Spectrum Community Services Celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

WESTLAND, MI, March 09, 2011

They are the 23,000 Michigan citizens who strive to lead as normal life as possible. They are our family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers. They need our love, support and encouragement. During March, Spectrum Community Services, an affiliated company of Spectrum Human Services, Inc., wants to bring awareness about this special population, as we celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Developmental disability is defined as a "severe chronic condition, due to a mental and/or physical impairment, that impacts major life activities." Individuals diagnosed with this condition may have difficulties with language, mobility, learning, self-care, or independent living skills.

Spectrum Community Services has over thirty years of experience providing community based, residential home services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Through a Person Centered Plan, individuals and families work with a counselor to establish a personal growth plan. The purpose of the plan is to focus on the individual's basic needs and depending on the severity of the disability, independent living goals. The staff of Spectrum Community Services provides instructions on the identified needs including personal care, medication management, and other essential day-to-day living needs. The overall goal is to assist individuals to reach their highest potential. In 2010, more than 700 individuals were in the care of Spectrum Community Services.

Residents may live in one of several home environments offered by Spectrum Community Services including supportive independent living (for clients needing less day-to-day care), adult foster care, community living support (dorm or roommate setting), major behavioral, mild behavioral and major medical residence (for individuals with debilitating physical and developmental disabilities). All of the programs and services offered are designed to provide quality care in a compassionate and supportive atmosphere.

Roger Swaninger, President and CEO of Spectrum Human Services, Inc. says, "During March, it is important to remind the public that individuals with developmental disabilities are contributing members of our society and they should be treated with dignity and respect. They are determined to live self directed, independent lives in an environment with few restrictions. That is why the programs and services of Spectrum Community Services are designed to help them achieve their maximum potential in a nurturing and supportive environment."

Spectrum Human Services Inc. is a child welfare, mental health treatment and family preservation organization. Founded in 1976, Spectrum believes that all people have the right to receive services designed to support and uplift, as these individuals strive to achieve their highest potential. The programs and services offered by Spectrum Human Services, Inc. impact children, youth, teens and adults with mental, physical, emotional and/or behavioral disabilities. Services are provided throughout Michigan in Berrien, Genesee, Kent, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Manistee/Benzie, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. For more information, visit http://www.spectrumhuman.org