The TECO Program (Training, Education, Community Orientation)

The TECO Program is designed to serve developmentally disabled adults, ages 22-85. Educate, Experience and Expose are the steps taken to achieve community integrations.

The individuals involved in this program are in need of training in the very basic of life skills such as academic, social, health and safety. Following directions, staying on task, basic use of tools such as scissors are examples of the very basics.

The participants of the TECO Program are from low socio-economic backgrounds to moderate backgrounds. Most of these individuals have never participated in a program like ours and are in need of a high degree of supervision and intervention.

Alternatives for these individuals do not exist other than institutionalization. Providing the skills training and interventions needed on an individual basis has proven to be very successful in enabling each participant to positively and actively engage in social and recreational activities, to learn basic life and academic skills and in turn, better participate in their home life and remain in the community.

Many individuals have advanced from the TECO program to the Contract Production area and are now working in our vocational department earning a paycheck. Prior to that, one of our participants used the 911 call learned at the program to save her mother's life. Even though she herself was unable to speak, she knew to dial 911 and leave the phone off the hook. Independence is growing to be the best you can be, whatever level that is for any person.

The TECO Program relies heavily on the individual skills trainers to observe, interact one-on-one, and bond with each person they are assigned to train. Our skills trainers find the best ways to individualize the training that best fits each person for retaining practicable experiences and knowledge. Stimulation to learning objectives are highly regarded in this program.