OUR APPROACH

Emerging Horizons provides independent living skill instruction that is customized and culturally sound. All instruction is individualized to meet the Consumer’s needs, choices and preferences, based upon a functional skill assessment and the development of an Independent Living Service Plan (ISP).

Consumers are encouraged to be active participants by collaborating with EH ILS staff in designing a set of services that are customized, culturally sound, comprehensive and coordinated. EH ILS instructional staffs use a variety of modalities to instruct and support consumers (didactic or role-play etc.) Specific instructional activities are planned to develop knowledge of the specific task, understanding of its importance and the set of skills or subtasks necessary to complete the activity. Consumers are encouraged to learn at their own speed in a way that supports their needs and desires. Specific modalities are determined based on the skills and wishes of the consumer.

Consumers who participate in the EH ILS Program receive instruction, support and encouragement to assist them in maximizing their potential. The main goal is to encourage them to develop functional skills they can use in their daily life that will encourage independence, personal empowerment, and informed decision making. Consumers can expect the following outcomes:

• Measurable improvement in functional skills in a variety of tasks (e.g. mobility, self-advocacy, household maintenance, budgeting, self-help, etc.) using comparisons of the assessment done at baseline;
• Greater self-esteem and mastery;
• Increased levels of satisfaction with his or her quality of life;
• More active participation in their own individual centered planning process so the instruction and support they receive is based upon their needs and preferences, including the development of communication skills or alternative means, self-determination and self-esteem;
• Increased participation in integrated natural environments;
• Enhancement of their personal growth to maximize their ability to meet their individual goals;
• Increased participation in culturally valued activities they choose (Whenever possible, these activities will take place in integrated community settings fostering inclusion with non disabled people to promote the consumers life satisfaction, personal growth and relaxation);
• A safe, healthy home environment that is unique to them;
• Reduction in the behavioral, health and other risk factors associated with living independently in the community.