Vermilion Yacht Club for lunch and the Boy Scout camp for a cook-out.