Whether learning life skills in the home or participating in community activities of their choosing, our in-home and community supports are provided by quality direct support professionals who understand the value of personal choice, communication, and partnering. Direct care workers provide supervision, training, and assistance to clients in areas such as paying bills, budgeting, banking, grocery shopping, household maintenance, community integration and accessing social opportunities, and accessing health care providers and transportation. The goal of in-home and community support is to empower IDD individuals to live as independently as possible using individualized supports that promote active learning, healthy choices, and self-advocacy.

AHS fully supports the employability of those with IDD as an untapped talent segment of the country’s workforce. Employment promotes self-confidence, builds natural supports and relationships, and increases independence. AHS’s employment and job finding supports utilize the unique talents and skills of the IDD individual to acquire and maintain competitive employment that is meaningful to both the person supported and the employer. AHS job coaches research, identify, and solicit commitments from local companies for job opportunities that match the skill set, training, and education of our clients. AHS job coaches facilitate corporate relationships and monitor all client placements.

Companion services are provided to those who require fewer active supports in the moment due to their level of independence or the time of day. AHS champions all efforts to ensure our clients are safely living independently and arranges direct support professionals to provide more, or less, hands-on support in the home as a person needs. As with all services we provide, our supports are tailored to promote independence and maintain safety through education and personal choice.

The transition from school to living and working in the community can be overwhelming and challenging to individuals with IDD. AHS is committed to partnering with the person and assisting them in identifying their skills and goals through assessments, observations during support delivery, and input from the person and his/her family so he/she can successfully find their place in their community. By focusing on life skills, volunteering, and/or employment our transitional services are designed to empower each person to navigate the many challenges and changes he/she may face after leaving school. Our individualized approach allows the person to explore opportunities and target goals unique to their interests.

Volunteering in the community can provide the people we support an opportunity to contribute to their community, build skills toward paid employment, and establish natural supports and relationships. We work to identify and secure volunteering opportunities that will best suit the person’s interests and utilize their unique and invaluable skills. Much like our employment services, identifying volunteer opportunities is guided by the person supported and the volunteer opportunity that best suits both the person supported and the hosting organization or company.