Marklund Bridge Builder CDS

Overview: 

Marklund’s Bridge Builder Community Day Services (CDS) program is an Adult Services therapeutic learning and training program that assists individuals with developing new skills and enhancing personal interests and strengths as they pursue independent, fulfilling futures.

This unique program offers comprehensive supports to help participants grow in areas such as communication, socially adaptive behaviors, functional living, and supported employment skills. It is specifically designed for adults over the age of 18 with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.

Our goal is to empower individuals to achieve their highest personal potential. Individual Personal Plans are developed which include goals that are incorporated into their daily activities. During program hours, individuals work on refining social skills and self-awareness, as well as skills they need in everyday life, such as financial management and activities of daily living.

Marklund’s Bridge Builder CDS operates year-round, with programming from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday. Marklund staff ensure that individuals receive well-rounded programming and experiences that afford them optimal growth opportunities.

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Learning Environment: 

Individuals of Marklund’s Bridge Builder CDS are exposed to structured learning environments within the classroom as well as real-life, hands-on training experiences through community and adult service partners. Programming onsite will occur in either a classroom setting or within a mock apartment that includes a fully functional kitchen. Instruction across all settings varies per individual need and may include 1:1 training, small group, or large group instruction. In order to reach the ultimate goal of maximum independence, staff ratios are monitored and reduced as appropriate.

Programming & Staffing:  

Program Staff

Program staff includes:

  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
  • Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professionals (QIDP)
  • Registered Behavior Technician Job Coaches
  • Personal Support Professional Job Coaches
  • Registered Nurse/ Licensed Practical Nurse

Curriculum/Programming

Marklund uses a wide variety of materials, lesson plans, and community-based opportunities that are adapted to fit the needs of each individual.

 

Curriculum/programming includes:

  • Functional Activities of Daily Living
  • Pre-vocational and vocational skills training
  • Community/vocational integration
  • Communication development
  • Multi-sensory supports
  • Recreational and leisure activities
  • And more

Program Model:

Marklund’s Bridge Builder CDS uses an interdisciplinary approach that helps individuals learn to manage everyday challenges through the implementation of Evidence-Based Practices (EBP), and assists individuals as they grow and learn to manage everyday challenges.

Community Involvement:

One of our primary goals is to provide Marklund’s Bridge Builder CDS participants the opportunity to engage with the community. We believe that having a connection to local businesses and organizations is important for our participants as well as for the members of the community.

Ways in which Marklund's Bridge Builder CDS participants engage in the community

  • Practice Vocational Skills through volunteering and/or working at local businesses
  • Develop Life Skills through weekly shopping outings
  • Participate in a structured onsite cooking group
  • Increase physical health by utilizing fitness equipment at our local Community Center
For further information, please click the button below to write us a message, sign up for our mailing list, and more!
Contact Us
You may also contact Kimberly Kahl, Director of Community Day Services,
at 630.953.5271 or kkahl@marklund.org.

To qualify for this program, individuals must:

  • Have a diagnosed intellectual disability that significantly interferes with their ability to be gainfully employed in the community
  • Possess a state issued identity card and a valid social security card
  • Be legally able to work in the United States
  • Problem behaviors do not consistently infringe on the rights and safety of others within the program
  • Be independent enough that one-to-one staff assistance is not required
  • Be able to accept responsibility for program fees

The Bridge Builder CDS program is located at the

Marklund Nathan Education Center,

1210 Hunter Drive, Elgin, IL