Mental Retardation Services

The Mental Retardation Department provides direct support programs and services for individuals with mental retardation. Participation in these programs requires a referral from the individual's Independent Supports Coordinator (ISC).

Individuals with mental retardation participate in Day Services, Senior Programs, Employment / Training, Family Living and Recreational Activities.

Vocational Training Center
This program specializes in meeting the needs of difficult to place individuals with mental, behavioral, and physical challenges. Adaptive techniques are fully utilized. Movement enrichment, occupational and physical activities may be offered based upon individual needs and availability of funds.

The VTC staff have a difficult time selecting artwork to be displayed at the Flowering of Insight Art Exhibit.

Employment / Training Center
Employment coaches and specialists work with individuals with mental retardation on-site and in the community to develop the skills necessary to maintain a job. Mobility training is available to support the individual's needs to commute to and from the work site. Movement enrichment may be offered based upon individual needs and availability of funds.

Above, an individual in Chartiers ETC is preparing a bulk mailing while the individual in the photo below is working on the hanger project.

In the photos below the individual on the left is preparing a custom gift basket while the individual on the right is working on a craft project.

Senior Community Center
This program is for seniors with mental retardation. Support is offered in socialization, daily living, community recreation and educational outreach. Movement enrichment, occupational, and physical activities may be offered based upon individual needs and availability of funds. Many activities focus on an intergenerational approach.

Meet Bob and Felix, 2 seniors who attend Chartiers Senior Community Center. Bob (pictured on the left) is a shining example of how to stay active after 60! He is a diabetic who made life changes by maintaining a 1,800 caloric diet and losing 80 pounds. As a result he no longer needs to take medication and enjoys walking and bowling. Felix (pictured on the right) has come to the Center dressed in a suit coat and tie for the past 20 years. While he is non-verbal, he communicates through sound and his own version of sign language. At 77 years old, there is no slowing down for Felix.

The staff of the Senior Community Center (right photo) is pictured with the Steelers’ tree. Once the seniors decorated the tree in black in gold, it remained up until the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup!

Community Activities Program

Individuals with mental retardation participate in recreation, cultural and social activities. The program is designed to promote peer and community interaction; increase awareness and use of available community resources; and assist individuals in refining social abilities. Activities may include dances, concerts, arts and crafts, bowling leagues, and community events. Individuals must be 14 years or older with a certain degree of self-care skills. A Teen Group offers social activities specialized to this age group. A complete list of scheduled activities is available by calling the Community Activities Office at (412) 221-3302, extension 187.

Family Living Program
This program arranges for individuals with mental retardation to live with families in the community. Host homes provide a supportive family atmosphere where the individual's emotional, residential, and daily living needs are met to continue their growth and development in society.

For more information on Chartiers Mental Retardation Services, please call (412) 833-8279.