This department currently has 12 Skills Instructors who specialize in individualized one-on-one training for the Adult Day Training Program. What may seem like small accomplishments to some, this program instills independence and pride in the individuals that participate here. This program bestows the confidence and abilities to be part of the community in which they live.

Every individual has their own way of learning and remembering. Some people prefer memorization, some prefer hands on or visual/audio aides. Regardless of the method, our skills trainers have a strong desire and blessed gift in this area of personal growth and objectives.

During the annual Individual Personalized Plan (IPP) meeting with the Support Services Department, each individual expresses his/her areas of interest for life skills training. The Support Services Specialist implements a goal oriented program. As the yearly plan is developed, the individual will be called by his/her Skills Instructor to learn and practice the chosen skill each day they are in attendance at Alliance for Independence. There are currently over 250 skill programs to choose from and that number continues to grow. There are a wide range of skills available such as community adjustment, home management, functional academics, social environment, health and safety, identifying a stranger, community safety, listening skills, etc.

Positive reinforcement and repetitious training is a key element of this program. The programs are geared to be relative to the individual's own life and areas of interest. The skills training programs are reviewed monthly and modified as needed. When the individual is tested and validated for skill completion, he/she receives a certificate and token. The token is a reward and point system related incentive and can be used in Alliance for Independence's Token Store.

Ways to support this program:

• Skills Training wish list - we hope to update this wish list as frequently as possible. If you or someone you know can contribute we appreciate it all no matter how large or small.
• Volunteering - you may have unique, contributing communication skills to offer. Your time with us here in this department will be rewarding beyond your imagination. A real feel-good accomplishment will be what you leave here with each day you spend in the Individual Skills Training department.
• How You Can Help - Click on our How You Can Help button. There will be options for you to select from that may suit your ability to contribute.