+48 531 215 892
We support people with disabilities so that they can live life on their own terms and decide their own future.
The Arkadia Foundation’s supported housing program offers a form of assistance that enables people with disabilities to lead more independent lives within a safe and accessible environment.
Through tailored support, training in daily living skills, and an individualized approach, residents develop independence, self-confidence, and the ability to participate actively in the community.
What is it, and how do we do it?
Training-based housing is a process designed to help individuals with intellectual disabilities achieve the highest possible level of personal and social independence. This process is practical in nature and tailored to the specific needs and capabilities of each individual.
As the name suggests, it is a form of training; a key feature of this model is that, upon completion, participants return to their previous places of residence equipped with new skills.
In this sense, training-based housing serves as a preliminary stage toward supported housing—a setting where an individual can reside permanently, occupying a home designated for their long-term use. Independent living training covers four key areas:
- personal hygiene, care of clothing, and health (including addiction prevention and first aid)
- household management (cleaning, cooking, laundry, ironing, and waste sorting)
- financial management (managing one’s own budget, paying bills, opening a bank account, and shopping independently)
- active leisure (independently seeking out local community activities—such as attending concerts, exhibitions, shows, and other events—as well as participating in cycling trips, volunteering for local organizations, or meeting friends at restaurants and cafés, etc.)
Each training program is tailored to the individual, taking into account their specific needs, skills, and limitations; furthermore, the program is periodically reviewed and evaluated to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.
Four individuals with disabilities live in a rented „training home” for a period of six months. Each person has their own private room and access to shared living spaces, including a kitchen, bathroom, dining area, and living room. Residents are required to stay in the home from Monday to Friday, while weekends are spent according to their own preferences. During their stay, they participate in structured activities and sessions, go to work, and plan their own leisure time.
Daily support is provided by „residential coaches,” who are present in the home—initially 24 hours a day, transitioning to 12 hours a day by the final month. Working alongside advisors, these coaches develop individual action plans for each resident; these plans are discussed with the individual before being put into practice.
As in any household, each day is filled with chores, tasks, conversations, leisure, and entertainment. Participants learn new skills or refine existing ones. Everyone is responsible for daily household tasks, such as cleaning, kitchen duties, and personal self-care. Participants handle their own grocery shopping—preparing a shopping list (sometimes using images)—and account for their spending with a coach afterward. They learn to prepare simple, healthy meals or assist with meal preparation. In their free time, they socialize with friends—either by going out or hosting guests—relax, watch movies, go cycling, or spend time at the gym. Here you will find a link to posts describing how our training apartments operate.
Contact person:
Anna Gwizdała
Contact person:
Anna Gwizdała
Address
ul. Młyńska 2-4,
87-100 Toruń
87-100 Toruń
Contact
Information
