PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
The agency provides a variety of community supports and services to over 130 individuals with developmental disabilities. The following are brief descriptions of the programs provided by ACORD: Residential Services ACORD provides supports for people in individual and small peer group living arrangements. ACORD places a high degree of effort on providing living arrangements and services which offer safety, security, happiness, and comfort for its residents. ACORD residential programs serve individuals of all ages who have varying levels of developmental, physical and other disabilities, including autism. The agency strives to enhance individual’s capacities for independent living by offering individuals opportunities for personal growth through a variety of skill building activities and programs. Individual programs are offered in a variety of areas including household maintenance, self-care, meal preparation, transportation, community awareness, health services, communication, money and budgeting skills, and social behavior.
ACORD also consults with qualified specialists and consultants for implementation and maintenance of any specialized services required for the physical and mental well being of all individuals we serve. Necessary services determined for each individual are offered in the following areas; nursing, physical and occupational therapy, speech/language, visual/auditory, counseling, behavior specialist, and a broad range medical specialties, etc.
Through person centered planning and individual assessments, necessary specialized services are determined and programs for skill enhancement are carefully tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual. Service recipients are fully supported throughout their daily lives at a personal support level most appropriate and least intrusive to the person, with encouragement to be actively involved, so as to increase independence and feelings of self-reliance and self-worth.
ACORD offers age appropriate activities that focus on the individual's personal choices both within the realm of teaching and recreation or leisure opportunities. This is in keeping with the agency’s goal to increase the individual's sense of personal direction in his or her life and the opportunity to be represented as a valued member of one's community.
ACORD focuses on creating positive relationships within local communities and encouraging personal connections with non-disabled persons for individuals whom we serve as a means of building natural supports, with our vision and ultimate goal of being fully independent of residential support.
Supported and Competitive Employment Services People want and need meaningful, challenging, and rewarding employment opportunities. ACORD provides supported employment services to assist individuals with developmental disabilities to obtain and maintain employment. Support services are provided to enable each individual to function as independently as possible within the workplace.
The supported employment program was designed to ensure opportunities for increased independence, productivity and integration into the workforce for persons with developmental disabilities.
Job coaches provide the individualized training in specific job functions and provide support in areas which affect job performance such as communication, transportation and environmental adaptations. Job coaches work directly with the employee to provide supervision on the job while ensuring that the work performance meets the production and quality standards of the employer.
Job coaches work to assist the individual to be competent and successful.
Using a person centered approach ACORD strives to make the most ideal match between a person’s career choice and an employer’s need for productive, effective employees. ACORD takes pride in its ability to keep the goals, desires, capability and dreams of the person first. Individuals are eager and motivated to work as they choose their own career paths.
Day Support Options and Recreational Services The Day Support Options Program is designed to offer opportunities for individuals to experience community inclusion and integration.
The Day Support Options programs organized by ACORD offer age-appropriate opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities to experience adult roles and make personal choices. Activities include leisure/recreational alternatives, and opportunities to increase one's ability to complete adult daily living skills. The supports also assist individuals to pursue leisure interests, and attendance at cultural and special events.
The community focus of the program offers opportunities to establish meaningful relationships with other community members in both leisure and volunteer/paid work opportunities.
Each of ACORD’s existing community experience programs has made great strides to create individualized service plans for all the participants. Leisure and volunteer activities are based on each individual's preferences and interests. Activities include volunteer work at local soup kitchens, day care centers, the community’s animal shelter and local libraries. A wide variety of recreational activities are offered throughout the month to include; swimming, horseback riding, visiting local museums, sporting events and classes of hobby interests.
Transition from School to Work Planning for the future can be intimidating. ACORD has worked with school systems to gradually acclimate students to career and recreation options following graduation. Students are welcome to sample some of the employment opportunities offered through ACORD. Career planning, situational assessments and on-the-job training are available to students preparing for the world of work.
ACORD staff will work with each individual, teaching skills in resume writing, job seeking, and interviewing techniques. ACORD will share with each individual, employment contacts established within community areas. ACORD and the individual will jointly search for a position which meets the individuals’ specifications.
After employment is secured, job coaches are available to ease the person’s transition from school to work. Coaches work directly with the employee to provide assistance on the job while ensuring that the work performance meets the production and quality standards of the employer.
Transportation ACORD has a fleet of well maintained vehicles operated by trained staff. Transportation to work and activities is available based on individual needs.
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