INTRODUCTION

Forrester-Davis Development Center was established in Clarksville in 1971 by a group of parents who needed a school for their children with special needs. Through the years, Forrester-Davis Development Center has evolved into two programs. This program's purpose and objective is to provide educational/habilitative services to the developmentally disabled adults in Johnson County and surrounding communities. Originally incorporated with the center for the children's program, the Adult program moved into the new 4,416 square foot facility located next door to the children's Center.

Forrester-Davis Development Adult Center provides quality work opportunities for individuals through it's subcontract work, while providing the business community an invaluable service by completing their contracts in a timely and acceptable manner.

The training program is part of a larger organization, Forrester-Davis Development Center, Inc., a non-profit, community-based agency dedicated to providing a comprehensive service delivery system for individuals with handicapping conditions in three basic program areas: educational, vocational and preschool. Services provided by the larger organization include psychosocial services, vocational evaluation, vocational development, occupational skills training, follow-up, infant/preschool classes as well as physical, occupational and speech therapy.

National experts and local professionals have recognized acquiring job skills and experiencing successful job placement as achievable goals for individuals with handicaps, provided that the adequate support and training are present. Special emphasis is placed on encouraging individuals to be as independent as possible, both at work and at home, thereby reducing the need to depend upon government subsidies for financial assistance. FDDC has demonstrated that individuals with handicapping conditions can lead productive lives and contribute to society and the community through meaningful work. This approach continues to flourish and progress for more individuals with limitations as labor opportunities in the community grow.

The Vocational Department's Mission is to provide programs and services to disabled adults and to operate a profitable business supplying value added products to its commercial customers. These services are provided according to individual plans and goals. We will provide these in a manner consistent with the philosophy and values as set forth in the Mission Statement.

The objective of the Forrester-Davis Development Center is to provide services to the mentally and/or physically disabled of this area through work skills training, social skills, placement in competitive and supported employment, community living and follow-up programs. These services are provided in cooperation with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, Developmental Disabilities Services, Arkansas Social Services and other referring agencies. Services are designed to enable the individual to achieve maximum functional level so that they can become a productive member of the community.

The methods used in the training center will include assessment, job skills training, and (upon reaching criteria) placement in competitive, supported or sheltered employment. The major purpose of the training center will be to assess/evaluate work adaptability and potential and to provide the physically and mentally handicapped individual with appropriate services, which will result in employment.

This facility will be happy to assist any referral or sponsoring agency's clients that qualify for services under the criteria of this agency regardless of race, creed, color, age, sex or disability, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

I. Referral Source

A. Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
B. Developmental Disabilities Services
C. Office of Long Term Care
D. Parent/Guardian/Friends/Self
E. Public Schools
F. Court System

II. Preliminary Tour

Prospective clients are encouraged to visit the facility for a tour and a brief orientation to see the training center in operation and to make a decision about participation in the program.