Life Development Institute Joins ISPA

Life Development Institute (LDI) of Glendale, AZ has joined the Independent Small Programs Alliance (ISPA) effective March1, 2008. Andy Anderson, Managing Partner of ISPA stated, "LDI joining ISPA is a real coup. Rob and Veronica Crawford have poured themselves into their life's work, and LDI is the culmination of that work. Their commitment to families is total and honorable and is beyond reproach. We are fortunate to have them as members.

Now in its 25th year, the Life Development Institute (LDI) is a beacon of opportunity for young adults ages 18-30 with low average to gifted IQ's, who struggle with learning disabilities, ADHD, Asperger's syndrome, mood, and other diagnostically similar mental or neurological disorders. The Institute offers community-based programs in both day and residential settings from its Arrowhead Ranch location in Glendale, Arizona. The Institute is an appropriate placement option for individuals who want a non-clinical/non-treatment focused program setting, and can benefit from a guided transition into the adult community.

Program Approach: LDI services and staff provide a supportive environment to help a person through several levels of adult transition to achieve a greater measure of independence. Our programs work in conjunction with a highly independent, yet supportive residential living community to enable individuals to truly feel and know independence. All students are expected to participate in career or work-related activities and obtain employment through the program's job development and placement department. They are provided emotional support from LDI program staff based on a practitioner's model for daily adult adjustment issues and as necessary, a network of community-based professionals, therapists and clinicians.

High School Completion Program: For students who have not finished high school, the Life Development Institute High School Program curriculum has full accreditation through the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) and is approved as a private special education school through the Arizona Department of Education. In addition to an applied academic core curriculum, students have the opportunity to concurrently gain work experience, begin to plan a career, take some college classes, experience independent-living, assume some financial responsibilities AND earn a high school diploma at the same time!

Post-Secondary Options: The Life Development Institute's post-secondary curriculum provides a balanced program for all students and is flexible enough to permit wide variation in student development or aspirations. LDI offers a two-year core curriculum with three primary post-secondary options for high school graduates. These options are pathways and supportive placement into community-based collegiate education, occupational training programs, or competitive employment.

Residential Setting: Students live in a large, open community complex in one or two-bedroom apartments. They may live alone or with a roommate wherein they are paired by age, lifestyle, and temperament. Residential and program services/fees are based on a calendar year. Staff helps students one-on-one as needed; acting as mentors to teach routine cleaning and maintenance techniques, menu planning, and cooking classes. They benefit from the relationships they develop with one another and the staff. Simultaneously, each student is also developing proficiency in managing the responsibilities of independent adult living and learning to make healthy choices for her/his social and emotional well-being. There are optional social activities set up on a weekly basis, ample opportunities to get out in Phoenix or around the state on their own, and an annual out of the country trip. Students furnish their apartments to suit personal taste, and are allowed to bring their cars or other private property to LDI if the families and the program decide it is in the best interest of the individual coming into the program.

Contact Life Development Institute
Contact:
Rob Crawford
623-773-2774
info@life-development-inst.org
www.lifedevelopmentinstitute.org