NDA Announces New Transitional Unit for Deaf Adults
Aug. 7, 2008 — The National Deaf Academy has announced the opening of their new Transitional Unit for Deaf adults 18 and older. The Transitional Unit provides post school adults an opportunity to develop and practice skills that will help them in their transition from a residential program to a community based program in their home state.
As a residential program serving Deaf individuals, National Deaf Academy (NDA) recognized a need for services to ease the transition from a highly structured and supervised therapeutic program to a significantly lower level of care that is provided in traditional community based setting such as a group home. "It is considered a safety net for Deaf individuals with mental health issues. They have the opportunity to have a second chance at life by developing their confidence with substantial independent living and vocational skills before they are integrate in their community," Mary Augustyn, Coordinator for Adult Enhancement Programs said.
The Transitional Unit is led by Mary Augustyn and David Killam, the Transitional Unit House Supervisor. With the support of the Medical Director and Clinical Director, Augustyn and Killam have created this unique program consisting of in-house trainings, community services and involvement, employment, Deaf community services, recreation and entertainment. The Unit serves 9 male and 9 female Deaf adults in two dormitories on NDA's campus. These residents are expected to live as a community and share in the daily household chores, meal shopping and preparation and community activities.
The Transitional Unit is available to Deaf adults who have finished school and are currently in a residential treatment facility and ready for a lower level of care or are currently in a community based setting and need additional support and supervision paired with vocational and independent living skills training for a successful transition back to that setting. The program is also available for current NDA residents as a step down to provide successful transition to a community program in their home state.
National Deaf Academy, located in Mount Dora, Florida, is a residential treatment center serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of psychiatric and behavioral issues. NDA also has a specialized program dedicated to autistic individuals with communication disorders. For more information, visit National Deaf Academy online at www.nda.com