Residential Programs
A Home in the Community
Avenues to independence provides opportunities for people with disabilities to experience independence by living and participating in their community. We support community living in apartments and single family homes where our residents can experience everyday life in their community and be part of a neighborhood. Our residents are given opportunities to lead the lives they choose.
They receive training in the areas of cooking, housekeeping, budgeting, transportation and other daily living skills that are essential for independent living. These and other decision making skills are carried out by each individual to the best of their capabilities, and as independently as possible.
Staff provides support depending upon the specific needs of each resident. Some require round-the-clock care, while others might only need a short, daily check-in. All staff members go through extensive training mandated by the Illinois Department of Human Services. in addition, staff members receive ongoing training in areas such as safety, first aid, abuse and neglect, behavior management, CPR and other pertinent needs.
Residential & Group Homes
Avenues operates residential homes and apartments throughout Des Plaines and Park Ridge. For information on all Avenues residential programs please contact our Admissions department at 847-541-5250 ext. 2108 or email admissions@avenuestoindependence.org.
Most of Avenues' Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) homes provide 24 hour staff on premises support. The men and women living in these homes received personalized support from dedicated staff.
The Independent Living Arrangement (ILA) program offers more customized support services including skills training, personal assistance and employment related services. All services are designed to meet each individual's needs, preferences, and strengths regardless of abilities
Professional Support Services
Based on the needs of each person served, the residential programs will provide, arrange, or refer the individual for support or training in the following areas:
- Basic academic skills
- Basic self-care
- Communication skills
- Consumer affairs
- Contingency planning, problem solving and decision making
- Financial management
- Health maintenance
- Housekeeping and home maintenance
- Human sexuality
- Interpersonal relationships
- Management of personal and legal affairs
- Menu planning and meal preparation
- Mobility and community transportation skills
- Recreational and leisure time activities
- Safety practices including dealing with injuries and life threatening emergencies
- Self advocacy and assertiveness training
- Technology usage
- Utilization of community services and resources
- Work attitudes and skill exploration
- Life issues and transitions
The skill areas are taught through goals or classes with various program staff. Daily activities reflect the needs and choices of the persons serviced.
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