The Options Difference
All families faced with the challenge of caring for a person with mental retardation and physical disabilities struggle deeply. Every member of the immediate family, and often the extended family, is profoundly affected by decisions made and directions taken to provide for the needs of the family member with a disability. The questions can be difficult, and the answers are rarely simple.
The Options program began in 1993 and is a natural extension of EHCA's services. The goal of Options is to provide the supports necessary for families who wish to care for a family member with a disability at home or for a person who lives independently. Options offers several different services and opportunities to assist people with disabilities to live rich and fulfilling lives. Under this multi-service program falls:
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Services include:
Home & Community Habilitation Through habilitation, each person receives the care, support and skill training necessary to live in his or her home. Individualized personal goals are developed by a team of professionals and loved ones that will enable the person to live as independently as possible. Options provides enhanced habilitation which supports people with specialized medical or behavioral needs. Staff receive ongoing expert training to ensure the highest level of care. Respite Care Services Options recognizes the serious demands an individual with developmental disabilities can make on family life. Respite allows families a temporary break from their daily care-giving duties. Trained staff provide specialized care for the individual either in or out of the family’s home. Respite can be arranged on an hourly or 24-hour basis. We believe caregivers must take care of themselves as they continue to reach out and care for others.
In-Home Services Each family and each person with a developmental disability faces different situations and has different needs. That’s why EHCA’s Options program provides the supports necessary for clients to live at home with family or independently. Options supports individuals with developmental disabilities in Erie, Crawford and Venango counties. Additional Services
Options may provide in-home services contracted with other agencies or privately, make specialized equipment purchases and develop adaptations in the home to ensure that the individual is able to live as independently as possible. Community Integration Services
Options encourages each person to participate as fully as possible in his or her community. This service is provided on a one-to-one basis. A staff person will provide transportation and assist the person to participate in activities and events within their community. |
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SNAP (Social Networking Among Peers)
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All About SNAP
Anyone with a developmental disability who has a desire to increase peer relationships and explore the community in a small group is eligible to participate in SNAP. |
Social Opportunities SNAP’s philosophy is to allow small groups of individuals to meet regularly and develop new friendships while minimizing direct involvement of staff. Participants develop monthly calendars based on their areas of interest. They are given choices as to which activities suit their interests. Some of the activities include: attending sporting events, taking dance classes, going to concerts, making crafts, taking tours of local sights, and volunteering in the community.
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Supported Living Program
Supported Living is a service of EHCA, in which persons live in their own home, separate from their family, enabling them to learn independence and responsibility. Persons involved in Supported Living participate in numerous community activities, may hold a job and perform normal day-to-day activities. EHCA provides staff support to individuals in their own residence. The role of EHCA staff is to promote independence by helping to identify and target specific needs of the individual. Structured goal plans revolving around tasks such as learning to prepare a meal, grocery shopping, laundry skills and learning how to use public transportation are developed based upon these needs and interests.
Supports Needed to be Successful:
