Our Services - Habilitation Training

A free, appropriate, public education to students living with disabilities was not mandated until 1975 in the United States. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA passed in 1975 ensured that the education of the disabled is premised on the belief that all students can benefit from education, that none are so disabled that services should not be provided.

The focus of the Habilitation Training program is to build upon the educational efforts of local school systems as mandated by the IDEA. The program’s trainers and curriculum enhance each individual’s ability to function more independently in his/her environment and to support the integration of individuals into the community. Services offered through Habilitation Training program include daily living skills training, community access/community readiness skills training, recreation/leisure skills development, communication/social skills development, counseling, vocational training support, and behavior management support. Also included is a basic academic skills training including reading, money management and budgeting, clothing and appearance, cooking skills, exercises, laundry skills, library skills, time concepts, survival work reading, telephone communication skills, banking, community safety and health, current affairs and community awareness and self advocacy. All skill training is provided with the goal of enabling individuals to live as independently as their capabilities allow.

Haoting was born in Taiwan and lived there for nearly 20 years before moving to the United States. He began services at Janus Developmental services in 2000 and has made steady progress working on his goals. Haoting faced many challenges coming to America; learning a new language, learning a new culture, expressing his feelings to others, in addition to living with a disability. However, Haoting would not let his disability define him. Through a steady habilitation program at Janus Developmental Services, he has made great strides from the time he arrived. Language is a barrier for Haoting, but with support of Programming and Habilitation staff, he now knows the alphabet, is able to understand signs in the community, can use money with understanding of its value, and can have a conversation with you at the coffee shop.

Haoting is a naturally inquisitive person with a passion for friends and family. He is proud of his achievements, including becoming an American citizen in 2005.