At OUI we are experts at delivering developmental therapy. It is very rewarding to watch as individuals bloom by gaining confidence and independence. We have been priveledged to witness many developmental success stories. Following are just a few (for confidentiality pseudonyms are used):
Spencer has gone from living at home since graduation from high school. We did one-on-one treatment with him for several years and had just moved in August to 3 hours of group therapy. In the last year, he has moved into his own apartment in town, works 4 days a week at TriCo, and does not get developmental therapy as of a couple weeks ago. He is enjoying living on his own and working 4 days a week.
We have a young lady who has been in OUI since she was a small child. She grew up in a very dysfunctional home and has a developmental disability. Through services at OUI she has learned many skills such as self-advocacy, personal hygiene, social skills, staying on task, and communication skills. She has grown into quite an accomplished young lady. She has graduated from High School and now lives in an apartment and is engaged to be married. OUI still provides a few hours a week to help her learn homemaking, budgeting, cooking, and shopping skills, but overall she has shown tremendous growth.
My name is Linda Vestal. I am the Administrator of Guardian Angel Homes in Lewiston, Idaho. We are a specialized Assisted Living for Alzheimer and Dementia residents.
I have been working with Opportunities Unlimited for several years. It has been my pleasure to be able to hire 15 of their clients. I feel that the people from OUI are particularly suited to help with our residents. Their clients and our residents both have a disability or disease that is of no fault of their own.
My Opportunities Unlimited employees are meal aides, laundry workers, caregivers and housekeepers. They bring compassion, patience and no perceived prejudices where the dementia residents are concerned. The job coaches are a great asset to the clients and us during the transition process of the clients becoming employees. The clients fill shifts for me that I would not be able to fill without them. They can come in and work short 2 hours shifts that are needed daily.
Working at Guardian Angel Homes also helps them. It gives them confidence in them selves. They feel like they are making a difference in the lives of others. So much that, several of the meal aids have gone on to take the Certified Nursing Assistance course and are now working has caregivers.
Our partnership with Opportunities Unlimited has been a successful one. I look forward to our continual cooperation.
Sincerely,
Linda M Vestal
Jimmy went from out of control behaviors of screaming, hitting, and running away to a calm controlled child who enjoys time with his peers.
Brian worked very hard and finally mastered getting his Driver’s license.
Mark and Karen were able to move into an apartment of their own and need only a few hours a week of therapy.
Michelle was able to transition completely off of all OUI therapy and continues to live and work independently in her community.
Developmental therapy success is cumulative. It often starts with baby steps of growth at first; similar to building blocks. Each little success placed on another can lead to great developmental milestones being reached.