Adults with developmental disabilities at Advocates find a supportive community where they can live, work, learn, and play in accordance with their own goals, interests, and needs. Within all of our programs we emphasize personal choice and support individuals in leading productive, fulfilling lives of their own design.
Services
Residential Services
Advocates residential supports for adults with developmental disabilities provide not only a home but also a place in the community. Advocates group homes offer a welcoming, comfortable and safe environment and a sense of family among the residents and staff. Individuals are encouraged and supported in achieving their personal goals, connecting with friends and family, and pursuing their interests at home and out-and-about. Away from home, individuals participate in a wide range of educational, recreational, and social activities at Advocates and in the wider community.
In addition to 24-hour staffed group homes, we offer Shared Living, supported living for adults who live independently in the community, and Adult Family Care for families caring for loved ones at home.
Day & Employment Services
Located at our new renovated Life Skills & Learning Center in Ashland, Mass., our Day & Employment Services provide a multitude of opportunities to learn, grow, and participate in community life.
Self-Advocacy
At Advocates, we actively promote the principles of self-advocacy and encourage opportunities for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities to make choices about their own lives and supports, to develop leadership skills, and to connect with other self-advocates. We employ a self-advocacy coordinator, an individual with an intellectual disability, to coordinate self-advocacy activities and to educate staff and individuals at Advocates and in the community about the rights of people with disabilities.
To learn more, contact Cristy Dearbin, self-advocacy coordinator.
Eligibility
Advocates Developmental Services serve adults with developmental disabilities. Age requirements vary by program. Programs are funded by the Department of Developmental Services, MassHealth, and other state agencies. Private pay opportunities may be available. Please contact our staff to discuss your situation and needs.
Advocates Developmental Residential Services, Day Habilitation Services, and Employment Services are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).