The World Health Organization reports that 317 million children and young adults suffer from health problems caused by developmental disabilities. Sadly, these problems can worsen as they get older.
Adults with developmental disabilities tend to have a number of health challenges, which can get worse as they get older. These people and their loved ones need to take the right steps to help minimize the problems that these disabilities can create. This includes challenges caused by conditions like autism and other issues.
One of the things that people with these conditions can do is participate in community habilitation programs. Keep reading to learn about them if you know someone with health issues caused by developmental disabilities. You may also want to check out these resources from the CDC for more information.
Community Habilitation Programs Can Help People Minimize Health Problems Caused by Development Disabilities
According to Sarah Dunks, an Accessibility Assessment and Aging-in-Place Specialist, “People with disabilities gain an even greater sense of self-worth and quality of life knowing they can live independently.”
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This vision is feasible, thanks to the community habilitation by OPWDD. The program offers a supportive environment tailored to each individual’s needs. This allows intellectually and developmentally disabled persons to build essential abilities to thrive in their homes and society.
In this article, we will answer the question, what is community habilitation services? We will also discuss the perks of these events.
What is community habilitation?
Financed by Medicaid and coordinated by OPWDD, the Community Habilitation program empowers persons with IDD. This initiative maximizes custom teachings to ensure that they grow the skills to thrive on their own.
The initiative incorporates programming to achieve and sustain their objectives for the future. These events are executed by regularly keeping the company in their homes as well as engaging in planned events.
The services cover training in the following:
- Leisure skills
- Traveling
- Proper behavior to people in society
- Managing finances wisely
- Sustaining relationships with members of society.
What are the Benefits of a Community Habilitation Program?
The initiative is aimed at supporting the intellectually and developmentally disabled to ensure they lead more meaningful lives and exceed expectations. This deeper meaning of community habilitation promotes self-dependence and gives purpose to these persons. Let’s see more perks:
- Promote Total Wellbeing
Programs at the Gateway Counseling Center in NYC create positive experiences to improve its members’ lives. They offer useful resources and encourage more inclusion in team building. This increases their self-esteem, and ability to behave properly in public and provides depth to their lives. They can also make friends enjoy extracurricular events together and avoid isolation. - Nurture Capacity to Thrive
Participating in basic life skills activities for adults with disabilities is a hurdle. So, these events assist them with developing life skills. These abilities will help them adapt and thrive when they wish to relocate after college or get new jobs. There are also more specialized activities that offer guidance with making budgets and managing finances, preparing meals, and other basic skills for one who lives alone.
- Affordable Care Option
For the most part, the events for intellectually/developmentally disabled persons are cost-effective compared to options like nursing homes, living communities for seniors, or private care in homes. This programming allows your loved ones to stay longer in their homes so you save the cost of placement in nursing homes.
- Relief for Caregivers
About 80% of caregivers in the family often have to work significant hours taking care of their loved ones. But one perk of the day programming is that the caregivers get some time to rest, visit friends, and catch up on their favorite shows. If you work with centers that organize events for caregivers, you get to meet and bond with fellow caregivers as well and have custom sessions with a dedicated therapist.
- Diversity & Acceptance
The day events teach persons with IDD employable skills and maximize chances to include them in events organized in society. That way, they are actively involved in the community’s growth. This interaction allows people to connect and understand persons with IDD.
- Improve Communication and Social Skills
The programming offers a reason to leave the house and meet other members of society. Organized events teach them to behave properly and learn life skills for adults with mental illness. They are taught interpersonal skills and strategies for communication, making choices, and handling basic problems. The connections improve overall well-being and the ability to thrive without external support. They may also include access to programs like ABA therapy.
Conclusion
Gateway Counseling Center is your trusted partner, 100% dedicated to building a conducive environment for people to learn, connect, and nurture valuable life skills. Reach us today for more about our day habilitation program.