Getting started.
Navigating the complex world of services and resources available to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can sometimes be complicated or overwhelming. Through our Community Outreach program, we provide expert guidance and support.
Our team actively works with groups, schools and other invaluable allies to create an unmatched network of services to help people with disabilities and their families. Together, our Park Lawn Team can assess each person’s situation and help find the support, education, and services needed, while also building a lasting relationship with Park Lawn.
Ready to connect? Simply contact Sharon Butterfield, MSW, at [email protected] or call (708) 586-7277.
Our team actively works with groups, schools and other invaluable allies to create an unmatched network of services to help people with disabilities and their families. Together, our Park Lawn Team can assess each person’s situation and help find the support, education, and services needed, while also building a lasting relationship with Park Lawn.
Ready to connect? Simply contact Sharon Butterfield, MSW, at [email protected] or call (708) 586-7277.
Programs that forge life-long connections.At Park Lawn, we help adults with disabilities discover their passion and take pride in their accomplishments by providing a space to be themselves. A home to call their own. A place to connect and forge lasting friendships.
To help our participants realize their greatest potential, we offer a comprehensive range of services and residences — all expertly matched to their interests, comfort and capabilities. From community day programs to supported employment to residential living, we help people lead a full, meaningful life while having fun along the way. |
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It’s vital for everyone to be part of a larger social fabric. We offer four community-based programs focused on different levels of involvement — from fast-paced, dynamic programs for those transitioning from the school system to slower paced programs for participants who are older or may have less stamina.
As part of our commitment to help every individual lead a well-rounded life, all programs offer opportunities for personal growth, exploration of interests, increased self-awareness and community interaction while honoring individual choice and abilities. Our team members will help match participants to the option best suited to their needs. ChoiceLocations: Crestwood and Chicago Ridge
This fast-paced program promotes responsibility, independence and self-advocacy by empowering participants to explore and discover new interests within the community for the majority of their day.
At the heart of it all is our forward-thinking curriculum that provides the in-house training and skills needed to pursue nearby social, employment and volunteering opportunities. The Choice program focuses on person-centered job development and includes customized strategies to assist in identifying a desired career path. Participants also take on greater responsibility to create their own schedule of activities from an ever-changing lineup of social experiences that match their interests. DiscoverLocations: Tinley Park and Palos Heights
Like our Choice program, Discover offers opportunities to explore interests, increase
self-awareness and be part of the local culture — with participants spending only a portion of their day in the community. In our small, vibrant setting, participants engage in in-house activities, skill building and peer interaction to help them choose community and volunteer activities that spark their interests and imaginations. To instill a sense of greater purpose, each participant takes on a larger role and responsibility by building their own schedule. Discover strives to create as many unique social and volunteering experiences as possible. ConnectionsLocation: Oak Lawn
Connections is a unique program serving people with severe intellectual disabilities who are medically fragile. The goal of Connections is to make each day better by providing a welcoming and safe environment at Park Lawn. Here, participants engage in a variety of discovery and individualized services to enhance communication, independence and community exploration.
In our small, friendly setting, Connections sets the stage for greater staff and peer interactions. Like all our day services, Connections encompasses activities and skill building to help participants choose in-house programs and community activities that pique their interests while honoring individual choice. GraceLocation: Palos Heights
Park Lawn is especially dedicated to advocating and supporting adults with disabilities in every phase of life. Through our Grace program, we cater to an older population who may be experiencing physical and cognitive changes as they age. Designed to meet their unique and evolving needs, Grace provides active programs and choices that help enhance their quality of life.
In our small, welcoming setting, Grace focuses on person-centered planning with a greater staff to participant ratio. Our team blends our notable curriculum with community exploration to create engaging opportunities to expand horizons and explore interests based on their abilities.
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Employment is transformative to the lives of our participants, instilling an enormous sense of pride and satisfaction in a job well done. In collaboration with the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS), we offer a variety of employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Before beginning our program, all individuals are referred to the DRS and must be approved to participate in community integrated employment. Once approved, job development can begin. Job Coach SupportTo assure success, a job coach is assigned to each program participant and the employer. The role of the job coach is to learn the assigned job and teach the skills necessary to maximize job performance.
The job coach also acts as a liaison between the employer and the program participant to address any questions or concerns and foster a healthy working relationship. The job coach provides support during the initial training period and remains available to the employer and employee for assistance. Park Lawn provides the job coach at no cost to the employer. Employer SatisfactionOur team works hard to foster mutually beneficial relationships with community businesses. Businesses appreciate this program because they gain a hardworking employee who will perform a needed task. In return, Supported Employment participants truly appreciate and value their jobs. They have a strong sense of loyalty to their employers and enjoy going to work, learning new skills and giving back to their communities.
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Our Home-Based Services are designed to assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. This Medicaid Waiver program provides federal and state funds, on a monthly basis, to obtain the support and community services necessary to meet individualized needs and goals.
To help assure success, all program participants and designated family members work closely with our Self-Direction Assistants to create a person-centered plan. Our friendly, Self-Direction Assistants are a crucial resource to help navigate this complex system while maximizing the impact of the prescribed plan and funding. Self-Direction Assistants also provide ongoing guidance and coaching that empowers family members to become better advocates for their loved one. Park Lawn is proud to work with hundreds of families each year, offering ongoing guidance and assistance while cultivating long-lasting partnerships. The Role of Self-Direction AssistantsPark Lawn’s Self-Direction Assistants will advocate for all program participants and work closely with their families to accomplish the following
Services and Supports Available through Home-Based Services:
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People feel more empowered when they have a home to call their own. For adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Park Lawn has eight Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA) and two Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF).
All of our homes are attuned to residents’ individual needs and capabilities, while providing a comfortable space where ideas and input are valued, and opportunities for home and community participation abound. Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA)Locations: Chicago Ridge (2), Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Tinley Park (3), Worth
Capacity: 5 to 6 residents Situated in friendly neighborhoods throughout Chicago’s south suburbs, our eight CILA homes provide the greatest opportunity for independent living.
With guidance from our caring staff, residents make household decisions and are highly involved in meal planning and preparation, home upkeep and developing personalized schedules that match their individual interests both at home and in the community. Intermediate Care FacilitiesPark Lawn CenterLocation: Alsip
Capacity: 40 residents Park Lawn HomeLocation: Alsip
Capacity: 15 residents Home to people with more significant intellectual and developmental disabilities, these two Intermediate Care Facilities create a welcoming environment to meet the social, physical and basic nursing needs of each individual.
At both locations, the highly attentive staff strives to motivate and inspire residents to advance personal skills and work towards the goal of further independence. With staff guidance, residents share in household decision making and enjoy participating in the planning of social and community activities. Interested In Our Residential Services?For more information, please contact Bonnie Willett, NHA, Director of Residential Services at (708) 396-1117 or email [email protected].
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