The Community Connections Program

Developing Relationships

The Community Connections Program assists people with developmental disabilities who desire an alternative to work activity. The program helps people to identify interests and develop relationships through their participation in community groups or associations. Through this exposure, it is hoped a person will develop a natural support network and cultivate lasting relationships.

The Community Connections Program uses an innovative "Social Guide" model where program participants are paired with a Social Guide whose primary objective is providing support and assisting individuals to:

• Make choices and have control over the type of endeavors in which they may participate.
• Participate in activities in which they have an interest or talent and connect with people sharing similar interests.
• Develop their talents and by doing so, contribute and actively participate in the community.
• Build relationships, thus expanding their network.

Eligibility
People participating in the Community Connections Program must be at least 18 years of age and are usually eligible for services provided by the Hamilton County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. LADD's Community Connections Program will consider people not eligible for Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities services on an individual basis provided the availability of the necessary resources.

For more information about this program, contact Jim Steffey, Director of Program Operations at http://513.487.3926 or jsteffey@laddinc.org.

Certification
LADD is certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities as a Medicaid Waiver Provider. Funding is provided in part by Hamilton County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Private Pay Option Available.

CARF Accreditation has been awarded to LADD for The Community Connections Program.