Community Supports Program for Adults with Disabilities

Community Supports Program provides a variety of choices to meet the needs of everyone.  Our Program is intent on building community relationships, natural supports and intentional matching with people of like interests.  Individuals meet up at a community location each morning and then spend their days in their local communities.

The program assists individuals with developing community living skills such as; personal safety, social interaction, budgeting, health, fitness, nutrition, volunteering, job skills and personal growth and development.  Activities include, but are not limited to, local shopping, exercise at the YMCA, local parks and/or hiking trails, volunteering at a number of community locations, Bingo, and dining out.

All groups focus on maintaining current abilities, increasing self-esteem and building relationships in their local communities.  Each group is assembled based on the needs, abilities and interests of the participants.

Art expression is a very important part of our Community Supports program. Community member participation is encouraged and welcomed.  Concepts and techniques of art are taught by using step-by-step guidance, which encourages freedom of expression and improves self-esteem, in addition to developing other abilities.  Artwork is often reproduced, marketed, displayed and offered for sale, with the artist being compensated for their work.

Telehealth Service are offered weekly.

Eligibility

• 18 years old or older
• Diagnosis of Intellectual or Developmental Disability/AXIS II
• Eligible and approved for MaineCare Home and Community Based Waiver or have private funding
• Able to maintain a stable/safe behavior during program hours
• Able to comply with referral and admission process
• Have transportation available

Policies

The Community Supports program follows our Community Involvement Policy developed to comply with the Home and Community Based Settings (HCBS) Rule. The policy addresses the following:

• Commitment to supporting persons served to have regular and varied opportunities in the broader community that match their interests and goals as outlined it their person-centered plans
• Updating and sharing of positive personal profiles to ensure personnel are knowledgeable about the capabilities, interests, preferences and needs of persons served
• Quarterly information sharing with person served of their rights
• Flexible supports and scheduling to account for anyone working
• Development of daily activities to meet person served desires and interest
• Routine discussions regarding transportation options (for services, employment and community activities)
• Mobility training/support and Assistive Technology for person served as deemed necessary
• Commitment to an ongoing process of self-analysis and improvement
• Training of staff on all policies with re-training occurring, as needed, to ensure policy and procedures are followed correctly and consistently.

Other policies developed to comply with the HCBS Rule.

• Managing and Safekeeping of Personal Financial Resources Policy
• Intake-Admission Policy
• Person Centered Care Policy
• Personal Initiative Policy
• Community Involvement Handbook

All policies are available in the links below.

Funded in part by the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services.