July 11, 2018

 

 

 

Elizabeth Burr, Director of Mission Advancement for Great Bay Services, spoke to us about its support of Seacoast community families with young adults transitioning to the workplace.  Since 1954, it has helped families navigate the Developmental Services system so that their family members with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Intellectual Disability can live meaningful, self-directed lives. 

 

Currently there are 47 New Hampshire young adults who are being prepared to hold down a job through skill assessments, interviews and job searches.  Followup support in the workplace is available with the help of certified Job Coaches.  This is a departure from the Sheltered Workshop approach which was its hallmark through the '80's.

 

A wide variety of activities in the community allow clients to immerse themselves in work affirming their skills and providing additional opportunities to grow like theatrical roles in Garrison Players and Special Olympics.

 

Many of their clients need help in acquiring the skills and understandings needed for independent living.  So Great Bay Services teaches housekeeping, grocery shopping, cooking, budgeting, medications management and the like.

 

Medicaid provides payment of $60 per client per day, while the cost of providing services is $100.  Elizabeth figures the deficit at $10,000 per year for each of their 47 clients.