View or download the Life Skills Development Program Brochure.
The Life Skills Development Program serves clients who are deaf, intellectually disabled and/or have mental health needs by offering instruction and experiences that improve daily living skills and foster independence. Instructors focus on five key areas: academics, computer training, physical education, social skills development, and deaf culture. This program provides clients with the opportunity to experience self-growth through improved communication and social interaction.
To get involved in the program, a client meets with staff in an intake interview and evaluation sessions. The staff then designs an individualized program for the client that aims to meet objectives relative to his/her identified needs and abilities. Clients are seen individually and/or in group situations. Staff members evaluate the progress of each client at quarterly staffing meetings, where they determine whether to make adjustments to a client’s service plan.
All program staff are fluent in American Sign Language, have a knowledge of Deaf Culture, and are trained in the techniques used to teach and/or counsel this population.
SIX KEY AREAS OF LIFE SKILLS
- Academics
Clients acquire important reading, writing, and math skills. Depending on their proficiency, clients focus on learning basic concepts (reading and writing simple sentences, adding/subtracting) or developing more advanced skills (writing paragraphs, reading books, doing multiplication/division problems). - Computer Training
Instructors teach a range of topics, from basic typing to Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, to accommodate different skills levels. - Physical Education
Clients learn about personal hygiene, nutrition, and the human body. As part of health awareness, clients learn exercises for staying physically fit. - Social Skills Development
This training emphasizes social awareness and helps clients build strong interpersonal relationships. Clients become familiar with workplace conventions, including money management, job interviewing and placement, work attitudes, and income. - Deaf Culture
Clients learn about American Sign Language and conversation etiquette in the Deaf community (ways of interacting, taking turns, getting attention). - Community Awareness