Day Habilitation

Click HERE to view EPIC Long Island’s COVID-19 Safety Plan: Certified Day Program Reopening

Day Habilitation is a person-centered program serving individuals with developmental disabilities who are 21 years and older. The program is traditional in that classroom-like environments offer opportunities to acquire new skills in a structured setting. The program is non-traditional in that our staff actively seeks opportunities for participants to acquire skills, develop relationships and enhance life experiences outside the classroom walls and in the community. The participants’ personal interests and goals drive the program planning process while our caring and dedicated staff provides necessary health, safety and wellness supports.

A typical day in the program might include highlighting a celebration or awareness day. Staff incorporates these concepts into educational programs tailored for our men and women. For example, Black History Month, Earth Day, Cinco de Mayo, Chinese New Year and all holidays become opportunities to learn, create and socialize with other program participants and agency staff. Dancing and music are frequently a part of these festive celebrations.

The Day Habilitation program includes themed classrooms that provide variety in the resources available to our individuals: exercise equipment, a beauty salon and a horticulture room are just a few examples. Additionally, the program includes a training kitchen that has enabled staff to cook with participants. Many of the men and women in our program enjoy baking and preparing snacks for celebrations. Recently, the owner of Borrelli’s restaurant visited and demonstrated how to make pizza. Each program participant was able to make their own individual pie and thoroughly enjoyed both the presentation and the pizza!


PROGRAMS WITHOUT WALLS

“The community is our classroom”

Program Without Walls is a community-based program for individuals with developmental disabilities who are 21 years and older. Participants in this program learn new skills, build relationships and develop self-esteem through the concept of volunteerism. Staff assist participants in volunteer activities at various department stores, art galleries, museums, restaurants and fitness clubs. This program is an excellent source of vocational training that has helped participants segue into competitive employment.

Of course, it isn’t all about work. Participants engage in various recreation activities as well. An individualized program plan is developed for each participant. Rather than teaching in a classroom setting, however, staff are trained to identify opportunities for choice, self-management and situated learning while working and playing in the community.