Developmental Disabilities Division
Select from the menu below for details on any of the programs in the Developmental Disabilities Division:
Individuals with developmental disabilities are supported through a variety of services designed to be responsive to their needs. All persons served become eligible through a determination of a developmental disability with onset prior to the age of 22 and by a successful application for Medicaid Waiver Services through the NYS Office of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities. Additionally, many eligible individuals have a secondary diagnosis of mental illness.
The broad philosophy of all of the services provided is consistent with the NYS OMR/DD Governing Principles and the Guiding Principles of Service as follows:
A person with a developmental disability shall
- Relate to his or her own family, friends and communities when and how he or she chooses.
- Be as independent as possible and determine the direction of his or her life.
- Have the opportunity to make life choices that do not compromise health and safety, and such choices shall be respected and valued.
- Should have the opportunity to communicate his or her fears and have them addressed, and not be subjected to fear of harm or reprisal in connection with the provision of supports and services.
- Should receive supports and services that are effective and meet his or her needs.
"The 3 Is and a P"
Independence The person has opportunities to develop capacities that lessen his/her dependence.
Inclusion The person has opportunities to engage in experiences and activities with those who are not disabled.
Individualization The person's self-esteem is developed by ensuring respect, by being given meaningful contribution to their living and community environment.
Productivity The person is provided opportunities to make an increasingly meaningful contribution to their living and community environment.
Liberty Resources carries out these principles each day through our philosophy of supporting each individual in their efforts to gain independence, to effectively direct the course of their own lives to the extent of their abilities, and to become productive and included members of their neighborhoods and communities.
Through the nearly 15 years of providing these supports, our goal has always been to provide individualized care that is essential to learning, personal growth and increased participation in decisions affecting their lives.
TYPES OF SERVICES
Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRA)
Liberty Resources operates eleven IRAs located throughout Madison and Onondaga Counties. The philosophies reviewed above are carried out each day in these homes where 4-6 individuals live with staff support to increase their participation in the activities of their daily lives.
The scope of services includes assistance with daily living and encouragement to complete tasks as independently as possible, transportation, medical needs and participation in a day service. Staff are trained in CPR/First Aid, medication administration procedures, crisis intervention techniques, and provide 24 hour oversight. Registered nurses provide essential oversight at each home. They also act as a resource for all staff, working to ensure the highest quality of medical care, and a vital link to physicians and other medical providers.
All residents create goals for themselves that are documented on a daily basis. Every six months a formal meeting is held to review their progress and/or make changes that will benefit each specific person. Staff work on goals with consumers as outlined in the individualized residential plans and assist the consumer in planning activities that meet their needs and desires. Success is measured by an improvement in the quality of life and is monitored through tracking goal progress.
Opportunities exist to become a volunteer or an advocate for many of the individuals in these programs. Many of them do not have involved family member and would welcome meeting new people. The staff persons are an integral support system, but the benefits of a community advocate would be enriching. The commitment to become an advocate minimally involves attendance at a six month planning/review meetings. Some advocates expand on this role with regular visits and planned outings in the community.
Day Habilitation Services
Day programming is provided for eligible individuals at two sites. Participation is either fulltime or for only a few days a week as a "wrap around" to complete a full week for someone also working or attending another type of program. Operating five days a week from 7:30 –3:30, all individuals are transported by family, residential staff or contracted vendors to the site.
Liberty Resources’ commitment to the broad philosophies of individualization is reflected in the ratio of staff to number of consumers which is kept below 1:3 to maximize the ability of staff to focus on each person’s needs and desires.
In Day Habilitation, the goals are defined in a similar way to all services for individuals with a developmental disability. They are individualized to the needs and desires of each person. They include activities designed to support each person to build skills, function successfully and more independently in the community, provide service and have fun!
The level of community involvement is a remarkable accomplishment for many of the individuals served. Through their participation they are making an ongoing contribution to their communities, gaining new skills and abilities and making friends. For some, participation in volunteer activities will prepare them for a successful supported work opportunity in the future.
Classes at Onondaga Community College's "College for Living" are facilitated by staff and many individuals proudly display certificates of completion of courses there. Classes are provided on handling money, making friends, personal appearance classes for make-up tips and hair styling and microwave cooking. Information as well as opportunities to practice socialization skills and to make friends are also a part of this experience.
Residential Habilitation Service
This service, provided in Onondaga and Madison Counties, provides 1:1 support for eligible children and adults with developmental disabilities who are living either with their families or on their own. Activities and opportunities are built into the individualized planning for each person that will assist them in becoming more independent.
The individual and family can expect training and assistance in areas of need, and access to the community for desired activities. Some skill areas currently addressed include developing skills in health and personal safety, personal care, money management, and housekeeping. Within the community efforts are focused on socialization and communication skills. Activities may include visits to local points of interest, attendance at cultural performances, or simply enjoying a meal out.
Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC)
Service Coordination provides the broad or umbrella service for eligible individuals. A service coordinator has the primary responsibility of developing and overseeing the plan of care. All services provided must be authorized through the Individualized Service Plan which the Service Coordinator develops. This person has the responsibility of coming to know each person and their supporting family and all community service providers and to lead this group in developing a support structure which encompasses all of the needs and desires of each person.
Individuals interested in learning more about any of the Liberty Resources Developmental Disabilities Services may contact the following individuals:
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Mary Lee (Marty) Sorensen, Vice President of DD Services
Stephen Russell, Associate Vice President of DD Services
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Kristi Anzalone
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Christian Gutowski
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Amy Eells
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Marget Read
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