Wildwood's residential programs are designed to provide each person a warm, comfortable and appropriate home. A high value is placed on having individuals feel that where they live is truly home. The family home is not replaced, any more than it is when other young adults leave home. Instead, through the partnership established between staff and family, the two homes work in concert with each other.

Wildwood offers a wide range of residential options to people 18 years and older throughout the Capital Region. Staff work closely with individuals and families to determine which option is most suitable and offer support and assistance through all phases of the transition to the new home. The individual's needs and preferences are paramount in the planning process.

Wildwood places great importance on connecting individuals to their communities. Part of the responsibility of residential staff is to promote integration into the community by helping people to identify their interests and then enabling them to pursue those interests, with whatever level of assistance is needed. Wildwood has even created the position of community bridge builder to work with individuals and staff on making the community connection.

Wildwood's residential programs serve individuals with all levels of disability. In addition to the regular staff, each program has the consulting services of a nurse, social worker and psychologist.

Group Homes
Groups homes currently exist in Castleton, Delmar, Glenville, Guilderland and Schenectady for individuals who require 24-hour supervision and support. The homes vary in size from five to 10 people, along with the number of staff necessary to meet the needs of the residents.

Transitional Apartment Program
A supervised transitional apartment program is located in the Town of Colonie. Designed and built by Wildwood Programs, it blends the best of living in a family or group home with living on one's own. Staffed 24-hours a day, the building has eight fully equipped one- or two-bedroom apartments as well as large communal spaces. Residents can simulate independent living while receiving support, feedback and training from staff.

Supported Living
Many individuals live in their own apartments or homes. They may live alone or with a roommate who is also disabled in an apartment that Wildwood rents for them. Individuals also rent their own apartments, sometimes with state funding. Others own their homes, which their families may have purchased for them. In any of these settings, the individual may live with a nondisabled roommate who provides assistance and companionship. Whatever the arrangement, Wildwood staff are in the home as often as the person requires. For some this may be once a week for a few hours to help with budgeting or provide transportation to a community activity. For others it may be every day for much longer periods of time. Staff are also available by phone or beeper 24 hours a day.

Eligibility for Services
To be eligible for services, an individual must have a documented developmental disability and be from the 12-county Capital District region. Priority is given to individuals with neurological impairments and related learning disabilities or autism.

Fees and Funding
Each person contributes to his or her stay in a residential program from benefits received (usually SSI/SSD) and/or wages earned. In many cases this contribution covers only a very small part of the cost. State funds make up the remainder. Families are not responsible for paying for residential services. Program costs are supplemented by contributions made to the Wildwood Programs Annual Fund via agencywide fund-raising activities.

Administrative offices for Wildwood Residential Services are located in the Latham .

Sue Hanson is our Coordinator of Residential Services.

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