Easterseals stands as a pillar of support, offering comprehensive adult day care programs tailored to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome. Serving New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties in Delaware, Easterseals delivers a spectrum of services encompassing Life Skills programs, Pre-Vocational services, and Supported Employment opportunities. Funded primarily through Delaware’s Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS), these programs are also accessible via private arrangements, ensuring broad community reach.
Life Skills Program: Nurturing Independence and Personal Growth
The Life Skills program, a cornerstone of Easterseals’ offerings across all three counties, cultivates a nurturing and respectful environment where participants are empowered to define personal goals and engage in preferred activities. Recognizing the diverse needs of its participants, the program provides personalized care supports, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and valued. Modern computer facilities equipped with specialized adaptations further enhance learning and engagement. Crucially, the program emphasizes frequent community outings, fostering personal independence and social integration for every participant.
Pre-Vocational Services: Exploring Community and Building Job Readiness
Easterseals’ Pre-Vocational Services are expertly designed for adults who thrive on variety and seek meaningful engagement within their community. These services serve as a vital bridge to employment, focusing on expanding individual skills through diverse community-based experiences. Participants benefit from work-based learning opportunities, contribute through volunteer roles, and enjoy enriching recreation and leisure activities. This multifaceted approach ensures a well-rounded development of skills essential for future employment and community participation.
Supported Employment: Achieving Sustainable and Meaningful Careers
For individuals aspiring to secure and maintain employment, Easterseals’ Supported Employment program offers robust assistance. Participants can choose between individual and group employment pathways, aligning with their personal preferences and goals. The journey begins with a thorough assessment of each person’s unique interests, skills, and workplace knowledge. Easterseals then expertly matches individuals with competitive, wage-earning jobs within the community. Importantly, Easterseals provides ongoing support, ensuring sustained employment success and fostering long-term career growth.
Group Supported Employment (GSE): Collaborative Work Environments
Group Supported Employment (GSE) presents a supervised employment model where small teams of individuals work together on community-based jobs under the guidance of Easterseals staff. This collaborative setting prioritizes the development of essential work habits and general skills. As participants progress, Easterseals gradually reduces its direct support, preparing individuals for independent employment ventures and greater autonomy in their work lives.
Individual Supported Employment (ISE): Personalized Job Placement and Support
Individual Supported Employment (ISE) is tailored to assist individuals in finding and maintaining competitive employment independently. Services encompass comprehensive assessment, personalized job placement, intensive job-specific training, and ongoing follow-up support within the workplace. Easterseals provides time-limited support, strategically fading assistance as individuals gain confidence and workplace independence. Furthermore, the program facilitates the development of natural support systems within the work environment, ensuring lasting job success and career fulfillment.
Easterseals’ adult day care programs are dedicated to empowering individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities to live fulfilling, engaged, and independent lives within their communities.
