Empowering people to live
their best lives!

Vision Statement

We provide individual supports to adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder by fostering growth and progress towards their life plans. The foundation of the program is built on supporting individuals to live independently and develop a sense of community. Individuals are empowered to flourish in the life they want to live, while being simultaneously liberated with information and knowledge of their rights, increase education in the community at large, and break down stigmas and barriers around living with ASD.

Who We Serve

Adults ages 18 and older who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and who are being served by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services.

Individual Supports

The Individual Supports Program provides comprehensive case management services to help individuals overcome barriers, and develop the skills that will enable them to become more independent, and therefore able to be integrated and productive in their communities. Supports are provided to people with an Autism diagnosis who are working towards, or are currently, living independently in the community. This is done through designing tailored supports to meet the unique needs of each person.

Case managers encourage individuals to maximize independence and increase their ability in the following areas:

• Community engagement

• Building and maintaining relationships

• Social skills groups and 1:1 support (both virtual and in person)

• Life skill building i.e. travel training, budgeting/money management, paying bills

• Care coordination i.e. scheduling and managing appointments

• Advocacy

Support Providers

All members of the ASD Individual Supports program are highly trained with extensive experience in clinical models and working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Open Sky is known for the rigor in which we train, supervise, and support our staff in order to deliver the best possible services

Referral Process

Open Sky receives referrals from the Department of Developmental Services. Upon referral, an initial consultation and assessment is conducted to identify if an individual’s need areas can be met through the services provided by the Individual Supports Program. Open Sky offers Autism Support services to assist young adults who are aging out of school but need continued supports, as well as older individuals who have been unsuccessful in navigating their environment, in achieving their life goals and dreams. This process includes a meet and greet between program staff and the individual being referred, as well as any close family member/friend who the individual chooses to be present. A Life Plan will be developed in collaboration with the integrated team.

Additional Services

We provide referrals to the following services:

Employment Supports – providing support and skill enhancement to help secure a job that is consistent with the individual’s interest, learning style and social skills.

Education Supports – supporting the individual through the admissions process and course selection, modeling in-class behavior and providing assistance with homework and organizational skills.

Clinical Services – providing evidence-based practice services such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

In-Home Clinical Services – including family consultation and training.

Who Provides the Services

All members of the Autism Support Services team are highly trained with extensive experience in clinical models and working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Open Sky is known for the rigor in which we train, supervise, and support our staff in order to deliver the best possible services and treatments.

Service Locations

The Open Sky Community Services Autism Support Program is located in Worcester and serves individuals living in communities in Central, South Central, and North Central Massachusetts. Services are provided in the home and in the community.

Open Sky is also an Adult Family Care provider and assists caregivers with professional support and stipends.