Our Community Participation Support (CSP) helps the person to learn about and be an active participant in their community. We partner with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism to create a meaningful day that starts with their aspirations. CPS can also help to build interest in, and skills related, to careers and employment. Our CPS is adapted to the unique wants and needs of the person and is offered 100% in the community.
Community Participation Support in Action
Matt and Shawn have worked together for over 7 years. During that time, they have built a caring relationship with one another. Matt is supported to go where he likes and needs to go. This includes his favorite restaurants, food shopping, the pharmacy, the YMCA, the arcade and bowling alley. Previously, Matt was supported to volunteer at a local office. Through his active participation, Matt has become well-known in his community.
The specifics of Community Participation Support can can look different for each person. Here are some general aspects of the Community Participation Support service:
Person Centered Planning:
We support the person to explore their aspirations and come up with and carry out goals. Plans can change because life changes. Person-centered planning is flexible. Using person-centered planning tools, such as the Charting the LifeCourse framework, we help the person adapt to life’s changes.
Community Mapping:
Through community mapping, we help the person to do an inventory of the people, places, and things in their community. This scan helps the person and their support staff to see the opportunities and resources in their community and plan activities.
Social Support:
A Support Partner is selected by the person via a matching and interviewing process. The support relationship includes a friendly rapport and companionship. The Support Partner helps the person to take part in local activities, navigate social interactions, and build relationships.
Community Participation:
Feeling connected to and a part of one’s neighborhood creates a sense of belonging and an improved quality of life. We help the person to identify and participate in activities that promote purpose. This can include:
- Social Activities
- Recreational Activities
- Volunteerism
- Employment
- Educational classes
Skill Building:
We help the person to develop and enhance life skills. This can include communication, problem-solving, decision-making, planning, and other related skills.
Communication Support:
We support the person to communicate in ways that are meaningful to them. For some, this includes the use of formal communication support. We help to amplify the person’s voice and choice in whatever way they communicate.
Career Exploration
A goal of the community participation service is to help the person make meaningful career choices. We help the person to learn about their options, develop their skills, and decide on their career pathway. This can be done alongside an organization providing them with supportive employment services.
Community Participation Support in Action
Robin enjoys volunteering in her community with her support partner Karen and has developed relationships with the people she volunteers with. Robin participates in “Dough2Door” which is a volunteering service that donates items to homeless shelters and food banks. Robin also volunteers at Phoebe Ministries and assists in their gift shop. With Karen’s support, Robin enjoys meaningful and fulfilling experiences in her community!
From the Blog:
Navigating the Return to Community: A Thank You to our Support Partners
It is a story that’s all too familiar. The pandemic had brought about unprecedented challenges for everyone in our communities. Yet, for us? Our Support Partners were the ones on the frontlines from day one. People we support and their families who all have had their share of challenges during the last 3 ½ years. […]