18 - ADULTHOOD
The Enabling Good Lives report states that “all supports and services are led by the preferences, strengths, aspirations, and needs of disabled people and their families. An aspiration-based personal plan is the central document to design and measure paid supports. While the core components of plans may be similar, plans may take different forms.”
The EGL approach suggests people:
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Can make a plan based on their strengths and interests.
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Are in control of planning their support and they have help to make informed choices if needed and wanted.
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Have one plan that can be used by multiple services and supports.
Transition from School to a Good Life
More on Transition
Young adults with Angelman syndrome can remain at school until the age of 21yrs. During their last year at school, they will be working on their transition planning, with their school staff, whanua, and a transition coordinator (See PLANNING AHEAD: 14 - 18 YRS).
Follow the EGL approach, when planning your young adult's life after school.
Occupation Ideas & Options
Just like everyone else, many adults with Angelman Syndrome can find volunteer roles or paying jobs in their community that interest them, and that they genuinely enjoy participating in. Employment is most successful when the environment is chosen by the adult, based on their own strengths and preferences. Some examples are:
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Promotions Distributor: posting flyers
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Animal Care: walking dogs, shampooing dogs for a vet, grooming horses, feeding animals
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Horticulture Assistant: washing out flower pots and planting at a nursery
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Cleaner: vacuuming offices
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Recycling: paper shredding
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Patient Visitor: visiting the elderly and sick
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Co-driver/assistant for deliveries
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Artist/Designer: painter, photographer, print cards, make wrapping paper, etc
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Gardener: Grow vegetables, herbs, flowers & have bees
Vocational day services
This list is a work in progress.
Vocational day services in New Zealand, often offered in conjunction with disability support, aim to help adults with disabilities to develop life skills, and participate in community activities.
Key aspects of vocational day services in New Zealand:
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Focus on individual needs: Services are often tailored to the individual's interests, abilities, and goals, with a focus on building independence and social skills.
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Variety of activities: Activities may include art classes, volunteering, dance classes, on-the-job training, pottery making, music therapy, cooking classes, social outings, and sports, among others.
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Community participation: Services aim to help individuals become active participants in their local community.
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Support in finding and maintaining employment: Whenever possible, services may assist individuals in finding suitable employment, provide on-the-job support, and connect them with employers.
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Transition from school to adult life: Some services focus on supporting individuals transitioning from school into adult life and employment.
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Funding and eligibility: Disability Support Services (DSS), a business group within the Ministry of Social Development, provides essential support and funding for these services.
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Provider options: Various organizations offer vocational day services, including NZCL, Rescare Homes Trust, IDEA Services, and others.
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Individualized support plans: Services often work with individuals and their whānau/families to develop individualized day program service plans.
These day services help disabled adults to take part in their community and improve their interpersonal skills by providing access to regular meaningful social contact and stimulating activities. These services are changing since the introduction of the EGL approach, and are becoming more individualised. They include a range of activities depending on the provider and the person's Goal Plan (based on their interests and abilities).
Activities may include:
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daily living skills, education and learning activities, socialisation activities, inclusion within the local community, recreation and leisure activities.
Auckland:
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Creative Abilities, North Shore
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PEERS - EDUCATIONAL LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM, North Shore
North Auckland/Warkworth:
Christchurch:
Residential & Independent Living Options
Using the EGL approach, families are able to set up their own 'flatting' scenarios for their adult children - in their own community, with their own group of friends from school. Families can come together as a group and establish their vision, then approach their NASC to seek out a provider that can offer the best support for their vision. The challenge is to have a creative plan to finance a suitable house. Then the rest can follow. Key words: family partnership, co-design, local community
Providers managing residential homes:
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Choice in Community Living: Choice in Community Living is currently available in Auckland, Waikato, the Hutt, Otago and Southland regions only.
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IDEA Services (IHC) - IHC, through IDEA Services, supports adults of all ages with intellectual disabilities to live in their own homes and be part of their local communities.
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L'Arche Mt Tabor (Hellensville)
Independent supported living options: