Some adults may transition to adult therapy providers or vocational programs, while others find that the best option for achieving new goals is to continue services with Easterseals. We are a team of pediatric experts, with specialized knowledge, and equipment designed to serve children. However, we are committed to helping adults toward their therapy goals when our skills are the best match for their needs.
We appreciate being part of your care team. We know how important it is to work with therapists who understand your history and support your goals. That is why we are always here to collaborate on the most appropriate and effective plan to ensure future progress.
We want to establish a plan of care and knowledge that prepares you for the next life stage.
Our objective is to provide the resources or services necessary for successful transition to adulthood. As the body and mind grow and change, so do physical and social needs. There are many adaptive tools, resources and technology advancements that enhance daily life for adults with disabilities.
How do we help transition to adulthood?
Clinical Check-Ins
We welcome check-ins to help troubleshoot concerns or identify and address a decline in function or abilities.
Episodes of Care
Having a lifelong health condition does not mean lifelong and continuous therapies. In different phases of life, needs change and services look different.
Ongoing therapy is intended to improve functional abilities and build new skills. After a series of therapy sessions, it's typical to see skills level off and less change week-to-week. When this happens, a break from therapy provides an opportunity to relax, re energize and practice skills at home – often sparking progress.
Research shows that therapy sessions are most effective when you plan and group them as episodes of care. Each episode is a period of goal-based treatment followed by practice breaks. We work with you to establish a plan of care that ensures the needs of every aging child are met and that they feel empowered to keep reaching their goals into adulthood.
Transitioning to Episodic Care:
A personalized transition plan is designed based on therapy history, functional goals and the client’s motivation.
- By age 18 we will facilitate a team meeting to identify goals and build your family’s individualized plan.
- The transition to focused episodic care takes effect by the time a client reaches age 21, but may be earlier depending on the client’s needs.
Setting & Supporting Goals
Goal and discharge planning is a continuous process. We are here to ensure you have the information and support you need to make informed decisions.
We understand your school may work with you to support transition planning. Our role is to support the work that is being done by other members of your care and education team. We will work together to set measurable and attainable goals for future success.
Reach out to discuss setting up an episode of care if:
- You wish to achieve a new goal.
- You have experienced a functional setback or concern.
- You have had a change in your health status or surgery.
- Home programs need to be updated or modified.
- You would like to problem-solve a challenge.
- Daily living routines
- Managing new or existing equipment
- Transferring
Easterseals Services
These specialized clinics take a multi-disciplinary approach and provide specific and individual care to best suit your individual needs.
Audiology for All Ages and All Abilities
Audiologists at Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley help solve hearing problems with a supportive rehabilitative approach, one that works to accommodate families' unique needs. Easterseals has very experienced and qualified adult and pediatric audiologists who serve all family members from newborns needing follow-up hearing testing to older adults who have gradually lost their hearing and are now in need of hearing aids. Audiology services are provided at both the Villa Park and Elgin locations.
D’Arcy Center for Family Services
Support and Resources for the Future
We are here to ensure you have the information and support required to make informed decisions through each phase of life. Our Care Coordinator, Annemarie LeCompte, is available to point you to resources, people, and partner organizations that can help. We can connect you to other Easterseals families who have shared similar experiences, and provide information on important topics including:
- Navigating PUNS
- Employment Agencies
- Adapted Equipment and Home Modifications
- Transportation
- And more
If we don’t offer a specific service or meet a specific need, we very likely have a trusted referral that does. Contact Annemarie at alecompte@eastersealsdfvr.org or 630.261.6193 or view the resources below.
Resources
Many Easterseals families have found the programs listed helpful. We encourage each client and their family to complete their own research as each individual's needs are different.
