What We Do

DAY HABILITATION

Each peer group has a uniquely designed and structured curriculum.

Each program building is equipped with handicapped accessible restrooms, kitchen and laundry facilities. A handicapped accessible shower is also present in order to assist individuals who may have personal care needs during the day.

Within each program, there are small groups that will participate in some activities independently in order to provide more personalized services. Group sizes do not exceed five individuals served to one Quest for Independence staff person, and are based on the needs of persons in that particular group.

There is at least one community outing planned per week for each small group. Outings into the community will be of low or no cost to the individual, such as trips to the YMCA, Public Library, Museums, Zoo, Fire Station, Movies, etc. There are also be planned guests at the program on a regular basis, such as therapy animals, music therapists, art therapists, reading clubs, and massage therapists.

Many of the groups choose to participate in volunteer and recycling programs as well. All community activities are planned with input from the participant council, a group that includes any and all participants who wish to be a part of it. The group meets regularly to help guide the program.

 

VOCATIONAL: LEARN TO EARN

Many persons who are receiving Day Habilitation Services also have an interest in earning a paycheck. For individuals who have the desire and the capability, we offer the following programs. Interested participants are offered a curriculum based training class that includes paid work in the community!

Piece Work

While the vocational tasks vary, they are simple assembly type tasks such as folding, stuffing envelopes, sealing, affixing labels, counting and sorting. Participants are paid based on the number of units they complete. Paychecks are earned according to the US Department of Labor regulations for employment of workers with disabilities under special certificates. Work occurs either on site at Quest for Independence, or is completed off site at one of many community businesses with whom QFI contracts. This program is supervised by a QFI employee, who works with no more than 5 people at a time. It is part time work and can be viewed as a stepping stone for persons who are interested in obtaining enclave or supported employment positions at a later time. It is quite possible for a participant at QFI to do this type of vocational work for part of a day, and participate in other program offerings for the rest of the day.

Enclave Work

Enclaves are small groups of QFI participants that work in the community along with a QFI employee who supervises. QFI has contracts with several businesses to provide needed services such as cleaning, yard work, snow removal, simple assembly, etc. Participants earn their paycheck based on the number of pieces completed on the job site, or by earning an hourly wage, dependent upon their abilities and US Department of Labor regulations.

Supported Employment

Supported employment is a service offered by QFI wherein a job coach finds a competitive community job, assists a participant with filling out the application and interviewing, assists with training, and then monitors progress based on a person’s need. Participants are employed by the employer.