Support Living Program

Support Living Program

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Fr. Paul Zahler

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In the early 70's the community saw a need for community based programs for individuals living in the state institutions. In answer to requests from parents, the Oklahoma Benedictine Institute, under the leadership of Fr. Paul Zahler, O.S.B, Ph.D. established a variety of programs including recreation, employment and education programs.

Many of the people integrated into mainstream society through this program are currently employed, own homes, have married and are leading productive lives in their community.

This program provides an opportunity for people with challenges to demonstrate their ability to play an active part of their community. As recognition of remarkable results produced by this innovative program, Fr. Paul Zahler was awarded the President's Award for Employment.

In 1990 when state institutions were closed, a bigger challenge arose for communities. The Oklahoma Benedictine Institute established a supported living agency operating

24- hours a day providing long-term care to individuals with profound physical and mental challenges. At this time, we are serving medically fragile individuals that are also, in some cases, blind, deaf and non-ambulatory. This agency also developed innovative community based employment programs especially suited for people with profound developmental delays. Irrespective of their physical and mental delays people served by this agency have daily programs which include therapeutic swimming and therapeutic horseback riding and other community-based activities. All are designed to enhance their experience quotient and quality of life.

This agency actively engages in a research and development process with an intention to create innovation, improve the quality and the cost effectiveness of long-term care. It also addresses the need to train paraprofessionals, professionals, and volunteers and parents in techniques for individuals with challenges. Over thirteen hundred paraprofessionals, five hundred parents, six hundred volunteers, two hundred professionals and one thousand college students have been trained in this program.

Milestones of Support Living Program

MEXICAN PROGRAM
NIDD’s new cost-effective child development program in Mexico-read all about it.

Fund Raising Programs
Pitch in for the cause of child development through online events aimed at raising funds for the developmentally delayed