Who We Serve
When PKT was established in 1994, we began by serving adults with Developmental Disabilities (DD). Some of our original persons served were diagnosed with disabilities such as Autism, Down Syndrome, Organic Brain Disorder, Schizophrenia and Seizure Disorder. Programming was developed for each individual to help with behavior modification if necessary, and when prescribed, psychotropic medications were implemented.
As our service model expanded, not only were we serving individuals with Mild to Moderate MR, we then started serving persons diagnosed with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI), such as Severe Depression, Bi-polar, General Anxiety Disorder and Adjustment Disorder. Working with these different diagnoses also brought about the challenges of both verbal and physical aggressions, resulting in more behavior modification, medications and de-escalation techniques.
During our growing years, PKT has seen fewer individuals with a straight MR diagnosis, while seeing an increase in SPMI. We have taken the necessary steps to successfully work with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, delusional behaviors, schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorders, anti-social personality disorders and intermittent explosive disorder, to name a few. We have become very successful at writing Four Stage Crisis Plans and target symptom reduction strategies to help minimize the negative effects any of these illnesses can have, while also developing strong relationships with some wonderful doctors in the metro area who help with medication management.
We have been fortunate in additionally serving persons who not only had a DD/SPMI diagnosis, but also are deaf/hard of hearing. Since 2001, PKT has been working with these individuals across settings, staffing according to their individual communication needs with a select group of staff who know how to use American Sign Language. We have been instrumental in helping clients obtain technology such as iPhones, iPads, and video relay services in order to be in communication with their friends.
While PKT’s main focus has always been and will remain on DD/SPMI, there are times when individuals also have medical needs as well. We have had the privilege of working with men and women who have Cerebral Palsy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Diabetes type I and II, professionally working with equipment such as insulin injections and pumps. PKT has made various modifications to some of our sites in order to be accessible for those who are wheelchair bound. We have even worked with three individuals who had kidney transplants, supporting them from the dialysis stage to the actual transplant along with the lifelong challenges in preventing rejection. We have also developed programming for individuals who had alcohol and/or substance abuse issues.
The above information certainly does not mean that PKT only works with individuals with the listed diagnoses. We are always looking to learn, grow and expand our knowledge, while striving to provide services that are client specific and catered to each individual. Please feel free to contact us at any time with questions or to discuss your particular needs.