Life Skills
The Life Skills Development Program assists clients who are deaf, intellectually disabled, or have mental health needs by improving daily living skills and fostering independence. It promotes self-growth through enhanced communication and social interaction. All staff are fluent in American Sign Language, knowledgeable about Deaf Culture, and trained to support this population. HDS programs also collaborate with the community, such as with students from the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Duquesne University and residents at UPMC Shadyside Family Medicine, who learn to accommodate deaf individuals in medical settings.
Our Focus
Academics
Clients acquire important reading, writing, and math skills. Depending on proficiency, clients might focus on learning basic concepts like reading simple sentences to more advanced skills like completing multiplication problems.
Social Skills Development
This training emphasizes social awareness and helps clients build strong interpersonal relationships. Clients become familiar with workplace conventions, including job interviewing and placement, work attitudes, and income.
Physical Education
Clients learn about personal hygiene, nutrition, and the human body. As part of health awareness, clients learn exercises for staying physically fit.
Computer Training
Instructors teach a range of topics, from basic typing to Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, to accommodate different skills levels.
Deaf Culture
Clients learn about American Sign Language and conversation etiquette in the Deaf community (ways of interacting, taking turns, getting attention).
