Regardless of the setting, individuals need to be able to access community resources to the best of their ability to maximize their potential for independence and personal choice. EMRI, fully supports the individuals we serve in accessing the community resources of their choice. It is EMRI’s belief that the individuals we serve have a diversity of gifts and talents, just as every citizen, that can truly enhance their perspective communities. While sharing such gifts/talents enhances the individual’s perspective communities, the positive attributes for the individual’s self-esteem is immeasurable.
Additionally, EMRI is insistent that the individuals we serve must have the opportunity to meet others, have experiences beyond their homes, and to the extent possible have opportunities to enhance their social and vocational experiences as do others in their communities. To achieve each individual outcome, EMRI, is determined to actively engage the individuals and their team members to ensure the individuals can have the opportunity to participate in community activities of their choice.
Our agency sincerely believes that the individuals we serve must be given the opportunity to meet and share experiences with friends that are not housemates or paid staff. Every individual served is periodically surveyed regarding their interest of both leisure and recreational activities. Once it’s determined what kinds of activities the individual would like to engage in, staff serving the individual begin exploring available community options. It is important to note that the EMRI requires the individual’s served to be at forefront of each activity they choose to engage in. Again, each activity selected is individually tailored based upon individual preference.
Our role as the Day Waiver provider is to facilitate the steps to ensure the individuals served are given the opportunity to engage. Such steps include:
- Surveying the individual’s interest and preferences;
- Identifying possible community activities and events;
- Assisting the individuals develop friendships with other local citizens and
- Ensuring the individuals have the necessary transportation to and from community events.