L.I.F.E. on the Coast

Learning Independence From Experience or L.I.F.E. on the Coast is an exciting new service being initiated by Parents and Friends, Inc.

L.I.F.E. on the Coast is a totally community based service that is tailored to an individual’s needs involving work and non-work related activities. All services will be provided in natural environments where activities typically occur for non-disabled people. Participants in this new service will be 18 years of age and older and may include those in their last year of high school. Participants will be encouraged and supported to choose their own job development and other activities based on their own dreams, needs, and goals.

Staff will be flexible and creative in developing schedules and supporting participant preferences. There will be trust and open communication among participants, their families, educators, service providers, regional center service coordinators, and rehabilitation couselors. Activities will be structured to maximize interaction with and proximity to non-disabled peers, co-workers, and community members. Staff will promote, encourage and support people with and without disabilities to interact while respecting the needs and perspectives of all parties. We recognize that personal connections develop over time and depend on frequency of opportunity and the comfort level of the individuals. Individuals will be given aids and supports to allow them to better engage and interact with others.

We are very excited about this new service and will keep you posted on our progress.

For more information, call Leann Pill at 964-1489.