Enhanced Behavioral Support Services Help Participants Adjust to Social Situations
Individuals Who Struggle in Group Settings Receive One-on-One Support for Outings .
“ This program adds more steps and support to help individuals increase their ability to participate in the community ,” said Myles Horttor , Vice President of Programs . “ This goes to the heart of what we do as an organization . Instead of shutting people out of an experience , we find a way to acclimate and include them .”
OFA ’ s program grew by 33 % over the last year and currently serves 40 individuals .
Venables was matched with Sean Taylor , Area Manager for the program . Taylor coached him in a one-on-one setting . “ We learned that schedule is key . It ’ s important that any changes are communicated with him ahead of time , so he feels comfortable with what is coming ,” Taylor said .
Patrick Venables takes great pride in his volunteer work at the Linda Vista Library . Twice a week , he spends hours wiping down keyboards and straightening books and magazines – performing each task to his high standards . “ I enjoy cleaning books , and I get the library clean ,” he said .
In the past , volunteering wasn ’ t an option for Venables , 32 , who has I / DD . He struggled with changing a routine or with people entering his personal space . Both of these situations caused him immense stress , leading to negative behaviors .
With persistence , Venables met his goal of “ graduating ” to a group setting with a ratio of three individuals per staff member . A future goal is to secure a paying , part-time job .
“ Patrick is very independent and capable and has made enormous improvements – including learning to be much more flexible and going along with changes ,” Taylor said .
Many adults with I / DD have difficulty in group settings . Perhaps they struggle to use a lower voice indoors , have impulses to touch or throw items or become overstimulated in noisy environments . Such adults need extra support or risk being excluded from social settings , training , and employment opportunities .
Considering these more vulnerable individuals , OFA decided to expand its Enhanced Behavioral Support Services , a unique program to re-integrate these individuals into the community . Staff is assigned to participants in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio and receive special training to address behaviors .
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