The Council for Developmental Disabilities, Inc. operates under the acronym of ABLE – Able Bodies Learning to Excel. ABLE is a private, non-profit organization, providing many resources for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Programs for Enrichment
We know that when given opportunity, persons with developmental disabilities are capable of becoming more productive and leading more enriched lives. ABLE provides this opportunity through many programs, including a community-integrated employment service, a shelter work center, three staffed residential facilities, and an assisted-living program.
The community-integrated employment office is the liaison between persons with developmental disabilities and community businesses which have employment opportunities. ABLE provides skills development, specialized training, job search and placement, and on-the-job help for each person throughout the term of his or her employment.
ABLE’s vocational program solicits contracts from businesses to be completed by program participants at the ABLE Work Center or at job sites. Such work has included assembly projects, sorting and packaging task, and large-scale grounds keeping contracts. These cooperative ventures offer companies a source of reliable labor, while providing skills development and earned income for ABLE’s clients with developmental disabilities.
The residential programs teach daily living skills such as housekeeping, cooking and personal care in supervised home setting. Participants so benefit from social experiences, recreational and leisure activities, and community integration. The assisted-living program gives residents even greater autonomy, with ready access to support for task like banking, shopping and transportation.
ABLE depends on support and generosity of community members to successfully accomplish its mission. Financial contributions and in-kind gifts from businesses and individuals are critical.