Part II
Our goal /purpose is to teach, support and enable individuals with developmental disabilities (primarily intellectual disability, Cerebral Palsy, Autism and epilepsy) to live productive and meaningful lives, to achieve their desires and to reach their highest potential with as much independence and dignity as possible through individualized goal achievement that enriches all areas of their lives.
Program Activities (A) and Outcomes (B):
1) (A) Adult Development--Life Skills Classes and Pre-Vocational Instruction in the areas of Nutrition, Meal Planning (meal prep, recipe prep,purchasing, equipment), Cooking, Fundamentals (ex.-counting, making change, measuring), Exercise, Interpersonal Skills, Computer. (B) Outcomes:Based on an assessment and the consumer's input, measurable, criterion based goals are developed and implemented annually at a staffing. Goals may be added, deleted or adjusted at any time the need is identified. Data collection on goals is done daily and/or as is required by the goal criterion. Anytime a need is identified it is addressed as it relates to the goal. Data is tallied weekly and monthly, Review is done with the consumer as needed and at a minimum an official review is held quarterly with the consumer and guardian if applicable.
2) (A) Work Activity offers work training experiences to learn and promote a positive work ethic and employees traits as well as skill development. (B) Outcomes: Based on an assessment and the consumer's input, measurable, criterion based goals are developed and implemented annually at a staffing. Goals may be added, deleted or adjusted at any time the need is identified. Data collection on goals is done daily and/or as is required by the goal criterion. Anytime a need is identified it is addressed as it relates to the goal. Data is tallied weekly and monthly, Review is done with the consumer as needed and at a minimum an official review is held quarterly with the consumer and guardian if applicable.
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December 2017 successful goal completion was 87%.
Mission Statement: To assist individuals with disabilities in identifying their needs, developing goals as well as providing choices, supports and training in the skills that will enable them to reach their highest potential.
The program intent is to teach, guide and equip individuals with developmental disabilities in the areas of life and employment skills, self-advocacy and independence as it pertains to their needs, abilities and life choices.
Our mission gives staff the direction to creatively sustain the longevity of the program which also effectively meets the needs of the individuals served with continually updated methods and approaches for each individual served.
Adult consumers go through an admission process that is governed by the State of Arkansas since we are licensed through Developmental Disabilities Services under the Department of Human Services. For some, the program is prescripted by a medical doctor and others just by nature of their disability but the individual or their family initiate the admission. Individuals choose to attend Abilities and they are the primary developers of their personalized program.
Key methods of program and service delivery include but are not limited to a variety of adult life skills classes on nutrition, cooking, exercise, interpersonal skills, fundamental skills, computer skills, prevocational and communication skills. Many also choose to participate in a work program where positive work ethic, employee behaviors and skills are learned. They are able to make application of individualized goals and classroom learning in a work and social environment where they increase their confidence, communication, socialization and skill development.
Consumers are not solicited but rather they chose this program as their desired way to enrich their lives and meet various personal needs and goals. Each consumer undergoes an assessment identifying strengths and needs and has individualized program goals that are criterion based and are established with their input at an annual review. Goals are worked on and monitored with/by trained staff through Adult Development classes and/or a work program. Documentation and data on goals is collected and recorded daily which identifies strengths as well as needs which will be addressed as needed on a daily or weekly basis. At a minimum, quarterly progress reports on goals are reviewed and signed with consumers and their guardian when applicable. Reassessment of goals may be done at anytime to add, delete, update or change criterion as needed. When goals are met, new ones may be added at any time as the consumer identifies other areas they would like to advance in.
We also offer socialization opportunities with their peers outside of program hours, personal and family supports and education on changes laws which affect their lives and choices.
A need statement provides documentation of the nature and extent of the need within a given population.
As we expand consumer educational opportunities to increase their life, social and work skills the need to transfer these skills into other environments is evident in order for our consumers to integrate into our community. We have identified the need to expand their community awareness particularly in the areas of volunteerism and employment.
For over five decades the number of individuals served in this program has steadily increased and the program has expanded services to accommodate consumer needs and the areas of service has grown from city-wide to county-wide and now to a five county service area and all of this speaks directly to the need for this program. Abilities Unlimited is the only program within this catchment area that offers the variety and extent of services we are able to provide.
Life skills and productive, meaningful living/work opportunities and experiences are the broad yet primary needs met in the program through adult education/life skills classes and gainful work. However, through these experiences, other needs are met such as the reduction of behavioral issues, increased independence and self-esteem, expansion of their own hopes, goals and expectations for themselves, learning to advocate for themselves, problem solving and appropriate interpersonal skills. For most consumers, this is not just a program as much as it is their life--socially, emotionally and financially as it can be a supplemental income for their SSI or SSDI. In many cases, this program is actually a vital part of their life and that of their family as it gives the individuals dignity and purpose and allows the family to continue with or pursue their needs and work schedules. Thus economically, this is a win-win for everyone associated with the program, the state and tax payers (see impact statement)
Enrollment fluctuates as a result of attrition but it has steadily increased since the inception of the program which validates the need for such a program as Abilities Unlimited.
A recent increase of "pennies on the dollar" also validates the federal and state acknowledgement of the need for our program services.
We get many inquiries each week about the services we provide that lead to individuals and families touring and often selecting the services and schedule that will fit their needs.
Unfortunately with the change in federal regulations, we also get many requests for enrollment that we are not able to accept but we can educate them on these changes and help them to move forward to advocate for themselves.
Many of our consumers and their families have begun in the past 15 months to advocate on state and federal levels for their need for such a program as Abilities which is also evidence of need in the community.
AUI example: For program reimbursement, allows a five hour maximum per day per consumer. This program has nine direct staff members with other support staff. And the average cost for one program staff (one of nine) member per day is $225 (wages, insurance,.payroll taxes, etc.) This does not factor in curriculum or supply costs nor does it include any paid work a consumer may do that day or any support, management or production staff that may be called upon. A consumer doing paid work would also bring additional staff into the cost on the days they work. Some individuals may not attend five days per week and some may stay the entire 5 billable hours while the majority of consumers are her 7-8 hours per day. Approximately 98% of our consumers attend more than the billable five hours per day that we are able to be reimbursed for. As a nonprofit, we absorb cost in order to meet individual needs and provide services. Abilities Unlimited is all about serving the needs of our consumers and all of the staff from each department work together to make this happen. Production staff who are responsible for the consumer's paid work through our manufacturing contracts with vendors and our thrift store operation contribute to the cost differences that allow our consumer's to have such a comprehensive program.
UW funding will specifically be used for program match money that is required for DD (Developmentally Diasabled) individual to participate in as it is required for a DD licensed program such as Abilities.
As long as we are with intent meeting needs and consumers are satisfied, enrollment will maintain or increase itself.
Also contracts with manufacturing vendors allows Abilities the opportunity to financially supplement the program cost which in turn allows the consumers to have the productive meaningful program they have chosen at the present quality level..
CCMC, UW Day if Caring, YMCA, Upper Level Sports with FBC, ACTI, Housing Authority, ARS, HSV Knights of Columbus, local banks, Diamond Lake Credit union, SAM's Club, Stoneworks, CSO, NPC Adult Education, Forestry Service, HS Civitan Club, Red Hat Ladies, Carousel Readers, FBC Special Needs Sunday School class, various other churches, Salvation Army, Special Olympics, Loyal Ladies, HSV Community Foundation, Tim Tebow Foundation, ArkStart, Ladies Home Extension.
Another example is that of two beauticians who comes to the program three to four times a year to give our individuals manicures. This provides an opportunity for interaction, builds esteem and social skills, provides an opportunity they may not otherwise have, teaches giving to the community, improves self-maintenance and more. More awareness increases knowledge and knowledge is even more powerful when shared with others and put into practice. thus we are always looking for ways to connect our individuals with THEIR community.
Part III
Example: Staffing, Volunteers, Building, Equipment
Resources: (A) Building One that houses this program plus recycling, shipping and receiving, an art room, Kitchen, 5 class rooms, computers, curriculum, work area for manufacturing, conference area for staffings/meetings and offices (B) One Thrift Store ( we have two stores ) is also used for programming for consumers (C) Staff totals 38 plus additional part time temps (D) We had approximately 17 activities sponsored utilizing approximately 112 volunteers, (E) Equipment--for exercise, cooking and manufacturing machines/devices for work program--maintenance schedule required
Objectives will answer: The program will do what, under what conditions, for what time frame & to what extent.
Example: Expand the number of individuals served by the program by 80% in 12 months
AUI Objective: The program will increase the collective success rate of individual goals by 2% during the effective 12 months of this application calendar.
(The sum total of consumer goals is 466 (110 total consumers) with a success rate of 89% from July -December 2017. A total of 11 staff are the primary individuals responsible for the development, implementation, instruction, data collection, monitoring, scheduling and reporting of consumer goals. Support staff may be utilized at times and Production staff work directly with clients when they are working but are not part of the primary staff addressing goals.
Describe what staff and participants actually did.
Example: Participants did (XYZ). Staff did (XYZ).
-Staff increase cooking and exercise classes from 4 to 5 each to meet client requests/interest and to effect more individualized instruction.
-Staff will offer additional opportunities to demonstrate or practice goals, will re-evaluate criteria, will consult with program coordinator and other instructors to identify ways to assist consumer, will discuss with consumer their needs related to goals and will report to one another events that may affect a consumer's ability to concentrate.
-Consumers will actively participate in setting their goals (ownership), will voice changes they would like to make related to the goal, will actively participate in opportunities to work toward their goal, will be receptive of constructive feedback and will stay on schedule as much as it is within their ability to do so
-Consumers will attend the program and classes according to their schedule in order to work on their goals.
(Program services) provided (X) clients in the activity.
Example: Daily fitness program engaged 20 clients
We are currently serving 110 consumers with a cumulative count of 466 goals. Depending on the criterion for each goal, each goal will be addressed several times weekly.The current success rate on consumer goals is 89%.
Goal example would be: Blake will measure dry ingredients accurately two or more times out of four attempts per week this quarter. The goal for the next quarter may be--Blake will measure dry ingredients accurately three or more time out of four attempts per week this quarter. Should Blake exceed the criteria then it may be increased or if a goal is met early then a new goal may be established.
(How you know the participants achieved outcome)
Instructors will measure and record goal data daily. All data has a weekly review for accuracy. Monthly the data is charted and quarterly a progress report is compiled for review with and signature of the consumer and their guardian where applicable.
Example: Survey, Test, Intake/Exit exams, Observations
Instructors and Client Service Aides will inform Program Coordinators of areas that need review for redirection of services or implementation methods. Program Coordinators will then review areas were deficits are observed and collaborate with both consumers and staff to determine effective methods to address the deficit in order to redirect progress toward the long term goal of increasing the overall success rate.
Part IV
- Were you able to pay all regular operational expenses within 60 days of the due date?
- Have you been able to maintain your 501 (c) 3 Tax Exempt Status?
Karen Kight--reviewed by Executive Director
Part V
Part VI
2-9-18 Manicures at AUI sponsored by Vivian's Nails
2-9-18 Consumers will attend Night To Shine by Tim Tebow Foundation in Bryant, AR, prom like event
2-14-18 Valentine Party at AUI, 1030am-noon, sponsored by Loyal Ladies
3-29-18 Reality Fair sponsored by Diamond Lakes Federal credit Union 830am-230pm
3-30-18 Easter Extravaganza sponsored by AUI at AUI
4-26-18 Day of Caring sponsored by UW 830am-noon at AUI
6-29-18 Bi-Annual Fun Day at AUI, 730am-2pm
7-6-18 Patriotic Celebration at AUI
8--18 Stuff the Bus Collection Drive sponsored by UW
8-18 Razorback tailgate party at AUI sponsored by AUI
10-25-18 Annual Halloween Dance/Cook out sponsored by Civitan Club at AUI for our consumers, 530pm-730pm
11-18 Annual Chili Cookoff at AUI, Seeking a sponsor, Chili lunch after judging
12--13-18 Annual AUI Christmas program presented by consumers, 1130-130, entertainment and light lunch
Part VII
12 folding portable tables, additional stacking Chairs, green house, monthly art/craft project volunteer