An Overview

OverviewChimes Delaware was established in March1994 in New Castle County. The state’s Divisionof Developmental Disabilities Servicesasked Chimes, a not-for-profit agency based inBaltimore, Maryland, to assume responsibility forproviding residential and day services to peoplewith severe disabilities and challenging behaviors,primarily Autism Spectrum Disorders and Prader-WilliSyndrome. Given that Chimes was alreadya long established organization, recognizedas a national leader in the disabilities industry,we seized the opportunity. Within days, we wereoperating our first day program in Newark andseveral homes in New Castle County. Over theyears, we have cultivated partnerships with theprogram participants, their families, advocates,government officials, legislators and the variouscommunities in which we live and work. Workingtogether, we have been mutually responsive andinnovative for the benefit of all stakeholders.Today, we are one of Delaware’s largest providersof community services for persons withintellectual and developmental disabilities andco-occurring disabilities with programs operatingstatewide. Our continued commitment to excellencein service design and delivery, as well ascustomer satisfaction, has made us a top choiceamong Delawareans.Our Delaware programs focus on how a personwants to live and work, with services and supportsorganized around the person’s needs, preferencesand choices. Using a multi-disciplinaryTeam approach, our staff works with the participants,their families and advocates and establishesan Essential Lifestyle Plan. Each Plan includespersonal goals for the participant and correspondingplans for achieving them. Plans aredynamic and evolve as the person moves throughlife, with changing needs, interests and priorities.Each program participant is supported by atrained and dedicated staff of professionals.While the level and type of supports vary basedon the person’s needs and preferences, individualprogram services are coordinated by an assignedcase manager. Staff nurses, behavior specialists,and a mental health specialist are available toaddress clinical issues and coordinate necessaryservices with community healthcare practitioners.Employment professionals are available to supportwork opportunities, both facility based andin the community. Program participants also haveample opportunities to enjoy community leisureand recreational activities with staff support.With services tailored to the uniqueness of eachperson and our emphasis on choice and diversityof opportunities, the people we support have agreater chance to fulfill their potential, maximizetheir independence and live truly satisfying lives.Chimes programs focus on choice and opportunities and how a person wants to live and work.Residential OptionsStatewideProvides professional servicesand supports to adults withmultiple disabilities in communitybased homes (apartmentsand single family homes).Service type, living environmentand level of supportvary based on the needs andpreferences of the programparticipant. Goals are to enableprogram participants to maximize their skillsand participate fully in community life.Vocational OptionsNewark and MillsboroProvides vocational on-thejobtraining and professionalsupports to adults, as wellas transitioning services toyouth from age 16 withmultiple disabilities. Bothfacility based and communityemployment options andopportunities are availablewith specialized supportsprovided as determined by individual needs.Our goal is to assist program participants tobecome integrated members of thecommunity workforce.Day HabilitationNewark and DoverProvides training and diverseactivities to adults withmultiple and co-occurringdisabilities, both facilitybased and in the community,that focus on daily livingskills, communication andsocialization skills with adjunctivesupports to addressphysical, mental health andbehavioral needs. The goal is to assist participantsto enhance life skills, while developingnew relationships and enjoying new experiences.