Mentoring Supports
Mentoring supports are an alternative to traditional lifeskills
programs for persons with developmental disabilities. Mentoring
supports focus on outcome based services which are inclusive
in nature and focus on the development of long-term, sustainable
relationships and/or valued roles as established by the person
which facilitates a holistic inclusion into the community
while attaining lifegoals. Mentoring supports focus on competencies
of the person as a valued member of their society.
Mentoring is a planned pairing of a person with a disability
and a mentor for the purpose of achieving outcomes established
as important life goals by the person and their family (if
applicable). The Arc recognizes that all people aspire to
belong in their communities and to have choice and control
over their services. From the beginning, the person will be
directly involved in the selection of an appropriate mentor
to facilitate their programming desires. Once a mentor is
selected, a strategic plan will be developed with the person
to include lifegoals as established via the interdisciplinary
team process.
The focus of the mentoring support service will be attainment
of the goals and objectives established by the person. Unlike
likeskills supports, mentoring services promote ultimate inclusion
of the person in their community by way of relationships which
are valued by the participant. Inclusion, by way of the mentoring
support program, involves active participation with peers
and non-disabled persons alike and relationships beyond a
physical presence in the community and in many instances fading
to unpaid community supports.
Mentoring support services are outcome based in nature by
way of program development that demands quality service and
accountability of the agency. All mentoring goals and objectives
will identify with a specific outcome and timeframe necessary
to achieve the desired result. The Arc recognizes that people
and their families have the inherent right to demand quality
services and to expect outcomes. Therefore, The Arc’s
mentoring support program will adhere to attainment dates
with specific end dates for funding of outcomes. Should attainment
of the specific goal area not be attained, the individual
will continue to receive support as necessary to achieve their
goal/s without incurring further expense to the individual,
family, or funding agent.
