For more information, contact Kari Ryan, 203-846-9581, Ext. 313
kryan@starinconline.com
The STAR Center was built in 1973, but STAR, Inc. itself is much older than that. A local group of concerned parents and friends of persons with developmental disabilities started STAR in 1952. What started as a recreation and education program expanded in 1963 to the STAR Workshop, providing vocational training and employment. In 1983, STAR further expanded its services offering a variety of jobs in the community through satellites and individual job placements. In 1984, STAR’s South Norwalk office was opened as a hub for community placement activities. In more recent years STAR has expanded to include a wide range of support services which enable individuals to actively participate in recreation, leisure activities, and volunteer opportunities. In 1999 STAR reunited with STAR residential Services to create STAR, Inc., a new, larger and stronger organization poised to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. STAR, Inc. also embraces the expanding movement toward self-determination. STAR works with an increasing number of people who are choosing to utilize an individualized budget to purchase the specific services and supports they desire to meet their personal goals.
Social Services/Case Management (Program Coordination) – A comprehensive system of case management coordinates each individual’s overall rehabilitation program. Each person is assigned a Program Coordinator who follows his/her progress from the moment of entrance into the program at intake. Besides the coordination of the person’s rehabilitation plan, the Program Coordinator provides counseling, reviews each case with regular reviews, and generates input and support from family through case meetings. The Program Coordinators provide an array of services such as coordination and follow-up of the individual’s government benefits and support services for parents and family. The Program Coordinator has the prime responsibility of obtaining input from each person about his or her program and the handling of the general processes of the rehabilitation program.
Employment Profile Development and Situational Assessment – STAR’s Employment Profile serves as the vehicle, which drives the job development efforts of STAR’s Employment Services. This is the major strategy in which we, as service providers, give up much of our power - though not our responsibility – to make life – directing choices for persons we serve and offer that power to the individual. The individual’s team seeks to develop vibrant information-rich portraits of the individuals eerve. This picture includes information about the individual’s home, family, friends, strengths, needs, abilities, challenges, choices and current directions. The information will be used at the Profile meeting to establish the individual’s goals, choices and strategies for the attainment of employment in the community. In some cases, the team may elect to include a situational assessment component to the Profile. This will allow the individual to experience short term, paid work in a variety of employment settings. Staff will have the opportunity to observe the person at work and gather useful information.
Job Placement and Job Seeking Skills – The placement personnel work closely with the individual in developing job goals individually designed for each person. The individual’s skills, desires, and aptitude are weighed closely, and together the job developer and individual seek the best position available in the community. The placement staff work intensely with each person placed outside the agency to provide on-the-job training, regular follow-up, and provide support to both employer and new employee.
Training and Employment in Work Crews – Integrated vocational training and employment is offered through a network of industry-based, STAR-supervised work crews. Individuals receive on-site supervision and training in a variety of businesses and skill areas.
Training and Employment in STAR Workshop and in Food Services – Various types of sub-contract work are done in the Workshop, with each individual being paid for the work completed. There are also training programs offering hourly wages for work. These include a maintenance skills program offering instruction in grounds work and general janitorial duties, and a cafeteria-training program which teaches various food service skills. The goal of the vocational program is to help each individual discover his or her interests and talents, maximize his or her potential, and integrate persons into the work community.
Community Support – The Community Support Program offers an opportunity for persons to experience community activities that enhance the individual’s ability to make choices affecting their own lives. Program activities may include work, leisure activities, continuing education, shopping, volunteer work, and training to access public transportation. Program goals are to improve skills in communication, socialization, mobility, and self-expression.
Computer Education and Training Center – This program was officially established in November of 2001. Classes are offered in a variety of areas, including data-entry, keyboarding, Internet access, and e-mail.
Senior Services – The senior services Program is designed to allow retired persons a choice of community activities. Program offerings include volunteering, arts. Crafts, health and exercise, shopping, and visits to local restaurants.
Seminars – The Seminar Program is Adult Education for today’s job seeker.
School-To-Work Transition – This program includes all services related to helping an individual successfully transition from the special education environment to the work or adult services environment including: job development and coaching, behavioral supports, ADL training, etc. The intent of the school to work service is to assist each person in directing a career goal and securing paid work within the general employment sector. All services will be uniquely tailored to the individual student and will reflect the Individual Education Plan. STAR will work closely with the Special Education Team to assure a smooth transition to adult services and/or careers.
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