Universal LifeStiles


Transition



From Consumers to Producers



This motivating and informative session details for staff, best practice approaches in transitioning classic day program services to a “work” oriented service model. Dr. Tom Pomeranz provides participants with the values and vision that drives the Day Program from activities of little meaning (peg boards, nuts and bolts, beads and string) to a content of meaningful activities that engender dignity and respect. Sensory stimulation rooms, mall herding and van therapy (as well as occasional TV Habilitation) are the hallmarks of Day Programs with which we are all too familiar. Tom drives home the point that “work” or expenditure of meaningful effort is the great equalizer. Work promotes the opportunity for disenfranchised people to gain dignity and respect. Being an adult is a bilateral process one must know how to give as well as receive. Given the imposition of the highly regulated environments in which we operate, limited staff and other fiscal constraints, Tom provides realistic and common sense approaches to significantly improve quality of services. Additionally the session discusses how the objectives of the Individual Support Plan can easily be integrated into the context of a work focused program. The session addresses a variety of management strategies which enable staff to feel empowered and comfortable during the period of significant change. Specific programmatic content and instructional strategies will be delineated. Suggestions for environmental engineering and staff deployment are also reviewed.



What attendees are saying





  • The session, provided me a different perspective on my job.
  • Great ideas, lots of information. I will start educating, families, and guardians immediately as well as all the people I work with.
  • You motivated me to put my words into actions and dedicate my time to enhance quality of life for the people we support.
  • Thank you for the powerful ideas, concepts and challenges that push us to break down our traditions and barriers – rethinking what is possible.
  • I am excited to transform our facility-based supports to a program without walls.
  • You shared so many ideas I never considered!
  • You hit it out of the park!
  • You truly changed hearts and minds.


What attendees are saying





Results are phenomenal! We now have partnerships with 35 other non profits creating volunteer opportunities for our adult participants. They are so busy and productive out in the community we hardly ever see them at the center any more! We were just reflecting on how far we have come from when we first met you and wanted to share our progress and thank you.

Abilities United, Palo Alto, CA


It's funny but I've been talking about these things for 25 years and you come in and set everyone on fire. We had over 100 people at the Orange County training and it the best money I've ever spent for staff training. (And considering overtime and fees for 1-3 people that was no small amount)! Thank you for your passion! Project Independence VANTAGE, Costa Mesa, CA


I loved the passion and honesty of Tom's presentation. When something seems

difficult to achieve, he breaks it down and made me realize it is possible! Progressive Employment Concepts, CA


Excellent tools to share with associates. Opened my eyes and mind to create a better program supporting individuals with disabilities. Thank you.

Easter Seals of Southern California, Pasadena, CA



Universal LifeStiles



8126 Wellsbrook Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46278
tpomer@aol.com
(cell) 636.448.2352