If
you're considering Pathfinder Village as a living
option for a loved one, you will have many questions
about the admission process, Village life, the area,
and family involvement. Below are questions we
frequently encounter. If you have others,
please feel free to
contact us. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.
One integral part of the
admissions process at Pathfinder is a
Village visit. We encourage the
family and potential community member to visit us to
gain insight into the programs and opportunities
that the Village provides. Tours should be set up
two weeks in advance so that key personnel can
attend. Please contact Kelly Meyers at
kmeyers@pathfindervillage.org or at
607.965.8377 ext. 154 to arrange your personal tour.
Who lives at Pathfinder Village?
Pathfinder Village is licensed by New York State as a residential community for
up to 96 individuals. The Village specializes in
Down Syndrome and generally seeks applicants ages 5 and older, who are in good general health. Our relatively small size ensures that each resident receives the individual attention that he/she requires, so that he may realize his full potential.
Is Pathfinder Village open year-round? Pathfinder Village is always open!
Some residents go home on holidays, but many choose
to remain at Pathfinder during breaks from school or
work. Pathfinder Village also always welcomes residents' family members who
visit, and we encourage relatives to maintain
loving, caring relationships.
How much does it cost? Tuition, maintenance, and other fees are determined by the level of staff support that an individual requires.
A preliminary assessment is made before expenses are discussed. Fees are all inclusive, with the exception of medical insurance, personal items, special activities, and services. Depending on your state of origin, you may be eligible for certain tax breaks or state funding.
What is the admission process?
The first step is to take a tour so that you and your loved one
may learn more about Pathfinder Village. If you decide to submit an application,
your loved one will be considered an applicant,
and the information you provide will be
reviewed by the Admissions Committee. We may request additional information, or visit your home and the school/workplace of your
loved one during the process.
If the Admissions Committee determines that the applicant will benefit from our programs, he/she
is then considered a candidate. We have no formal waiting list
and reserve the ability to select individuals who
are the best fit for our community when vacancies occur.
How long is the admission process?
The length of the
admissions process varies: Once a vacancy occurs and a candidate is selected, a pre-admission review and date of admission
are established. During the pre-admission review we will encourage you to meet with the staff of the Kennedy-Willis Center on Down Syndrome. This will provide you with resources for life planning, guardianship matters, and the establishment of trusts and other financial vehicles to assure that a long-term plan is in place.
When
a candidate begins their stay at Pathfinder Village, an adjustment period is
observed. This period allows the new
person and current residents to adjust, and
allows us to determine if there are any issues to address before final admission. At the end of
two weeks, an Individual Service
Plan (ISP) is developed by you, your
loved one, and key staff, and
your loved one will then become a resident.
Is there a day program? The
Pathfinder Village School offers a day program, so that students, ages 5 through 21, living within daily commuting distance to the may receive individualized educational services in a smaller school setting. The admissions process is similar to that for residential services; families may need to coordinate their inquiries with their child's school district's Committee on Special Education or Pupil Personnel Team.
