Community Habilitation (formerly known as At-Home Residential Habilitation) is a waiver service approved in OPWDD’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver. CH is a goal-oriented service that provides assistance in developing and improving skills that will help an individual increase their functioning. Ultimately enabling individuals with Developmental Disabilities to develop the skills necessary to be active participants in their homes and community. In the Community Habilitation Program, each individual’s strengths and needs are assessed, and plans are then developed to enhance the overall functioning of the individual. Each service plan is tailored to meet a participant’s specific needs for support, and each plan is implemented according to the principles of our Person-Centered approach.

What kind of services and supports does CH offer individuals?

Some of the services and supports that are offered to help an individual increase self-sufficiency include but are not limited to the following:

• Activities of Daily Living (personal care, meal preparation, household chores)
• Communication Skills
• Socialization Skills
• Community Safety Awareness
• Travel Training
• Money Management
• Community Inclusion
• Relationship Building
• Expanding the Individual’s knowledge and use of Community Resources

A well-rounded Community Habilitation plan is created along with the individual and their family to delineate goal-oriented objectives and methods that will be used by the staff to help the individual reach their fullest potential.

Where does an individual receive CH services?

CH services can be provided in a person’s home, as well as within their surrounding communities. The times and schedules of the Community Habilitation Program are arranged individually for each person.

Can an individual receiving CH also receive homecare or home attendant services?

Yes. As long as there is a defined service distinction between CH and homecare services delivered to the individual, both services can be provided in the home at the same time. For example, if the homecare agency is assisting the individual by preparing his/her meals and CH is assisting the individual in learning to prepare simple meals, there is a distinction in providing this service. This must be clearly delineated in the Community Habilitation service plan.

Is there any other information I need to know about CH before making a decision to have my loved one participate in this service?

CH is not a babysitting, homecare or respite service. CH is intended to work on goals that are mutually agreed upon by the individual, the parent/advocate and service provider. The parent/advocate must be willing to actively participate in the development of the Community Habilitation plan and be available for a review of the plan every six months.

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