The primary objective of “Com Hab” is to provide cost effective Community Habilitation, which will enhance the lives of the consumer’s served and provide them with the skills necessary to increase the independence needed to function on a daily basis.

The program’s goal is to enable mentally retarded and developmentally disabled individuals to cope more effectively with their lives-to provide them with the skills necessary to function productively and independently at home and in the community. Upon mastering skills, consumers will be able to choose to remain at home with their mastered skills of independence and comfort. 

Community Habilitation initially assesses each individual regarding activities for daily living (ADL skills), socialization, behavior, as well as parental needs (psycho/education, respite, support). Upon completion of the assessment, a comprehensive treatment plan is designed and implemented by the team of professionals in concert with the child’s parents, which is then monitored and modified by the service coordinator. This methodology ensures that the goals outlined are appropriate to each specific individual. Additionally, behavior modification schedules and psycho/pharmacological needs are also addressed, as is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) for which in home training is made available for caretakers.

Under the Community Habilitation component, ADL goals, short term objectives and behavior modification where necessary, are implemented in the home. These may include life skills (e.g: feeding, personal grooming, dressing, toileting, food preparation, home and personal cleanliness) ethno-cultural experiences and social skills. Travel training is included for higher functioning individuals. For those children who exhibit an interest and who are capable but otherwise lack the opportunity, more sophisticated programming would include computer and music education activities.

The goal of HAMASPIK Community Habilitation is consistent with those serviced and the services offered. The consumer’s are supervised by a designated service coordinator and supervisor, both of whom are accomplished professional. Through structured programming it is anticipated that each individual will be able to improve in the area of daily living, as well as in social and recreational skills. The program’s goal is to eliminate maladaptive behaviors without invasive or costly medicine.

The family of the consumer is treated as an essential team member and is included in each of the planning stages. HAMASPIK Com Hab makes psycho/educational and supportive services available to them and they are encouraged to participate. 

With regard to the community, consumers are instructed in adaptive travel methods, on integrating into communal activities and on how to be mainstreamed as contributing community members. These goals are realized through regularly scheduled trips, and using neighborhood resources for daily needs. The program’s setting is warm and nurturing, with MR/DD individuals cared for by a skillful team with linguistic capabilities and cultural sensitivity.

Progress is measured by periodic program review and team consultations, incident review, and consumer satisfaction surveys. Program development includes consumers, families, and professionals-with modifications stemming from these suggestions. Families work directly with the service coordinator to assess and set goals during their visits with the family.