COMMUNITY HABILITATION

Serving Staten Island, New York, for more than 25 years, Lifestyles for the Disabled strives to provide recreational and vocational opportunities for developmentally disabled adults. These services include Community Habilitation, which offers a personalized program of social skills activities for adults with developmental disabilities to support independence. Upon completing Community Habilitation activities, program participants will be better prepared to participate fully in their community.

Participating in the Community Habilitation program allows individuals to enjoy social skills activities for adults with developmental disabilities that prepare them for more independent and successful futures. By partaking in social skills activities for adults with developmental disabilities, program participants can identify their own goals and learn how to take the necessary steps to achieve them. It’s an excellent opportunity to improve communication skills, experience new things, and build lifelong interests and capabilities.

Moreover, the program takes a person-centered approach and allows individuals to take control of their services. No two programs are exactly alike, and each gives the individual a stronger voice in their future. After completing the program, the person will be better prepared to live independently and feel like a fully integrated community member.

What is Community Habilitation?

Community Habilitation is a truly person-centered opportunity for a one-on-one experience to build a unique set of skills. Participants can choose which activities and skills to pursue while working out a custom-made schedule. The goal is to enhance an individual’s community integration and independence.

Just a few Community Habilitation opportunities include, but are not limited to:

Shopping for food
Purchasing clothing
Creating a workout routine
Maintaining healthy eating choices
Travel skills
Money management
Leisure activities

Development of other skills that support inclusion and healthy relationships.

Upon completing the program, participants will be better prepared for full inclusion within the community and more independent living.

Who can participate?

Lifestyles for the Disabled programming, including Community Habilitation, Day Habilitation, Employment Options & Services, and more, serves more than 400 developmentally disabled adults. Lifestyle programs are held Monday through Friday year-round, although Community Habilitation participants create a personalized schedule tailored to their needs.

To participate in the Community Habilitation program, individuals must meet the following requirements:

Medicaid eligibility
Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) eligibility
Completion of a screening process

For more information on eligibility and requirements, please see the Program Coordinator.