FOCUS Program Eligibility and Operation Details

Eligibility for Participation in FOCUS

• Participant must be at least 18 years old.
• Participant must have a diagnosed disability.
  • Please understand that this program is not appropriate for all levels of need. All participants must be able to meet FOCUS eligibility requirements, with or without special modification. Contact the administrative office at 309-691-1929 for further information on other program options.
• Participant must meet health eligibility requirements.
• Participants must meet level of care requirements.
• Participant must generally participate in activities at a staff-to-participant ratio of 1:4.
• Participant must regularly demonstrate flexibility and the ability to reasonably cope with changing situations.
• Allow others in the program and public to enjoy activity with limited disruption (within reason).
• Regularly demonstrate behavior that will not affect the safety of any individual including him/ herself.
• Regularly demonstrate social skills that promote a healthy environment.

Operation Details

Transportation

• Parents/ guardians are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the program and all related transportation costs.
• Contact CityLift or CountyLink (Peoria and Peoria County) at 309-999-3667 and WeCare (Morton) at 309-347-7148 to set up transportation.
• If you will be arranging transportation through one of the agencies listed above, please contact the Program Specialist to make arrangements for appropriate transportation windows.
• Third party transportation can drop participants off no earlier than 8:45am and must pick-up no later than 3:00pm.

What To Bring

• Deliver all medications in their original prescription bottles. Provide written directions to staff regarding specific instructions for medication via the medication authorization form.
  • Medication will only be dispensed if a Medication Authorization Form is on file.
  • Medication Authorization Forms must match the assigned prescription bottles.
• If the participant requires personal hygiene items, please send them clearly labelled along with any special instructions.
• We encourage participants to leave all unnecessary personal items such as cell phones, electronic toys, and other expensive items at home unless it is needed by the participant to access programming. HISRA and its staff are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Program Attire

• Participants are encouraged to wear closed toe shoes for comfort and safety purposes.
• Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes that are appropriate for the activities of the day.
• Please send swim attire on swim days and consult the schedule for attire needs.

Activities

• At times, participants may be placed into smaller groups according to age and/or ability.
• Scheduled activities are subject to change when neccessary.
  • Please consult the monthly calendar and the detailed weekly calendar that is posted in advance on the Facebook page: “FOCUS Program at HISRA”. Here, you will also find regularly posted pictures of the week’s activities.
• Please advise the staff on any special needs that the participant may have regarding hot or cold temperatures and sun and heat exposure. Include this information on the Annual Information Form.

Communication

• FOCUS staff carries a HISRA phone with them during program hours and can be reached via text, or call this number: 309-696-9775. This phone number is not monitored outside of program hours.
• A detailed weekly calendar can be found each week on the FOCUS Facebook page called, “FOCUS Program at HISRA”.
• A monthly calendar with general details of each day will be sent home with each participant and will be posted on the FOCUS Facebook page.
• FOCUS is a program that promotes and teaches adult independence. Typically, we will not send home daily or weekly progress communication. If daily or weekly progress communication is requested, please contact the Program Specialist.

Absent Participant

• Parents/guardians must notify HISRA by phone call before 9:00am if the participant is going to be absent. Please do this by calling the HISRA office at 309-691-1929, or the FOCUS cell phone at 309-696-9775.
• Refunds and credits are not given for days missed.

Weather Cancellations

• In the event of inclement weather, participants/families should call the HISRA program line at 309-691-1929 ext. 1111
  • No refunds will be given for weather-related cancellations.