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Vocational Rehabilitation
It seems that in this current day of economic challenges and increased work place stressors, more and more individuals are seeking and in need of more sophisticated vocational interventions. The Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services at the IOL provides vocational services with just that in mind, assisting clients in obtaining and maintaining paid employment. By focusing on individual needs, the vocational staff fosters self-sufficiency and independence for increasing numbers of individuals by making employment a reality. The vocational rehabilitation team works to provide individuals receiving treatment at the IOL with a wide variety of services including vocational testing, career counseling, return-to-work/transitional counseling (benefits counseling, FMLA, STD, LTD, reduced schedule, etc.), and employment skills training. Additional vocational services may be available pending the nature of the request, and staff availability. In addition to traditional vocational interventions, innovative approaches are a must as we continue to bridge the gaps between treatment and productivity by reaching out to businesses, employers, and other health care professionals to creatively collaborate for the benefit of our clients and find creative and healthy solutions to employment related challenges. Vocational Counselors in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services host an annual Career and Education Fair that provides individuals receiving treatment at the IOL, as well as interested members of the community with the opportunity to meet with various employers, and schools to learn about opportunities for work and education. The Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services also brings several employers and guest speakers to the IOL to talk with clients about job opportunities and/or services offered through their organization. If you would like information regarding an upcoming guest speaker or event; or if you are interested in your organization providing a guest speaker or participating in the Career and Education Fair, please contact: Kim Thieringer, Job Developer at (860) 545-7818. Since 2003 we have continued to operate “On the Horizon”, a used clothing store for individuals in need of job-appropriate clothing for purposes of obtaining employment. There is no charge for the clothing, although the individual must be in active pursuit of employment and participating in a program at the IOL. This endeavor is just one of the many examples of our creative attempt to meet the vocational needs of individuals we serve. If you would like additional information regarding our store, or are interested in making a donation, please contact: Christine Gagliardi, M.Ed., Vocational Counselor at (860) 545-7416. RecoveryThe Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services has recognized recovery-based interventions as a vital part of the treatment of all individuals. Several Rehabilitation staff members have been trained as facilitators of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) – a recovery-based action plan developed by Mary Ellen Copeland, Ph.D. Recovery-skills groups, based on the concepts of WRAP, have been implemented on both the inpatient units, and in outpatient programs. To further promote recovery within our community, DRS hosts a weekly Peer Support group, and Recovery oriented workshops. Peer Support gives people the opportunity to discuss important issues with other people in recovery. The group is facilitated by its members, and is not run by any of the IOL staff. The following links provide additional information on WRAP and recovery topics: Occupational Therapy
The Institute of Living continues to be recognized as an outstanding site for Occupational Therapy Fieldwork I and II students. Fieldwork placements are unique, as they offer many new and innovative opportunities to promote Occupational Therapy within the large continuum of care. Contracts are maintained with several colleges and universities. The Occupational Therapy staff members meet regularly for departmental meetings, and they work collaboratively on several projects to promote the profession. Several new and exciting continuing education events are held at the IOL for Occupational Therapists. Tina Champagne recently hosted a conference on Sensory Modalities. The conference was inspiring and well attended. Occupational Therapists work collaboratively with other disciplines to incorporate “sensory diets” into clients’ treatment plans. Margo Holm also spoke at a two-day conference on the Performance Assessment of Self Care Skills. In addition, the IOL hosted an Occupational Therapy Mental Health Roundtable Event. We look forward to continuing the tradition of hosting exciting educational events, and promoting unique and evidenced-based care for the individuals we serve. Occupational Therapists perform functional assessments, and they are an integral part in the determination of a clients’ cognitive status. OT’s are an asset in discharge planning, and assist clinical teams in determining necessary level of care requirements for safe community living. Assessments that are currently utilized include the Allen Cognitive Level Screen, the Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills, and the Performance Assessment of Self Care Skills. Treatment is provided in both group and individualized sessions to clients with a variety of diagnoses. Groups include, but are not limited to, Fall Prevention, Sensory Stimulation, Restorative Dining, and Daily Living Skills. For more
information on the Occupational Therapy Program and the educational
opportunities, please contact: Therapeutic Recreation Services
Therapeutic Recreation Services are provided throughout the continuum of care at The Institute of Living. The goal of therapeutic recreation is to promote recovery through education about the role of the healthy use of leisure and recreation in well-being, while increase awareness of leisure resources in the community, and assisting in the development of the skills needed to function independently during leisure. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) facilitate a variety of practical skill-building treatment interventions that impact clients’ abilities to manage their physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and community realms. The interventions include Leisure Education, Stress Management, Communication Skills, Community Integration, Social Skills, Pet Therapy and Wellness. Additionally, CTRS facilitate Adventure Based Counseling (ABC) groups in both adolescent and adult outpatient programs. ABC is an experiential treatment modality designed to enable individuals to make behavioral changes through a series of guided, sequential activities predicated on personal responsibility, constructive feedback, and the development of trust. Therapeutic Recreation Student Internship Program
Clinical fieldwork placements are available on a year-round basis at The Institute of Living for students from colleges and universities that have an accredited degree program in Therapeutic Recreation Services. The fieldwork:
Prior to acceptance into the fieldwork program:
For further information regarding Therapeutic Recreation
Services or Fieldwork Placement at The Institute of Living please
contact: Horticulture ProgramOur Horticulture Program is the most popular modality for engaging people of all ages and abilities. Horticulture related services and training opportunities are vast in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services. The emphasis is on use of The Institute of Living’s greenhouse as a vocational training environment. Presently, individuals receive education and training in the maintenance, propagation, and marketing of plants in an effort to develop appropriate work-related behaviors and skills necessary to obtain and maintain community employment, enhance wellness, expand leisure outlets and promote recovery.
G.R.O.W. (Gain Responsibility, Opportunity and Work)
G.R.O.W., started in 1995, is a horticulture vocational training program for at-risk youth. G.R.O.W. is a very innovative and demanding program, which helps teens develop the critical on-the-job skills and behavior necessary to find and obtain employment. It is a structured program, operating after school and weekdays during the summer vacation. Since its inception, G.R.O.W. has blossomed. Participants in the program provide "hands-on" interior plant maintenance, floral arranging and exterior landscaping services in the Hartford Hospital community. The ultimate goal of this training program is to have participants achieve meaningful and productive employment. G.R.O.W. relies on philanthropic support to help fund important program enhancements throughout the year. Gifts help us serve more teens, purchase needed supplies and equipment and continue providing sound vocational rehabilitation. The Horticulture Program accepts interested individuals for work skills training, student employees for the G.R.O.W. component, and volunteers for the greenhouse. If you are interested in making a donation or would like more
information, please contact: Peer Support GroupThe Peer Support Group meets every Wednesday at 12:30PM
in the Todd Building* at the IOL. This group is intended to
provide support,
encouragement, and positive momentum for people in recovery from mental
health and substance use. The group fosters a coming together and hopefully
assists individuals in changing old unhealthy patterns, by helping
individuals build relationships that are respectful, mutually responsible,
and supportive to help each other get out of ‘stuck’ places. This group
offers a forum to be with others to encourage and promote a culture of
health and ability verses illness and disability. *Please call (860) 545-7202 to confirm location as this current location is temporary. Volunteer OpportunitiesWe have volunteer opportunities available year round in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services in the following areas: IOL Greenhouse, "On the Horizon" clothing store, and as a Peer Support advocate. For more information, please call the Department at (860) 545-7202 or the Hartford Hospital Volunteer Services Office at (860) 545-2198. |
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Occupational
Therapy is an instrumental part of a client’s recovery at The Institute of
Living. The Occupational Therapy Staff is comprised of Occupational Therapists
as well as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants. At present, Occupational
Therapy services are provided on the adult and geriatric inpatient units, he
Schizophrenia Rehabilitation Program, and in the TODD residential program. 
