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Independent and Supported Living Services
Serra Center provides Independent Living Services (ILS)
and Supported Living Services (SLS) to more than 65
adult men and women living with developmental
disabilities. These individuals live in traditional and
accessible homes and apartments of their choice, located
throughout Southern Alameda County. While both are
community based programs, they differ in the frequency
and level of support provided.
Independent Living Services provides up to 40
hours per month of daily living skills training and
support with the objective centering on the individual
leading the most self-managed life possible in the least
restrictive environment. The number of training hours
and the areas of training are determined based on an
individual’s assessed need and personal choice. It is
expected that over time, an individual’s need for
services may decrease, at which time on-going support is
provided at a lesser frequency. Some examples of ILS
training areas are: household maintenance, personal
safety, money management, comparison shopping, nutrition
and cooking.
Supported Living Services consist of a broad
range of services, providing for a significantly high
volume of support and training. Supported Living
Services can include more intensive support, such as the
use of adaptive equipment and personal attendant care.
These services help individuals work toward their
long-range personal goals, as well as exercise
meaningful choice and control in their daily lives.
Services are designed around and the needs and desires
of each individual. Some examples of SLS support are:
selecting and moving into a home, choosing personal
attendants and housemates, personal care, common daily
activities and emergencies, participating in community
life and money management.
Supported Living Services are offered for as long and
as often as needed, with the flexibility to meet an
individual’s changing needs over time, and without
regard to the level of disability. Supported Living
Services work with the individual to establish and
maintain maximum control over the services they receive,
within a safe and stable environment of their choice.
In both Independent and Supported Living Services the
individual being served takes part in the interviewing
and selection process of their support staff. All
program participants are active and productive members
of society through the vocational, educational or
volunteer placement of their choice. Serra
Center maintains a 24 hour emergency assistance system
which all program participants are trained to access in
the event a special need arises. |
