Day Habilitation Services
Day Habilitation is a CARF accredited service designed to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities develop essential life skills, improve social interaction, and become more independent. These services support participants in acquiring skills necessary for activities of daily living (ADLs), socialization, and community participation. Day Habilitation services may also cater to seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities who no longer wish to work by offering support for meaningful retirement activities, such as participating in hobbies or joining community clubs, while accommodating their need for a slower and more relaxed pace.
Day Habilitation services are coordinated with other therapies, such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy, as part of the individual’s person-centered plan. The goal is to enable the participant to reach their maximum potential. Activities foster skill acquisition, social behavior, independence, and personal choice. These activities take place in the most natural environment possible to ensure the transference of learned skills to real-life situations.
Group sizes for Day Habilitation services do not exceed six people, and the staffing ratios are adjusted to be appropriate for the activity being undertaken. For activities requiring higher levels of support, smaller groups are created. Staff provide individualized support while overseeing the group to maintain safety, guidance, and skill reinforcement.
Some individuals may be eligible for additional mobility and behavioral services. Mobility support is provided to individuals who cannot move their own wheelchair, need assistance for ambulation, or require help with transferring to and from a wheelchair. Staff are trained in the use of gait belts, lifting, transfer techniques, and the specific mobility needs of each individual, as outlined in their Individual Service Plan (ISP). Behavioral support can also be provided to ensure an individual’s safety and/or the safety of others.
Day Habilitation Staff are at a minimum 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent. They have undergone specific training, including implementation of Individual Support Plans, Abuse/neglect prevention and reporting, CPR and First Aid certification, medication administration training, and positive behavior support training.
