Day Options

Step By Step’s popular Day Option programs, Compass and Pathways, are offered Monday through Friday, 9 am to 3 pm, to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Located two blocks apart in Wilkes-Barre, the programs differ in focus but share a common goal of personalized plan development and growth.  Some participants transition from Compass to Pathways as their independence increases; other times, individuals in Pathways choose Compass when added support is needed. In both programs, individualized programs are designed to let a person’s preferences, skills and abilities drive an actionable plan for pursuing their unique goals.

Compass

Compass focuses primarily on helping individuals find direction, grow confidence and skills and identify their role in the community. Many adults in Compass have complex medical needs that are supported and considered in all aspects of their day-to-day.

Most individuals in Compass work primarily toward some combination of:

• Life skills training (pre-vocational)
• Goal activities
• Socialization and community integration
• Volunteering

Compass mornings are generally focused on personal goals, with afternoons devoted to group activities such as arts and crafts, bingo, board games, cooking classes and demonstrations. Some individuals choose to join a larger group in the community, bowling, seeing a movie, visiting a park or one of many other excursions.

As they progress in their journey toward independence, Compass participants may choose to move to Pathways. Here, they can enroll in the Vocational/Supported Employment program and work toward job-related goals.

Pathways

In Pathways, a great deal of emphasis is placed on volunteerism and employment. Program participants choose from a wide variety of volunteer options and may elect to spend part of their day in the community. Employment preparation, worksite simulations and skills building are key areas of focus. Some individuals have jobs, earning minimum wage or more, which take up a portion of their day.

Monthly birthday acknowledgements, holiday celebrations, group picnics and confidence-building karaoke and talent shows are Compass and Pathways favorites. Still, Day Options’ real calling card is its practice of letting individuals choose how they spend their time.

Individuals who are interested in Compass and/or Pathways take a tour of the two locations and determine their preference. Step By Step makes all efforts to enroll adults in the option of their choice.

For More Information Contact:

• Northeast Regional Office            (570) 829-3477