Services
Link Associates provides a full continuum of services individually tailored to meet each person's and their families need. The people we serve can be in multiple services or just participate in one. To be eligible for services, each person must have a diagnosis of intellectual disability and frequently other mental and physical disabilities as well.
The consumers who choose our services have a dramatic range of abilities and Link's staff of over 300 professionals works side-by-side with each to them achieve their personal goals. For some consumers, this includes job training, for others it is 24 hours/365 day support.
Current services options include:
Residential Services – provides Supported Community Living (SCL) to individuals in their own home. Link Associates will personalize supports to persons in meeting their social and leisure interests within their community, as well as teaching the daily living skills needed to become independent as possible. Individuals and their families are encouraged to be an active part of the decision making process. Link Associates also offers residential services in two residential care facilities (RCF). These two homes provide supports to up to 10 adults in each living environment.
Day/Vocational Services – assists individuals in developing and maintaining life skills and community involvement. Activities enhance each individual’s intellectual functioning, physical and emotional health. Skills focus on include but are not limited to: communications, social development, daily living activities and mobility. These individualized programs offer participants the opportunity to pursue a variety of activities individually or within small groups. They are designed to stimulate, to enrich and to promote independence. Our holistic approach works with all aspects of an individual, bringing together work, family, friends and community to ensure a rewarding experience.
Transportation – meets the needs of consumers by transporting to and from day programs, business errands, essential shopping, and medical appointments, providing independent living, social and leisure activities in Greater Des Moines Metro area. Link Associates is accredited as a provider of Home and Community Based Service (HCBS) and we pride ourselves on safe, effective, and efficient curb-to-curb transportation. Route sizes are small and drivers know the passengers and their individual program needs. Link Associates has a fleet of vehicles, including cars, mini vans and adapted vehicles to meet the transportation needs of the consumers we support.
Case Management – services are individually centered family and community focused services to assist in identifying, securing and sustaining necessary resources. The department also serves as a community resource and referral contact. Link Associates Case Managers primarily work with individuals who have an intellectual or developmental disability and have significant functional limitations. Service Coordinators work with individuals who have limited support needs. Case Managers and Service Coordinators focus on personal goals, education, advocacy and help obtain appropriate services.
Respite– (Family Support Services) provide in-home respite care and Supported Community Living Services (SCL) to assist with day-to-day living. In-home respite provides temporary care-giver relief, helping parents return revitalized and better able to care for their family member. Respite provides experiences and support to enhance independent living, social and leisure skills. SCL focuses on the development and enhancement of specific goals to assist your family member in achieving the highest level of independence in their home and community.
Leisure - offers comprehensive year-round, community-based programs including athletic and fitness training, Special Olympic sports, social and community integration, cultural opportunities, and special events. Nationally Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) develop and facilitate all programs.
Services are based firmly on the philosophy that constructive use of leisure time promotes healthy human development. Personal experiences are strengthened through the program’s use of community resources, and individual’s participation in integrated activities when chosen. Programs promote social interaction, improved physical functioning, leisure knowledge, awareness, artistic expression, self esteem, and self worth.
Resources:
Link Associates Consumer Handbook 2011
Link Associates Respite Handbook
For additional information about Link Associates services please select options from the left.
