Adult Training Services

Skills person-centered approach is designed to address clients’ needs so they can experience personal growth and enrichment, a sense of empowerment, and achieve a desired life style.

Skills Adult Training Services offer individuals with disabilities the opportunity to explore their strengths and interests. Clients participate in individual and group activities on topics such as social etiquette, communication, nutrition, health, and physical fitness. Clients may also enjoy the opportunity to engage in recreational activities and volunteer work in the community.

Skills services are designed to promote independence and enhance everyday lives.

Eligibility Requirements

Adults eighteen (18) years of age or older with developmental needs who require assistance to meet personal needs and perform basic daily activities are eligible for admission. For example,

an adult who has a physical disability, such as blindness, visual impairment, deafness, hearing impairment, speech or language impairment, or motor skills impairment
a person with mental illness
a person with a neurological disability, such as cerebral palsy, autism, or epilepsy
a person with mental retardation
a person with a traumatic brain injury

Physical, mental, social, and creative abilities are enhanced through horticultural therapy.

Intake/Admissions Procedures

Referrals for adult training services general come from the Department of Public Welfare, School Districts, and Intermediate Care Facilities. Following referral for services, the intake procedure begins with a tour of the facility and a meeting with the individual’s support team. Medical and/or psychological evaluations are arranged as needed. Upon receipt of authorization, an admission date is set and training program plans are discussed.

Plan Process

A team meeting is held to develop an Individual Support Plan (ISP) for each individual that follows the philosophy of self-determination. An ISP and an Assessment of Personal Skills (contained within the ISP) are completed, reviewed, and updated on an annual basis. In addition, team meetings may be called by a team member at any time when revisions need to be made or when a significant problem arises that needs to be discussed.

Gardeners volunteer to help beautify a local neighborhood.

Service Areas

This program is designed to create a sense of empowerment that allows the client to make choices and achieve his or her desired life style. Service areas include:

Activities of Daily Living introduce clients to tasks and activities that enable them to achieve independence and improve self-awareness. Areas addressed include mobility, personal hygiene, self-care skills, and community living skills. These areas help to provide opportunities for self-expression and achievement.

Communication Training helps clients to improve cognitive/affective communication, learn sign language, use augmentative communication techniques, and improve speaking skills with speech therapy (arranged as needed). Additional communication skills include conversational skills, vocabulary, spelling, and letter writing.

Community Participation involves clients in community activities so they may experience cultural enrichment, enhance their self-esteem, and develop a sense of belonging. Examples of community opportunities include shopping, visiting senior centers, child day care centers, attending the theatre or visiting museums.

Health and Physical Fitness programs provide the client with the opportunity to learn about and live a healthier lifestyle.

Horticultural Therapy enables clients to benefit from activities using plants and gardening activities.

Nutrition: Clients learn many skills to address health and nutrition needs, including food types, menu planning, food shopping, and food preparation skills. Safe food handling skills are also taught.

Participants enjoy racing their home-made soap box derby cars

Participants race their homemade soap box derby cars.

Recreation and Leisure provides the client with training to enhance gross and fine motor skills, eye/hand coordination, recreational play, and leisure experiences for personal and social development. Physical activities are done both onsite and offsite. Examples include basketball, swimming, bowling, dancing, and exercise classes. Special therapies are also available for certain individuals, such as physical therapy, sensory integration, or music therapy. Clients also participate in many leisure activities like theatre, creating various arts and crafts, and playing social games.

Self-Advocacy provides a nurturing atmosphere for individuals who wish to advocate for themselves.

Social Skills provides the opportunity for clients to explore appropriate interactions in various situations and settings through role playing, instruction, and real-life experience.

Volunteerism promotes community participation through volunteer projects; for example, Meals on Wheels, conservation programs, and at nursing homes.

State-Licensed Facilities

Skills Adult Training Services are licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Welfare. Facilities maintain compliance with Title 55 PA Code, Chapter 2380 Regulations for Adult Training Services.