The consumers chosen for this department are ‘special’ in the sense they can not be around assertive and aggressive consumers. Generally, they have some level of ‘fragility’, whether it be a guarded gait, health issues, the need for extra support to assure their safety such as chopped food, some hand over hand feeding, diapering daily, etc. The program staffs at the normal one to three ratio; however, the program places an additional staff in that department to help provide the support, as needed.
The special needs consumers have curriculum based on their comprehension, skills and abilities; however, additional training is provided for increased social skills, motor skills and socialization. Outings are designed around things this special group enjoys.