Community Integration
The Community Integration Program is a non-work program that emphasizes
activities
in areas such as communication, recreation, self-help, personal
hygiene and community participation. Also known as the “Day Program,” it
provides opportunities for the participants to volunteer in other community
programs, including Meals on Wheels, the Central Missouri Food Bank, the
American Red Cross, The Alzheimer’s Association, etc. The Program provides
opportunities for people to enjoy trips across the State of Missouri, visiting
many interesting sites.
The employees who provide direct care services to the consumers of the Community
Integration Program hold the title of, “Training Specialist.” (Click
here
to view the Training Specialist Job Description.) Training specialists are full
time employees who work 30 hours per week (Monday through Friday 9am – 3pm)
supporting consumers with disabilities. There are currently 93 consumers
supported in the Community Integration Program. The program offers a flexible
schedule to each participant, depending on other vocational/residential
commitments in tha
t person’s life. Each Training Specialist works with a group
of four consumers, providing one on one time with each consumer, expanding
knowledge, providing meaningful opportunities, etc. Training Specialists may be
required to assist with the following things: lifting/transferring of consumers,
feeding consumers, assistance with toileting, hygiene, and grooming and
Community Integration activities. The Training Specialists are trained by ACT’s
Mentor to ensure quality training is occurring.
Each person supported in
the Community Integration program has goals to work on while at program. These
goals can range from appropriate behavior to making purchases in the community.
All goals and progress are tracked by the training specialist and reviewed on a
monthly basis.
ACT stresses getting consumers out into the community to complete meaningful,
life enhancing activities. The agency tracks the amount of time spent in the
community. The goal is to have consumers spending time in the community 45%-60%
of the time. The program has funds available for community outings or for
arts/crafts supplies to be used within the facility. When groups are at the
main facility, there are themed a
reas to enjoy, including a computer lab, an
arts and crafts area, a sensory room and much more!
The Community Integration Day Program recently changed its service delivery system to reflect more consumer choice and more community integration activities to be offered. Participants come into program in the morning and choose the activity they want to do from a menu of choices that are planned by ACT’s Activities Coordinator. Please click here to see a sample week of activities offered.
The Community Integration program is dedicated to promoting acceptance and respect through community involvement. ACT will assist in facilitating community involvement through positive interaction and assist in enhancing communication. ACT promotes choice making and person centered planning and assures dignity and respect to all consumers. ACT assures safety and security of all participants.
