Introduction

The Avenues Adult Training Facility is located in Schuylkill County, and is licensed through the Department of Public Welfare of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The ATF provides functional training, community integration, and the promotion of inclusion of people with developmental disabilities and/or multiple physical handicaps. Training is provided in a variety of areas, based on individual preferences and needs. Community integration is accomplished in conjunction with functional skills training. Going to local grocery and convenience stores to learn shopping skills, and weekly trips into the local area to learn and develop daily living skills are practical ways to pursue the goals of participants. Inclusion is promoted through volunteer efforts, including local soup kitchens, meals-on-wheels, local animal shelters, and with other projects in the community. These activities are designed to give the community a chance to meet and to get to know the people at the ATF.

What is the purpose of this program?

To foster growth and learning, encouraging people to take control of their lifestyle and environment, by increasing independence and exposure to the community.

Description of Supports

The Avenues Adult Training Facility offers year round day support designed specifically for adults with severe developmental disabilities and/or multiple physical handicaps.

Individuals from eighteen years of age and above may be accepted into the program. An initial assessment to measure levels of functional and daily living skills is completed upon admission. From this assessment, an Individual Program Plan (IPP) is developed by an interdisciplinary team. The IPP, in turn, drives the delivery of service.

The mission of the program is "for each person to progress to their own highest level of independence and environmental control."

Community exposure and integration, along with the promotion of inclusion and education of the general public, are all important components of our service.

The current ratio of staff to program participants ranges between 1:1 and 1:6, based on the level of service required.

Hours of operations are 7:45am to 3:00pm, Monday through Friday. Established holidays, and two in-service days for staff training are the only regularly scheduled closings of the program.

All referrals to the program must be made through the Schuylkill County MH/MR Case Management Office.

Training Areas

Each person at the ATF has an Individual Program Plan developed to target specific areas of training. The plan is developed by an interdisciplinary team. The team may consist of the individual, direct care staff, program specialists, the individual's family or guardian, advocates, a representative from the funding agency, and any other people involved in the individuals's life. The IPP contains goals and objectives to aid each program participant in achieving their highest level of independence and environmental control.

Training is focused on the following areas based on the individual's wants and needs. Some areas of training may overlap and intermingle to increase independence in all aspects of their lives:

sensory stimulation arts and crafts pet therapy computer use academics fine motor skills community choir

music therapy money management street and safety awareness household skills activities of daily living hygiene/grooming skills

exercise community awareness independence socialization communication recreation/leisure

For more information please contact: csmink@avenuesofpa.org

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