Down syndrome residential care at Marbridge
Meet Seth
Seth is a difficult man to catch up with. He’s always on the go, whether to job skills training through Marbridge’s professional internship partnership program with Seton Medical Center Austin, or to the latest pick-up basketball game in The Village community where he lives. His life is typical of many adults with intellectual disabilities who live in The Village. Seth has learned record his outing in the log, gather some friends and use public transportation to enjoy an outing to the mall or a restaurant. He is very active in Special Olympic sports and he loves to grab his guitar and join in with the bands that play at various events on campus. For Seth, and other adults on campus with Down syndrome, Marbridge provides the perfect mix of training, work, leisure activities and friends to create a happy life.
An alternative to group homes for Down syndrome adults
Adulthood brings new challenges for families concerned about the health and quality of life of a loved one with Down syndrome. Assisted living is a suitable option for Down syndrome adults who need help or supervision (such as medical assistance or guidance) but can manage most daily activities on their own. But when it comes to assisted living, quality of life issues are what concern families most. At Marbridge we provide a program of training, supervision and activities that directly address quality of life. That’s what makes Marbridge a viable alternative to group homes for Down syndrome adults. The combination of a safe environment, engaging activities and training tailored to the needs of each individual provides an overall sense of well-being and satisfaction for the adults with Down syndrome who live at Marbridge.
We provide an individualized program for Down syndrome adults
Because no single adult with Down syndrome is quite like another, our Individual Program Plan addresses each person’s unique abilities and attributes in designing a care program. This what makes Marbridge a special place for Down syndrome adults and a viable alternative to group homes for Down syndrome adults. Any program for Down syndrome adults must consider the type of training and activities needed to assist that person in reaching his or her goals. Our residential care for Down syndrome adults is tailored to their needs and interests.
Life skills training; training and placement into jobs for Down syndrome adults
From tips on grooming, to fitness and exercise—residents with Down syndrome receive a variety of life-skills-based training. Marbridge offers training in shopping, cooking, money management, healthy eating choices and much more. The goal of Life Skills training is to enable residents to reach the highest level of personal independence possible in their daily routines.
Residents with Down syndrome who desire employment are often enrolled in Job Skills Training. They learn the importance of staying on task, arriving at work on time, taking directions and adopting appropriate behaviors in an employment setting. Residents develop resume writing and interviewing skills and learn to set goals for the type of employment desired.
An experience similar to college for Down syndrome adults
Employment training and personal enrichment courses have been provided by Marbridge since its founding in 1953. However, in 2001 a more structured training program was developed that integrated education, socialization, recreation, independent living skills and employment instruction. This training program now serves more than 160 residents in the Ranch and Village communities. For adults with Down syndrome who are graduating from high school, Marbridge can provide a college-like experience.
Organized into semesters, the training schedule is based on each resident’s Individual Program Plan (IPP) goals and provides individually tailored training to develop essential life skills and abilities as well as enhanced self-esteem. Residents thrive under the combination of training and a safe, caring and supportive community of peers. Our training also encourages successful interaction with the surrounding community. Much like the college or university experience for young adults without special needs, new residents at Marbridge experience the same thrill of adventure and discovery that comes with leaving home for the first time. Our training program provides adults aged 18+ with the skills to make the successful transition from home to a more independent life. Adults with Downs syndrome benefit from the guidance provided by our transition team, which helps them make the adjustment from the special education classroom and life at home with family, to a semi-independent community of peers enjoying a world filled with opportunities to learn, experience and achieve.