Daily Living Skills

Creating opportunities to enrich life.

Unlock Potential: A sensory-based approach to communication and mobility.

Daily Living Skills provides an educational curriculum created to increase multiple types of communication and mobility while engaging in sensory-based activities.

Who it is designed for:

Daily Living Skills serves adults with severe and profound disabilities who need extra supports for basic life needs. Our compassionate, capable staff go above and beyond to create a safe, engaging environment where every person can thrive.

What it is designed to do:

This program uses person-centered planning to guide highly trained Direct Support Professionals in teaching essential skills. Goals often include improving motor coordination, strengthening verbal and nonverbal communication, and developing independence in eating, toileting, and other daily necessities. Sessions incorporate sensory stimulation, gross motor activities, communication strategies, and even adaptive technology—such as tablet time for those with limited hand dexterity. A strict personal care regimen ensures health and safety while participants explore, learn, and grow. For individuals who use wheelchairs, we prioritize opportunities for off-chair movement to stretch and experience life from a new perspective.

For more information about OE, download our Programs and Services Handbook. To learn more about Day Programs, download a copy of our Day Programs Supplemental Guide.

Standard for all Day Programs

  • Services available M-F 7:30am – 4:00pm

  • 1:1 personal care and mealtime assistance available

  • On-site nursing staff and medication administration

  • Direct Support Professionals trained in First Aid, CPR, and Crisis Prevention Intervention

  • Curb-to-Curb transportation available

  • Support to achieve personalized goals

  • Annual assessment and team meeting

  • Dedicated staff member who serves as your direct liaison between the program and guardian

Unique to Daily Living Skills

  • 4:1 client/staff ratio model

  • Located at OE Lakeside with access to Lakeside Amenities

  • Adaptive equipment to support daily time out of wheelchairs if desired
  • Sensory equipment to build cause and effect understanding

Component # per week Purpose
Art 2 Art is an important element of a person’s week. It allows expression through both verbal and nonverbal means. It enables each person to express individuality through the choice of colors and materials. Art develops creativity, imagination, self-expression, and cooperation. All activities are structured and organized for maximum participation.
Communication 2 Communication is a component that encourages each individual to use their voice to select what item they would like to engage with. We use GoTalk machines to allow non-verbal individuals to communicate their desires.
Grooming 2 Grooming is a time to sit back and relax! Staff members will assist each individual who wishes to have their hair brushed, apply lotion to their hands, and paint their nails.
Gross Motor Skills 2 Exercise is important to everyone regardless of functioning level. Physical activity develops motor skills, coordination, balance, and awareness of spatial relationships. It also tones muscles and is vital to overall health—strengthening the heart and lungs, lowering blood pressure, and helping to maintain a healthy weight.
Hands-On Sensory 2-3 Hands-On Sensory consists of a variety of materials that individuals physically interact with. They can choose between items that have unique tactile, audio, or visual qualities.
Listening 2 Listening is comprised of various types of audio CDs. The options include a mix of artists, compilations, relaxation, international, soundtracks, and audiobooks.
Music 2 Music is expressive. Music is creative. Music is fun! Music focuses on rhythm, movement, singing, and the playing of instruments. No matter one’s functioning level, music can be enjoyed. We will explore a wide variety of artists and genres of music.
Puzzles 2 Puzzles consist of a variety of large wooden puzzles that individuals may choose to complete. Many have knobs on the pieces to allow for ease of use and music to encourage engagement.
Reading 2 Reading is a time for storytelling. Staff members pick from a selection of books that the curriculum staff rotates. Clients may also use this time to browse the library for books to read independently.
Sensory 2 Sensory is a time to decompress and relax. A variety of soothing equipment is turned on, such as bubble tubes, effects wheels, fiber optic strands, star lights, ambient videos, etc.
Table Activities 2-3 Table activities consist of a variety of materials that individuals interact with. They can work on sorting activities, play games, and practice fine motor skills by building, stacking, etc.
Tablets 2

Tablets are utilized in the curriculum for a variety of reasons. Individuals interact with both books and applications depending on each one’s interests and ability level. While involved with a tablet, they are developing skills in at least one of the following areas: 

  • Matching
  • Following directions
  • Fine motor skills
  • Vocabulary development
  • Cognitive and reasoning skills (puzzles, etc.)
  • Auditory processing

 

Ready to make every day extraordinary?

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Joey was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at birth and is non-verbal and wheelchair bound. After touring six locations, Opportunity Enterprises, at its Lakeside property, was the only place that really caught our eye. It was bright, cheerful and right on Lake Eliza with a beautiful view. Staff are always friendly, helpful and have Joey laughing all the time. Now that Joey has been attending the Lakeside location for over 10 years, we know more than ever that Opportunity Enterprises was the right choice.

Angie G., Parent of an OE Client

Papa.’ To hear our grown daughter begin to verbalize words we never thought she’d say brings us unimaginable joy! It is because of OE’s encouragement and regular goal setting that Jenny was able to accomplish something none of us thought possible. I no longer have to push Jenny through the door walking behind her. Instead, I can walk shoulder to shoulder through a door with my Jenny. We thank OE for making this happen.

Barbara and John N., Parents of an OE client

Meet Samantha

When she first came to our day program, our 2022 Daily Living Skills Client of the Year was unable to make transitions throughout the day. We’re so proud of how far Samantha has come!