*Please read the following admissions guidelines BEFORE filling out the application form.

*For the Employment Development Program admissions criteria, click here.

Admissions Criteria

• The age of admissions for all participants is twenty-one years of age. The exception to this are students who participate in school to work transition programs who must be eighteen years of age and over or those requesting employment based services from the Work Activity Centre.

• Applicants to Adult Service Centres must have a primary or secondary diagnosis of a mental/intellectual disability.

• Applicants must reside in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality

• Applicants must be able to, with or without accommodation, independently care for personal needs.

• Note: Clients requiring one-on-one support are offered participation in BDO and group activities if accompanied by a support person.

Procedures

INTAKE: By applying to the Horizon Achievement Centre you are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the general philosophy and principles of this agency. Specifically, you are expected to be an active participant in the Individual Service Planning Process.

• Applicants can apply for services on their own behalf, or through their parents. Referrals are also accepted from service agencies or educational system.

• All inquiries for application are to be made to the Executive Director by phone, mail or appointment.

• Each applicant will receive an admissions package inclusive of:
1. An application
2. An assessment
3. Privacy Brochure and Information Consent Form

• Note: Additional information such as educational, medical and psychological reports may be requested to ensure the most appropriate service for the client.

• Failure to return or complete any of the above forms can hinder the applicants admission to services.

• Once all information has been returned, a member of the HAC Program Staff will contact the applicant to arrange a meeting to:
1. Review the application
2. Complete a consumer profile and consumer survey
3. Take the applicant on a tour of the facility
4. Present a written overview to the Executive Director

Program Classification

The Executive Director will review all information and recommend placement in any one of the following programs areas, and assign the file to the appropriate coordinator:

• Life Enhancement Services: Social, Leisure and Recreational

• Vocational and Pre Employment: Basic Work Skills, Social, Interpersonal Skills

• Community Employment: Job search and career identification and training

• Work Activity Program: Employment Development Services

Probation/Assessment

All participants will be subject to a three month assessment/ probationary period -- subject to seat availability. During this time, the client will be formally assessed for permanent status. (Days and times to be determined by program and client availability.)

• On the first day of the assessment period, the program coordinator will meet with the client and family/caregiver to:
1. Review the basic Centre policies and procedures
2. Ensure that all file information is accurate and complete
3. Obtain signatures on all Centre Release Forms
4. Sign a standard Terms of Placement contract indicating the days and duration of the assessment period

• Two months into the assessment period, the program coordinator will initiate contact with the family/caregiver to schedule a date for a second meeting to formally review the clients performance to date, and to discuss their individual/personal goals.

• A summary of the meeting and recommendation for placement shall be forwarded to the Executive Director.

• If approved, the client will be placed on the departments active service list and be considered for permanent status.

• Note: During the probationary period, the clients placement may be terminated (for just cause) at the sole discretion of the Horizon Achievement Centre. He/she is entitled to appeal this decision to the Program Committee of the Board.

Admissions Process

Admissions meetings are held every three months.

• The Executive Director will meet with each program coordinator every three months to review admissions.

• Vacancies are determined by standardized departmental staff to client ratios.

• Admissions are determined by first come first served and the availability of the client.

• Once a client has been accepted for placement, the program coordinator will contact the client and referring agency.

• Note: Program Coordinators will send a letter to all new referrals indicating the clients placement classification and identifying the contact person.

Proceed to Application Form