Self Reliance of Utah accepts adults with any type of cognitive disability. Brain injury, Autism, Down's syndrome, developmental disabilities and Dementia are examples of better known cognitive disabilities, with drug/alcohol abuse and PTSD being less thought of causes of cognitive disabilities.
Program areas focus on:
1. Home Lifestyle: Individuals are coached in life skills such as how to maintain health, including appropriate hygiene; plan a menu, shop and cook; find and maintain housing; participate in appropriate leisure time activities; learn basic computer skills; have positive relationships with roommates; and appropriately entertain guests.
2. Transportation: Those who use our services learn the safe use of public transportation; efforts to learn to drive are supported; and safety and etiquette while being out and about in the community are taught.
3. Employment Support: Individuals are guided through the process of writing a resume, online job searches and becoming connected with a Supported Employment Counselor at Vocational Rehabilitation or a private job coach. For those who are already employed, assistance with employee/employer/co-worker relationship building and communication issues ensure that the workplace remains enjoyable and rewarding for all. In addition, support and encouragement is provided for those we serve as they increase their job skills through training or education.
4. Finances: Money management education is offered and ongoing support is provided for all aspects of their financial lives, including: budgeting; maintaining and balancing checking and savings accounts; paying bills on time; planning for and obtaining small loans up to home mortgages; setting up retirement accounts; and managing inheritances.
5. Social / Community Lifestyle: Individuals are assisted in building a strong and healthy social network so they will have trusted people to turn to who will act in their best interest. Positive, healthy ideas for dating and other opportunities for socializing are supported. The individuals we serve are encouraged to become active in the community of their choice through volunteering, and assistance is provided to make it a positive experience.
6. General Coaching: This option allows absolute flexibility in meeting an individual's needs. Individuals who choose this often have all other skills but no longer have the ability to bring everything together. Through this program we provide assistance in focusing, decision making, planning and follow through.
7. Caregivers: A Support Coaching Program for parents, adult siblings and care givers to assist them in processing life transitions, creating successful communication with their family member, and assist in processing through care giver issues such as enabling, letting go and letting grow, and the expectations vs. realities of life for a person living with a cognitive disability. In addition to the individual coaching program we offer both a Parent Support Group and an Adult Sibling Support Group to build networks of people with a common interest in (1) sharing the joys and frustrations of caring for an adult child or sibling with a cognitive disability and (2) preparing for the day when circumstances require a change of care giver for their family member with a disability.
