Person Centered Thinking Practices

Person Centered Thinking Practices is at the heart of each participant’s service. An initial intake meeting identifies strengths, interests, and support needs. A staffing ratio of 1:8 on-site and 1:4 in the community allows for an emphasis on the needs of each individual. Each participant is given the opportunity to choose each day’s activities, on-site or out in the community, such as volunteer opportunities, education, and paid work. Our redesigned facilities host classes on a variety of topics including life skills for community integration, computer skills, and training in video editing and production.

Employment

Obtaining real work for real pay is the most desired outcome for individuals with a disability. EMCC assists with career development, job clubs, job site visits, and provides paid work opportunities. Career development consists of:

• Discovery process, where the individual explores who they are and what they would like to do;
• Career exploration, where individuals identify specific careers that match their interests, skills, strengths, and values; and
• Career planning and management, which includes focus on soft skills, career-specific skills, job search skills, and job development.

Media & Technology

The media technology segment of our EMCC service includes training in technology and media as means to connect to the community. Participants learn skills such as how to use a computer, access the web, use email, research community resources, and video production. Hope partners with local TV stations to develop public service announcements for local non-profit organizations and community events. Each participant creates their own “annual movie” of themselves participating in work and other activities. We have found that utilizing media and technology in this way results in increased satisfaction, self-esteem, and personal independence.

Community-Based Activities

Individuals with disabilities want to be active and contributing members of their community, so EMCC participants often choose to participate in activities at local community centers, YMCAs, gyms, and parks. They have volunteer opportunities and can take art classes, community college classes, and adult education classes.