Structured Day Program Services
9 State Street Auburn, New York 13021 Phone (315) 252-3095 Fax (315) 252-3097
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Definition
Structured Day Program services are individually designed services, provided in an outpatient congregate setting or the community, to improve or maintain the participant’s
skills and ability to live as independently as possible in the community. Services may
include assessment, training and supervision of, or assistance to, an individual with issues
related to self-care, medication management, task completion, communication skills,
interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, socialization, sensory/motor skills, mobility,
community transportation skills, reduction/elimination of maladaptive behaviors, money
management skills, and skills to maintain a household.
Structured Day Program services may be used to reinforce aspects of other HCBS/TBI
waiver and Medicaid State Plan services. This is permitted due to the difficulty many
individuals with traumatic brain injury have transferring or generalizing skills learned in one
setting to other settings and the need for consistent reinforcement of skills. This service is
intended to provide an opportunity for the participant to continue to strengthen skills that
are necessary for greater independence, improved productivity and/or increased
community inclusion.
The Structured Day Program service may be provided within a variety of settings and with
very different goals. Participants may choose to participate in a Structured Day Program
that emphasizes basic work skills, such as punctuality, problem solving and effectively
communicating with co-workers and supervisors. Other Structured Day Programs may
focus on specific job skills, such as computer operation, cooking, etc. Other participants,
for whom employment is not an immediate goal, may be more interested in community
inclusion and improving their socialization skills.
The Structured Day Program is responsible for meeting the functional needs of those
served. The Program must provide adequate protection for the personal safety of the
program participants, including periodic fire drills. The Structured Day Program must be
located in a building that meets all provisions of the New York State Uniform Fire
Prevention and Building Codes. In addition, access to the Program must meet and adhere
to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If the RRDS or DOH identify
questionable situations, appropriate referrals will be made for necessary corrective action.
Whatever type of Structured Day Program(s) the participant chooses, it is essential that
there be coordination between providers, assuring consensus in the type of supports and
structures that are used in all settings and avoiding duplication of services. This is
particularly important when the participant is receiving waiver services such as
Independent Living Skills Training, Intensive Behavioral Program, and Home and
Community Support Services.
An identified best practice is to have day programs specifically designed to meet the needs
of individuals with TBI. Often individuals with traumatic brain injuries recognize that there
are significant differences between themselves and other consumers of day programs, (i.e.
individuals with mental retardation, developmental disabilities or mental health difficulties).
The structure, organization, activities and staff training needs are also different.
If a Structured Day Program includes the opportunity for participants to earn money, the
provider must comply with all existing federal labor laws.
