ABLE

The Alternative Behavioral Learning Environment (ABLE for short) is designed to provide work opportunities and community integration for persons whose history of aggressive and/or intimidating behavior have not allowed them to be successful in a typical work environment.  The program offers a variety of life experiences including, leisure, social, cultural, recreational, health, entertainment, communication, vocational, educational, and volunteer opportunities.

Services and Activities:

At the ABLE program you will learn what it means to be an employee and how to use your community for education, volunteerism and recreation.  You will learn the importance of good attendance, hygiene, safety, productivity, quality, and work attitudes.  The program will also offer you training and assistance with behavioral supports, coping skills, access to and participation in community activities, and developing social skills. The purpose of the program is to help you become more self-sufficient, have greater control over your life, and increase your participation in a variety of life experiences.

Volunteer opportunities that persons served in the program have participated in: 

• Parks and Recreations – cleaning parks during the spring, summer and fall.
• Restore – packaging, labeling, moving items, sorting items, etc.
• Pro-Kansas – recycling center.
• Humane Society – assisting with everyday care for animals that need a home.
• River Festival – packaging buttons and flyers, cleaning the food court area.

Recreational opportunities that persons served in the program have participated in:

• YMCA
  
• Sedgwick County Zoo
  
• Museums
  
• Day at the lake, fishing and cooking out  
• Picnics 
• Bowling 
• Going out to eat 
• Going to the library

Staff Support

• Staff must have a high school diploma, pass background checks, and complete an initial two-week orientation, including classes such as CPR, First Aid, MANDT, and medication training.
• Program participants will have opportunities to express the qualities they prefer in the staff who work with them.
• Generally, each staff member works with three people in order to focus and meet individual needs.

Health and Safety:

• Full-time Registered Nurse and LPNs.
• Full-time Behavioral Specialist.
• On-Site Program Coordinator.
• Doctor visits KETCH facilities weekly.
• Routine visits by psychiatrist, speech-language pathologist, and physical therapist.
• Fire, tornado, and other safety drills are practiced.
• KETCH maintains a safety program. KETCH believes it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the safety of others.

For admissions information or to schedule a tour please call 316.383.8700 to speak to our admissions coordinator.