Name: The AHEAD I and II Programs

Number of consumers: 31, ages: 20 to 70 years old

Diagnoses: Multiple handicaps (cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism and a variety of syndromes)

Program Description: Consumers are placed in either the AHEAD I or AHEAD II programs according to their specific needs.  Each individual consumer is provided with as much support as needed by Direct Support Professional staff in the areas of personal care, feeding, activities of daily living and program activities.  The programs address social, emotional and physical development as well as learning and problem solving in all areas of adult daily life.

Activities stress individual choice, independence, community integration and involvement in an age appropriate and as unrestricted environment as possible.  Social development is very important and the programs encourage peer and staff interaction, functional communication, and socially appropriate conversation.  Physical development is included throughout the program day in the form of daily exercise, range of motion activities, and specifically designed fine and gross motor activities.  Individuals may receive physical therapy consults or direct therapy according to each individual’s needs.  All consumers participate in the Person Centered Planning process, which is developed with the consumer, parent or guardian, residence, and appropriate state agencies.

Strengths:

• Trained and caring staff that often go beyond their job descriptions.

• Staff has a high level of expertise with students having physical challenges including those who require much personal care.

• Flexibility in programming allows us to provide activities and community integration based on the individual’s needs.

• Constant involvement and communication with guardians, residences, and state agencies to enhance consumer’s life.

• The AHEAD Programs have a Registered Nurse on staff.

Special Points:
This program is one of the few in the state who provide care for consumers who are medically fragile and have a full-time nurse on staff.

Contact Person: Darryl Johnson, Program Director @ 883-6680; EMAIL

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