Services of Foundations for Independence

Family Services

Respitality

What is it?

A 24 hour complimentary getaway at a luxurious Salt Lake hotel including dinner for two at a fine restaurant for parents while their child with physical disabilities and his siblings enjoys a fun time with a care provider of their choice.

Who is it for?

Families who have a child with a physical disability. We are especially targeting families who have never had a Respitality weekend and/or do not receive any other respite or family support services. However, all families should apply regardless of whether or not they have received similar services before. Families living outside of the Salt Lake area will be given a choice to come into the city or take a rest closer to home.

Why?

Because you're worth it! A child with physical disabilities requires so much of the family's time, energy, and resources. This limits what parent's get for themselves, even when they need it the most. Spending some time with your spouse or a friend will refresh you for the demanding role of a parent.

How do I get it?

We can only serve a limited number of families. Therefore, a timely response is recommended. Complete and return our one page application indicating the month or specific weekend that you prefer. You will be contacted to finalize the details prior to your getaway. Respitality is made possible to families through the generosity of the Kennecott Corporation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Foundation, The Radisson and other local hotels, restaurants and donations of the public.

For more information, please contact Jessica Fiddler, Family Services Director at 801-266-1805 Ex. 123.

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Family TIES

Four times a year, families meet together at Family TIES. The TIES stands for Therapeutic Interventions and Emotional Support. The children and siblings engage in supervised activities that revolve around a theme. Generally, the activities are geared for young children but all ages are welcome. While the children are involved in their activities, parents discuss issues that are pertinent to raising a child with a disability. A guest presenter facilitates discussions. At other times the family members enjoy combined activities.

Often the demands of raising a child with physical disabilities are so time consuming, that between the child's therapy schedules and caring for basic needs, families don't often have time to spend together. It can also be difficult to meet with other families in similar circumstances to exchange much needed information, resources and support.

We are committed to providing a Family TIES program that addresses the issues and needs that families have expressed. In a safe, supporting place where families are valued, discussion centers on such issues as understanding educational rights and responsibilities, health & community resources, assistive technology, inclusion in regular settings, advocacy and communication. At times the children's program includes a variety of artistic activities provided by Art Access/Very Special Arts Utah with the support of the State Office of Education-Special Education Services Unit.

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Equipment Purchase Assistance

Equipment Purchase Assistance (EPA) In the past several years there has been a great increase in the use of assistive technologies by persons with disabilities so that they can pursue self-care, educational, vocational, and recreational activities. The number of academic programs, clinical centers, schools and hospitals applying these assistive technologies has increased dramatically, yet there are still many more advances that have yet to be attempted. The equipment needed is not always accessible or affordable for families.

Equipment Purchase Assistance helps many families purchase assistive technology, adaptive trikes and other important items.

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For more information on any EPA, Respitality, Family Ties or Family Support please contact Jessica Fiddler, Family Services Director at 801-266-1805 Ex. 123.

Independent Living

FFI provides adult independent living services to people with disabilities. Currently, FFI has three community-based options for people who wish to maximize their level of independence. Supervised Apartment Living: Individuals who choose this living arrangement have a variety of integrated apartment options, including living alone or with roommates. Numerous opportunities for recreation and other pursuits are available for people living in all independent living settings.

• Group Living: Individuals who choose group living have their own room in a small group facility.
• Supportive Living: Individuals who choose supportive living usually require less assistance than people who live in the other adult living settings.

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Foundations Day Program

FFI has built a program of employment training, senior and day programs that will support people with disabilities to achieve their personal outcomes. FFI�s Day Support Center, is located in the administrative building and has been very tastefully furnished. From this center participants choose from different activities in the community or just 'hang out' in the support area and participate in arts and crafts, music, videos etc. People in the program can also do contract work to earn extra money. Foundations for Independence contract with local businesses to perform various tasks. FFI Day program has a CITRIX server in the computer lab, allowing software to be installed on the server, giving faster response time and greater variety in programming.

Foundations Day Program is a site-based program providing supports in supported employment, contract work, computer training, and coordination of services for assessment and funding of adaptive equipment. Our motto is 'Laying the Foundations for Independence' and our mission is to instill confidence, teach desired skills and provide a good place to receive supports needed for each individual. For those individuals that need a more structured opportunity to learn and earn wages, Foundations provide work at the facility. People that choose to be a part of Foundations can expect support in reaching their personal outcomes. On entry to the program each person will participate in planning and completing their training.

The support staff have years of experience working with people with disabilities. They are trained how to support individuals and work with the individuals to achieve their chosen outcomes.

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Information and Referral

This section is currently being updated. Please check back later. Thank You.

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