Adult day program or job support? How to tell what fits
After school ends, many families ask the same thing: what will the day look like now? In Ohio, daytime services through a DODD waiver usually fall into two groups. Many people use a mix of both.
Adult day support
Adult day programs focus on skills, friendships, and community life. A day might include outings, life skills practice, art, exercise, and volunteering. They fit people who want structure, social time, and growth, whether or not work is a goal right now.
Employment services
Employment services focus on getting and keeping a job. They can include career planning, job training, and a job coach who supports the person at work. Ohio is an Employment First state, which means work in the community should be explored for everyone who wants it.
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is the state agency for vocational rehabilitation. It can also help with job training and finding work.
Questions to help you decide
- Does the person want to work? What kind of work sounds interesting?
- How many hours a day feel right?
- Does the person enjoy groups, or do better one on one?
- Would a mix work best, such as two days of work and three days of programming?
Ask your Service Coordinator which day and employment services can go in the plan, and how to change the mix later.