Good News Friday!

For almost 50 years, Imagine! has provided thousands of people with cognitive and developmental disabilities the tools and support that have allowed them to become successful citizens and contributing members of our community.

Often, however, we become so wrapped up in our work that we fail to pause and reflect on our accomplishments.

So today, I’d like to share some statistics on the services we provided in 2010 to give you a sense of the depth and breadth of what we do.

Last year, Imagine!:

• helped 327 babies and toddlers with developmental disabilities or delays make progress toward their individual developmental goals (e.g., improved communication skills, improved fine or gross motor skills, or improved social skills);

• helped 54 school-aged children with developmental disabilities to learn vital socialization skills to help them to participate more fully in society, while affording their parents the peace of mind that comes with safe and appropriate childcare during work hours;

• provided job training, placement, coaching, and supervision for 106 adults with developmental disabilities;

• promoted the growth and safety of 306 local adults with developmental disabilities by enabling them to participate in enriching and therapeutic activities in the community;

• provided information and referrals to services to 1,279 families providing at-home care of a person with a developmental disability;

• helped parents of 55 children with autism spectrum disorders select and pay for services such as behavioral, speech, or occupational therapy;

• distributed $1,185,668.62 to caregivers of 583 individuals with developmental disabilities living at home to help pay for the services and supports that were most important to their families, such as respite care, medical or dental care, therapies, or devices to help the individual with special needs function better at school or work;

• provided comprehensive mental health services to 218 individuals with dual (mental illness/developmental disability) diagnoses;

• provided a broad range of behavioral health services to 105 individuals and educated their parents and caregivers about ways to build cooperative behavior;

• managed host home placements for 91 adults with developmental disabilities; and

• provided 24-hour comprehensive care to 57 adults with developmental disabilities, including seniors and medically fragile individuals.

We are proud of what we have achieved and we have no intention of resting on our laurels. We will continue to move forward with our mission, creating and offering innovative programs and services that allow our consumers to live fulfilling lives of independence and quality.