Programs and Services

Community Living Classes

Using a collegiate format, with three 17-week terms per year, the Community Skill Building Team provides individualized and/or group instruction depending upon a persons needs. Community Skill Building offers more than 40 different skill building and personal enrichment courses. The curriculum is organized into three areas of study: Life Skills, Transition to Independent Living, and Personal Enrichment. The goal of the team is to promote full participation in community life by teaching those we serve the skills necessary for a more independent, valuing life; developing compensatory strategies related to living, working and socializing in the community; and to provide them with the tools they need to build social capital.

There are two separate skill building teams. They are:

• The Cognitive Retraining Team which specializes in working with people with acquired disabilities such as traumatic brain injuries.
• The CORE Team which specializes in working with people with developmental disabilities including multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, stroke and sight/hearing impairments.

Each person’s progress is monitored through daily progress notes, quarterly reviews and the completion of annual profiles. The staff work closely with family members, funding source representatives and residential staff to ensure that the individuals needs are being met and his/her goal plan is reflective of their own personal preferences and desires.

After administering a Profile of Personal Preferences and Desires, a Plan of Action (POA) is prepared for each individual. The POA is based on the results of the Profile and with the input of significant others and the individual; long term and short term goals are developed.

Each person is assigned a contact person who coordinates services and assists with community connections.

Referrals are received from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), various residential services, rehabilitation facilities, community agencies, hospitals, base service units, and private insurance companies. Families and individuals may also self-refer.

Transition Services

The Centre Skill Building Team also offers a transitional service to young adults between the ages of 17–21 that are preparing to leave high school. In conjunction with the school district, a schedule is developed that gradually eases the student out of the formal education system and into the adult service delivery system. An individualized schedule is developed for each student that focuses on their needs. Schedules can also be developed for individuals who are eligible for extended school year services.

"I would like to add my voice to others who, I am sure, are stepping forward to applaud the pioneering work of UCP in assisting people to become as independent as possible, moving out into the community." -Dr. Robert S. Foltz, President, Goodwill Industries

For more information about Community Living Classes, please contact UCP at (412) 683-7100 or send an e-mail.

http://www.ucppittsburgh.org
Updated: 11/19/2007