Kellyann Pascarella | Greystone Programs

Community Habilitation Services: An Overview

October 12, 2020 by Kellyann Pascarella

What are you responsible for at Greystone Programs?
As the Director of Community Services, I am responsible for the planning, development and oversight of the Taconic and Hudson Valley DDRO’s community-based programs and services in seven Hudson Valley counties. These programs include Community Habilitation, Respite, Club COOL after school program, SURPASS and In Home Behavior Therapy Program. In addition, I serve as the lead in-take coordinator for the agency, where I provide an honest conversation on how Greystone Programs can provide services. Also, I establish new and existing relationships with individuals, families, colleagues, schools and community groups advancing the philosophy and mission of Greystone.

What is Community Habilitation?
Community Habilitation is a Medicaid-funded program operated under the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to provide one-to-one training to people with intellectual/developmental disabilities to develop or enhance the skills needed to live more independently in their homes and in the community.

How does a parent or legal guardian get someone involved in Community Habilitation?
To participate in Community Habilitation, parents and guardians should contact the “Front Door” at their local Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO) to determine eligibility. For people already receiving supports, their care manager can assist them in obtaining Community Habilitation if appropriate.

Can you tell me more about the Respite and SURPASS Programs?
We have three respite programs in place. Currently, restrictions are in place for each program due to COVID-19. We have a traditional in-home respite program funded through the Medicaid Waiver, where staff works in a person’s home allowing parents and caregivers to have a break from the day-to-day care of their loved one. We have our after-school program and our Friday evening and Saturday programs that give caretakers a break while their child enjoys socializing in a center based program.

We host a social skills development group called SURPASS, which stands for Support and Understanding Regarding Play and Social Skills. This program takes place at the Annette Heslin Center in Wappingers Falls, NY. The current group supports young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

For more information about Community Habilitation services, please contact:
Caren O’Brien-Edwards
(845) 452-5772 Ext. 106
cobrien-edwards@greystoneprograms.org

About Greystone Programs
Celebrating 41 years of excellence, Greystone Programs is dedicated to supporting children, adults and families living with autism and other developmental disabilities by enriching lives one person at a time. Established in 1979 by Marc W. Kelley, Greystone offered the first privately run residence in New York State for people living with autism. Today, Greystone offers exceptional services and life-enriching opportunities for more than 600 children, adults and families living with autism and developmental disabilities in five Hudson Valley counties. To learn more, visit https://greystoneprograms.org/ or follow the organization on social media.

2020 Mission Moment Online Auction

September 4, 2020 by Kellyann Pascarella

Donate

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, we have pivoted our traditional in-person Annual International Wine Showcase and Auction to a contactless, online event from the comfort of your home, office or anywhere! Our Mission Moment Online Auction was a week-long event that began at Noon on October 18, 2020 and concluded at 5:30 pm on October 25, 2020.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy: An Overview

August 21, 2020 by Kellyann Pascarella

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and how is it implemented at Greystone Programs?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a systematic approach to impact socially significant behavior. Principals of learning and motivation are used to teach new skills or increase skills that will improve an individual’s quality of life. These same principals are used to decrease and eliminate problematic behaviors that impact an individual’s safety and help the individual to become an active part of their household and community. ABA is practical because it addresses how it’s possible to help an individual improve something in their daily life. ABA is data driven. Measurable goals are created in a variety of settings and decisions are made based on data.

ABA is most commonly associated with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ABA is also implemented in general education, parent training, sports, substance abuse, feeding disorders, industrial safety and Organizational Business Management (OBM).

Greystone Programs uses the guiding principles of ABA to address behaviors that are socially significant to those we serve. This includes teaching new skills and assessing the functional relationship between a challenging behavior and the environment. Interventions are developed in order to change events and consequences that control a targeted behavior.

Can the use of technology be used to apply ABA techniques?
Greystone Programs continues to explore the use of technology across programs. Data collection for both functional skills and challenging behaviors are recorded using Therap. Augmentative communication and routines are being created and followed in two of our houses using an app called Routine Factory. We are currently exploring apps that use task analyses and record data in real time. The goal is for individuals to be able to use supports such as iPads independently and not have to rely on a caregiver. Milo, a robot that facilitates lessons in emotional regulation and social skills, helps create an environment where lessons are taught consistently and data is captured in real time.

Can you share an example of ABA therapy success?
We had an individual move into a Greystone residence who was aversive to using the shower or bathtub. Using shaping, chaining and positive reinforcement, this person learned to take a bath and eventually found it to be a preferred activity. Through staff reinforcement of this skill, the individual now voluntarily gets items ready for a bath.

There was another individual who did not want to participate in day program and most community activities. Through pairing, shaping, positive reinforcement and mand training, this person is now attending day program and community activities. With COVID-19, their newly founded routine was interrupted when day programs and community outings were put on hold. However, we are now using the same ABA principles to help this person transition back into their day program.

For more information about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), please contact:
Elizabeth Carino, M.S., BCBA, LBA
(845) 452-5772 Ext. 134
ecarino@greystoneprograms.org

COVID-19 Relief

August 6, 2020 by Kellyann Pascarella

Make a Donation

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has come at a tremendous cost to most. Through it all, Greystone adapts and continues to provide the quality services to those on the autism spectrum and with developmental disabilities entrusted to our care. However, there were costs to Greystone Programs that were not included in the 2020 budget. While our mission of providing quality services never wavered, the expenses continue. From the onset of the pandemic, our top priority is to safeguard the health and well-being of those we support and our employees, which requires unplanned expenses including Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

This year our fundraising efforts are more important than ever with the financial strain of COVID-19, and lost revenue due to the New York State PAUSE order. With the uncertainty of our in-person fundraising events, we must rely on our Champions for Autism community like you to help bridge the gap.

We do not fundraise because it is fun, we do it because it matters. We do it each year because it changes the lives of those around us and gives individuals the support needed to meet their potential. It is about expanding each person’s opportunities and providing the resources needed to live robust and fulfilling lives. And this year, your support is needed more than ever just to sustain the basic daily norms within our community.

With your help, we are confident we can overcome our challenges and fulfill our critical mission to its fullest. Your gift, no matter how small, will make a difference.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,