Abilities First Foundation, Inc.

Abilities First provides child and family-centered therapy services, with an emphasis on caring for all aspects of the child’s life including socialization, equipment needs and home programming.
We provide Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy Services on an individual and small group basis. Due to the complex needs of our clients, our therapists will often co-treat to maximize a child’s abilities.
Group therapy programs provide a variety of opportunities for children to receive a combination of therapy services including specialized summer programs.

he Abilities First Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) is a unique childcare center known for a commitment to providing an inclusive environment where children with special needs and typically developing children learn alongside one another to develop caring relationships.

Student needs are a top priority for teachers, who apply child development and learning theories to everyday activities with students. The curriculum enables teachers to meet the needs of children with a broad range of abilities and different learning styles. Student needs are met - one child at a time.

This well organized environment also allows interaction with on-site physical, speech, and occupational therapists, and the Autism Learning Center when appropriate. The ECLC focuses on: Physical health, emotional development, social development, motor development, language and communication development, and cognitive development.

As your child ages, independent living skills become more and more important to a fulfilling life. Finding the best program for your son or daughter will bring satisfaction to the whole family.

adult day care program disabilitiesThe Abilities First Adult Day Program (ADP) offers activities that are appropriate to each individual's abilities and tastes, delivered on site and in the community. ADP centers have open floor plans that create safe environments which invite the people we serve to move around without restriction.

The goal of the ADP is to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing opportunities that incorporate each person's strengths and desires, and needs into daily living activities. Participants take an active role in choosing their daily activities. Support from the staff helps participants meet their personal goals which could range from improving reading skills, to learning to cook, to participating in community activities:

Community inclusion – structured outings to parks, restaurants and many other places in the community
Arts – clients can express themselves through crafts, pottery and other creative projects
Exercise – movement, including group sports and Wii game improve health, coordination and help to develop social skills
Technology using iPads – clients learn basic computer skills as well as play games
Individuals attending the ADP receive the following services:

Individualized goals for
sensory, vocational, physical, and psychosocial development.
Participate in community activities
Specially trained and qualified caregivers/staff
Low staff to client ratioIMG 0175
Nurses that administer medications and necessary treatments.
Participate in daily activities of music, recreation, social, crafts, vocational or leisure activities
Personal care needs met by a caring and considerate staff
Center features:

Fully equipped dining area
Vocational area
Completely accessible building
Variety of sensory/motor equipment
Assistive technology and adaptive equipment
Transportation

Abilities First has two Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF’s) that provides a family atmosphere with a strong foundation for each resident to live life to their fullest potential.

Doty House Residential:
Doty House, located in Middletown, serves 20 individuals diagnosed with severe to profound disabilities with multiple disorder diagnoses.

Typical age of our residents is teen through adult
On-site nursing services
All residents have the opportunity to participate in Abilities First’s Adult Day Program (ADP)
Our residents regularly participate in community outings and activities
Hopewell Residential:
Hopewell Residential located in Franklin, is home to 10 adults with moderate to profound disabilities.

Typical age of our residents is teen through adult
On-site nursing services
All residents have the opportunity to participate in Abilities First’s Adult Day Program (ADP)
Our residents regularly participate in community outings and activities.