Person Centered Supports
Person Centered Supports provides training for individuals in several areas of life skills and functioning. These programs provide specialized training and skill development for individuals at least six (6) hours a day off their residential living areas.
Habilitation Center
The Habilitation Centers are designed to enhance individual skills in the program curriculum areas of socialization/pleasure activities, language refinement/communication, functional academics, sensory integration, domestics and work activity skills, and other ID team priorities. Functional, meaningful and realistic activities are emphasized to help individuals develop new abilities and strengthen existing skills. The department also operates according to federal and state rules, policies and regulations governing Special Education programs in the State of Virginia for school-age clients.
A positive environment, directed toward enhancing individual dignity and a 'friend/mentor' staff to individual relationship, is also a major focus. A large number of individual display challenging behaviors that require behavior treatment plan implementation and a concentrated effort to decrease inappropriate behaviors.
The Habilitation Centers coordinate campus individual pay-for-work groups in the craft shop, making gift baskets and balloon bouquets for SVTC customers and “paid contract work” in training modules for which individuals receive weekly pay. Annual and Holiday social activities are also conducted, and individuals travel off campus for community outings.
Extra curricula client participation activities include(s); Sensory/Relaxation Rooms, Music Therapy, Massage Therapy, Movie Theatre Room, Resource Center Room and Bike Riding.
Recreational Services
Recreational Services facilitates the development, maintenance, and expression of an appropriate leisure lifestyle for individuals with special needs. Recreational programs and activities are planned and adapted to allow each individuals to participate to his/her fullest capacity. Emphasis is placed on social as well as physical activities. Individuals take trips and visits to surrounding communities and special off campus events to include: the State Fair, local and professional ball games, camps, festivals and shows. Additionally, there are many campus-wide events scheduled such as holiday activities, dances, cultural programs, hay rides sport. Individuals compete in many local, area and State Special Olympics, as well as the annual Virginia Autumn Games event. SVTC designated recreational areas include the campus softball field, the First Lady Pavilion on the north campus, the park at Fort Whitworth, the fitness trail at Building #78, and the Demers Pavilion that was contributed by the Knights of Virginia Assistance for the Retarded. Recreation Services coordinates the CommonHealth wellness program that is afforded to all State employees and their families.
Pre-Vocational/Vocational Services Department
Individuals services offered within this department, and in conjunction with residential units and other services, consist of various types of work for which individuals receive weekly pay. In a developmental progression, individuals who engage in activities training are offered opportunities to transition from their training to work orientation activities. As they progress, they increase their readiness to become involved in other types of paid contract work. Experiences applying skills in a "pay-for-work" environment increase the individuals' opportunities to obtain work in community settings.
More experienced and highly skilled individuals engage in work orientation activities in the SVTC Laundry, Warehouse, Food Service Department, and residential unit cottages. Individuals engage in off campus work activities doing pick-up and delivery of contract work materials and housekeeping chores at a local car dealership.
Hair care service for all male and female individuals is provided through Pre-Vocational/Vocational Services. Shampoos, cuts, sets, curls, presses and other basic hair and scalp care are provided daily in our Salon Shops. Hair styles and cuts are current with those offered by community salons.
Program Centers
Program Centers provides services to individuals, all of whom have emotional, physical, and cognitive abilities that are as diverse as their individual appearances. Individuals attend services in five locations on SVTC's campus. In the CD-1 Program Center individuals enjoy exploring language skills while also addressing their physical challenges. The Geriatric center provides our seniors, many of whom enjoy relaxing and participating in leisure and recreational activities a cozy place away from home to spend their days. The three remaining centers provide supports for some of our most fragile individuals; the focus in these areas is on sensory stimulation, physical, and nutritional management.