- The IDDI Rockets Bowling League had a phenomenal second season at the Somerset Holiday Lanes. The league was comprised of eight individuals from the ABLE II program who spent approximately 12 weeks at the lanes. On September 27, 2007 a luncheon was held for league members, their friends and family at the IDDI gymnasium. Bowlers received individual certificates acknowledging their personal achievements on the league, in addition to a team picture. Some of the awards presented that day were for men’s and women’s high game with handicap; high average; high series and most improved bowler. Congratulations to all of the bowlers on their accomplishments!
- On January 18, 2008 the adult program held its second annual “Self-Determination Award” luncheon to honor eleven individuals nominated for the award. This year’s award was especially important as it was renamed the “Aaron Gurian Self-Determination Award” in honor of one nominee, who after calling IDDI home for more than 30 years, passed away in November of 2007. It was said at the ceremony that Aaron’s life exemplified the ability and courage to live a self-determined life regardless of circumstances, including his own challenges. It was our honor to have known such a man and hope that his legacy will live on through the renaming of this significant award. This year’s recipient of the “Aaron Gurian Self-Determination Award” was James. In addition to overcoming many personal challenges of his own, Jim was selected primarily for his involvement in, and dedication to, the IDDI Human Rights Committee. As an active member of the Committee, Jim serves as a representative for his peers, ensuring their rights are observed and protected. All nominees received a certificate of recognition and a pin commemorating their nominations. Jim, as this year’s recipient, received a certificate of recognition, a trophy and $100.
- In July 2007 New Hampshire DMR conducted a Quality Review of our ABLE program and 19 Payne Cove Road. This was a positive experience for all, with both programs receiving another year of certification.
- In July 2007, our ABLE day habilitation programs and IDDI’s Administration were visited by CARF. We are pleased to announce that we have now received our fourth consecutive three year certification. Also of note is an exemplary notation by the CARF surveyors
“ IDDI collects a great deal of information about each individual that is used in individual support planning and goal development, including medical history; psychological and social information; skills of independent living; and previous adaptive, educational, and therapeutic services. An interdisciplinary team of staff members works in close collaboration to ensure that all needs and desires of each individual are addressed in service delivery.”
This acknowledgement to the work and dedication of staff to the support of individuals exemplifies what the Adult Program stands for - ‘Supporting Adults to Success and Achievement.’ Congratulations to all staff that ensured a successful CARF survey. - In June 2007 our Residential department was visited by the DMR Office of Quality Enhancement. During the month, the surveyors conducted a Quality Review of the services and supports for adults. We are pleased to share that the residential department received its second two year certification. As always, staff throughout the agency worked together to ensure a positive survey. We thank everyone for their continued support and dedication to the program.
- The ADDP Direct Support Professional Award for 2007 was presented to Keri Mochi, the Residential Supervisor at 38 Narrows Road. Keri has strived to get the ten individuals that she supports, all who are non verbal and non ambulatory, more involved in the community. Keri has learned specific eye gaze and facial expressions in order to assist individuals in making community choices. Individuals attend sporting events, wrestling matches, and concerts. Keri encourages all supporters to assist individuals in exploring new options.
- At the 2007 ADDP conference, Sean J. received Honorable Mention for The Chuck Howard Self-Determination Award. Sean was nominated for this award for all of the barriers that he has overcome and for the strides that he has made since he has moved to 18 Narrows Road in August, 2006. Since his move from a large to a smaller home, he enjoys cooking with assistance from supporters and also frequents the community with much success.
- The Adult Program is very active in the area of fundraising. Be it residential, day habilitation or community support, each department has come up with innovative and creative ways to supplement their program needs, always ensuring the individuals are getting the best. Last year our residential program hosted its fourth annual Karaoke Night. The event raised over $1,500 to provide funds for individuals in need. This year’s Karaoke Night is September 20, 2008.The day program also had some creative fundraising over the past year. The ABLE Kitchen Cook Book was a phenomenal success. With recipe submissions from individuals, families, friends and staff, cookbook sales exceeded $600. Two other successful fundraising events held by the day program were a candle sale and May Day Pancake breakfast, both bringing in well over $1,500. The community support program will be hosting a number of exciting fundraisers in 2008, from a McSupporter’s Night, where a portion of all proceeds sold at a local McDonalds are given to the program. Proceeds from all of these events benefit the men and women we support each day.
- A very exciting development is the Assistive Technology space at ABLE I. This exciting new venture will consist of an interactive space with a wealth of technological advances to support people in accessing their world. Keep a look out as we update the website about the progress of this space.
- New physical plant changes have been made at our ABLE II program and are in process at ABLE I.; ABLE II recently had a tunnel connector put in to combine the “culinary arts training center” with the main facility of ABLE II. This now allows for members to freely access the entire facility, provides for a dining area for lunches, and supports the continued use of the kitchen space. This expansion has also allowed for the creation of a separate nursing area, and an office space for nursing personnel and the Director of the ABLE II program. ABLE I is currently undergoing some significant changes to its Snoezelen room. This room is a sensory rich environment that supports a variety of specific needs to people, from visual and olfactory stimulation to auditory and tactile. This expansion allows for a variety of new innovative pieces of equipment to be installed, while supporting more people in a session.
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Each year parents and friends are invited to attend our annual Human Rights Awareness Day. The day provides an open discussion and question/answer session for everyone in attendance. Materials such as talking picture books, flashcards, and audio tapes were available for viewing. These are the same items available to individuals within each residential home, and are consistent in defining each individual's right— Liberty, Equality, Privacy, Expression, Association, and Property. These rights are the defining principles that ensure each person receives an exceptional quality of life at IDDI. The materials used provide examples of how each of the rights is fully exercised on a daily basis. Human Rights Awareness Days are now a fun, interactive training and information session held four times per calendar year. The Human Rights Officers (HRO) have created a panel discussion focusing on each individual’s rights – Liberty, Equality, Privacy, Expression, Association, and Property. The HROs then test their audience’s knowledge with a fun, yet challenging game of Human Rights Jeopardy. This most recent Awareness Day was held on March 20, 2008. Friends, families and peers are encouraged to attend this event.
Another exciting breakout in the area of Human Rights has been the quarterly Human Rights Newsletter titled Four Seasons – One Mission. The HROs are solely responsible for the development and implementation of this informative newsletter, sent out to all individuals, families, guardians, staff and other interested parties. The newsletter focuses on a specific area of Human Rights, while offering other interesting facts. Keep your eyes out in the mail for the next installment due out in Fall 2008.
On May 30, 2006 the Human Rights Committee for the Adult program unanimously voted to appoint James C. to a seat on the Committee. Jim, as he is known, has been supported by IDDI since 1978. Jim brings an important perspective to the Committee and actively engages in the promotion of rights for himself and his peers. He asks pertinent questions, is focused and attentive to his task. Congratulations to Jim on his new and exciting role.
- ABLE I and ABLE II Day Hab Programs have started a Horticulture Program where the individuals engage in planting and caring for different species of flowers and herbs. Both programs have two growing tables with lights so plants can be grown year round.
This program is now heading into its second season. Folks are getting seed catalogues, planning plantings and gearing up for a fruitful growing season. This program not only provides a sense of satisfaction to its participants through the success of growing a plant, it engages the senses of touch, smell and taste.
Both ABLE programs celebrate our “Cultural Day”. These special days occur four times yearly and allow individuals a chance to explore all aspects of a particular culture, including music, language, art and food. Through visits to the library and museums and via the internet, groups create a day of culture and learning, giving others the opportunity to come and explore the diversity that exists in our community and world. “Cultural Day” remains a wonderful learning experience for many individuals, and they have explored some amazing places, from America in July 2007; to Germany for Oktoberfest; and Mexico in January 2008. Each quarter, the folks at ABLE decide on a place to explore.
- Nancy C.’s art work was displayed this year at the Annual DMR Human Rights Conference on June 12th. Her painting is titled “Cat Toss.” This conference is attended by over 800 people providing supports within the DMR system. In the fall of 2006, Nancy attended an art class for eight weeks offered at Bristol Community College in Fall River.
Check back on our site for more information in the upcoming months.