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The goal of this program is:

- To provide housing, education, training, and employment to persons with developmental disabilities/mental retardation.

- To promote and develop the general welfare and quality of life for participants.


Located on the central plains of Oahu, the panoramic mountain view of the Waianae range and the rolling fields of pineapple provide the setting for Opportunities for the Retarded, Inc. (ORI). The ORI complex, completed in June of 1984, sits on 5 acres of fertile land and is a well-designed facility with a blend of plantation and modern architecture.

ORI was founded in 1980 by current President and Chief Executive Officer Susanna F. Cheung and a group of parents and interested persons. The Board of Directors are composed of parents, business persons, and special educators. Opportunities for the Retarded, Inc., as its name suggests, provides not only the opportunities, but also the means by which the target population, adults with mental retardation /developmental disabilities, can become productive, contributing members of our communities.

The six (6) interlocking work centers of Helemano Plantation provide the work and training sites for eligible participants. This makes for a very unique training environment, which is unlike traditional programs. The client-trainee works with the regular non-handicapped work force of Helemano Plantation and has the advantage of being mainstreamed in a regular work setting.

The Day Program division of ORI consists of three training areas:

1. Day Activity and Behavior Management Program
This program providesongoing training to develop and/or maintain personal self-sufficiency skills and pre-work/pre-vocational skills that will enable the individual client-trainee to be more functional at home, at work, and in the community. Behavior management techniques are implemented in individualized programs for those client-trainees with difficult to manage behaviors.

2. Pre-vocational
This component has two levels, which provide training and activities in increasing and developing work skills and work attitudes beyond the Day Activity level. Training focuses on preparing the client-trainee for either sheltered employment, supported employment, or competitive employment.

a) The classroom setting develops vocational skills in the retail and food service area and janitorial/custodial areas. Training is accomplished via role-playing, modeling, and reinforcement techniques.

b) The practicum level provides training and work activities to those who have successfully completed the classroom program. All services and activities in the practicum are implemented in a "real work setting" - Helemano Plantation's restaurant, bakeshop, gift shop, floriculture/agricultural farm, and other retail shops. Training in basic skills and computer/data processing is also provided.

3. Supported Employment
This program activity provides work integration and job placement in a community setting with permanent follow-along/support to ensure the retention of such a job/placement. A job coach/employment specialist provides both vocational and social support to the participant. Work activities in the supported employment area include food service, retail and sales, custodial and mess attendant work.

Work and training activities are remunerative in nature. Each trainee receives monetary incentives based on his/her productivity.

Those clients exhibiting appropriate work behaviors, work attitudes, and the ability to produce/work are designated as Special Workers. As a Special Worker, the client is able to work as an employee of Helemano Plantation in one of the six work centers. Or, if the worker has skills that make him/her eligible for outside/competitive employment, he/she can choose to work in one of the work sites on a military base or other sites providing services such as mess attendant, janitorial/custodial, and other service occupations. Special workers are paid commensurate wages, i.e. wages based on the individual's ability to work and the minimum or prevailing wage.

Special workers are provided the opportunities to participate in real work activities and to earn decent wages based on his/her productivity. But more importantly, these individuals are given the opportunity to become self-sufficient.

Adult Education
In addition to vocational and work activities, Basic Adult Education classes are provided to each client-trainee on a daily basis.

In these classes, the client learns about academic functional skills in the community that will enable him/her to be more independent in the work and community setting. Computer technology is also incorporated in the training of these functional skills.

ORI's programs are dedicated to developing each individual's potential to its fullest. The participant comes to ORI with abilities, not disabilities, and through determination and dedication, the individual is provided encouragement that enhances positive growth and development.

H&CBS Waiver - Home & Community Based Services
H&CBS Waiver program is a comprehensive day program, which provides individualized training for adults with developmental disabilities and mental retardation. The experienced case management team works with the clients, the client's family, and a team of professionals to develop an individualized training plan. The program includes Adult Day Health, Habilitation training, Respite Services, Lunch and Transportation by the Handi-Van.

ICF/MR - Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded
ORI's ICF-MR facilities provide an intensive 24-hour active treatment program individually designed for adults with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities. The facilities provide health, social and rehabilitative services to increase independence and promote positive self-esteem. An interdisciplinary team of professionals and case management team combine resources and expertise to provide for the client's unique needs.

Each ICF/MR housing unit is assigned a primary caregiver who resides with the clients. The caregivers are warm, caring, and familiar with each clients' strengths and needs. The caregivers providconsistency and estability in care and training.

Program Staff
*Program Administrator
*Associate Program Director
*Behavior Management Instructors
*Behavior Management Aides
*Vocational Instructors
*Vocational Aides
*Job Coaches
*Job Coach Aides

Program Eligibility and Admission Procedure

1. Program Eligibility Criteria;

a) Verification of developmental disability / mental retardation
b) 18 years of age or older
c) Physically able to take care of personal needs, i.e. toilets independently and is independently mobile.

2. Call or write the office for an application form.

3. Complete the application form in its entirety. Submit the following:

a) Medical and dental histories
b) Reports from past and present schools, programs, and service agencies which detail
psychological, educational, social, and pre-vocational/vocational data and evaluations.
c) A current medical and dental exam and a tuberculosis clearance is required upon
acceptance into program.
d) Verification of mental retardation (can either be primary or secondary disability)

4. Selection for admission into program is based on the following:

a) Agency's criteria (see 1. Program Eligibility criteria)
b) Funding availability and number of openings available in program
c) Decision by Agency Admission committee
d) If there are no vacant slots in a state contracted program, the applicant has the following options

    1. The applicant is placed on a waiting list.

    2. The applicant can be accepted and can pay the fee for services at the existing state reimbursement amount.

Continuation in program is contingent on a 1-3 month probation/evaluation period during which time the client is observed for appropriateness of placement/program.


Vocational Training Program - ORI-Anuenue Hale, Inc.

The ORI Anuenue Hale Vocational Training project offers pre-employment counseling, work experience and training, competitive wages, and personal growth classes to persons and families with low-income as well as disadvantaged individuals such as the developmentally disabled, elderly, refugees/immigrants, etc.

ORI Anuenue Hale, Inc. has a caring and dedicated staff who understand its participants' unique and individual needs. The staff recognizes the strengths and abilities of each participant and focuses the training and day program services to enhance these abilities and improve their quality of life.

Participantsare able to receive hands-on training in the following areas:

* Food Service / Mess Attendant
* Custodial / Janitorial
* Computer
* Retail / Sales
* Receptionist / Office Skills
* Cashier
* Pre-Employment
* Caregiving / Direct Care Service to Individuals with Special Needs

 
 

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