Improvements in Self-Advocacy

Hawthorne Heights is a wonderful apartment style living program for individuals with developmental disabilities. At Hawthorne, the staff work diligently to ensure that the residents increase their level of self-advocacy.

In this regard one individual, Mark, was not able to enjoy time alone while out in the community due to his inability to understand the dangers of the community. The staff of Hawthorne Heights worked with him throughout the year teaching him the importance of safety while out in the community. He also was taught social skills so he could interact appropriately with people from all walks of life. Mark was recently able to advocate for himself and earned time alone while out in the community. Mark’s ability to work with the staff helped him to achieve his goal of independence and he now is able to enjoy going to recreational activities on his own. Hawthorne Heights hopes to continue to support Mark in his pursuit to achieve a higher level of self-advocacy.