Edmonton Community Living Support Services

Connect Society’s Community Living Support Services program (CLSS) provides residential supports to individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing and have developmental delays. Services provided are needs-based and can range from occasional to 24 hour support.  Most individuals have fluctuating support requirements and flexibility is built into the service to accommodate need.

The Community Living Supports Services Program provides direct support that enables individuals to live as independently as possible and to participate in society according to their choices.

The Community Living Support Services staff are experienced and knowledgeable in American Sign Language, Deaf culture and technology associated with Deafness.  This includes hearing devices, lighting systems for doorbells and fire alarms, community programming for the Deaf, day to day supports as needed/identified with clear communication in ASL, as well as accessing services through interpreters for professional appointments.

Who qualifies for the program?

Individual are eligible for services if they:

  • are Deaf or hard of hearing and are developmentally delayed
  • are 18 years of age or older
  • meet Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) eligibility and are approved for funding

All referrals for Community Living Support Services come directly from Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD). For more information please contact PDD Intake at (780) 427-4354.

What does the program offer?

  • One group home that provides 24 hour staffing
  • Outreach supports for individuals living in their own homes in the community
  • Individual support homes providing 1:1 supports in a “host family” setting

Program goals include:

Opportunities for Growth
  • Person-centred approach provides integrated opportunities to develop language, communication and social skills in natural environments
  • Growth in personal self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Recognition of personal abilities and strengths that contribute to community life
  • Enhanced social and emotional coping skills provide the groundwork for increasing network possibilities.
Greater Independence
  • A priority is to develop a greater sense of autonomy and independence as well as make informed decisions about their lives. This fosters…
  • Increased awareness of their individual rights and responsibilities as valued citizens
Practical Assistance
  • Life skills training is provided in-home based on individual needs, including menu planning and preparation, personal budgeting and household responsibilities
  • Assistance accessing community resources for medical, financial, vocational and recreational needs

Other programming and community partnerships

Craft Connection
CLSS program provides a monthly craft and dinner session to individuals in our program that is accessible through American Sign Language.  Programming is provided on-site and is an opportunity to participate in a social setting to create and share skills and experiences.
Steadward Centre
CLSS program participants have the opportunity to attend the Steadward Centre for adapted physical activity.  The CLSS program has partnered with staff at the Steadward Centre to provide assessment and program development to individuals in program and in the Deaf community that is accessible in American Sign Language.  Staff attend, when needed, to support individuals.  Basic sign language instruction has been provided to staff/students who are providing programming to individuals.
Connect cooks collective kitchen
A partnership between Connect Society Literacy Program and the YMCA Family Resource Center offers a collective kitchen specifically designed for Deaf and Hard of Hearing adults. This group involves coming to the YMCA weekly to cook healthy meals together. Prices for the group are paid monthly.

This group runs 12 week cycles in the fall, winter and spring. (Registration is ongoing).

Contacting the Program

Kelly Ilkiw

Kelly Ilkiw

Community Living Support Services Manager / Stay and Study Program Coordinator

Edmonton

Contact Kelly: