Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Adult Services
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. We’ve rounded them up for each of our offerings—residential, vocational, day habilitation, behavioral and therapy.
Don’t see an A to your Q? Reach out via our Contact Form.
Residential Services
Each Member is paired with a dedicated case manager who acts as their main point of contact and advocate. Unlike many agencies that only visit quarterly, our case managers check in at least once a month—building strong relationships, responding quickly to questions, and making sure everything stays on track. This level of attention helps us truly know our Members, not just meet compliance standards, but support them in living full and connected lives.
Ariel offers a wide range of wraparound supports to help Members, caregivers, and providers thrive:
- Case Management | Ongoing coordination of services with monthly visits to ensure personalized care, close connection, and responsive support.
- Behavioral Services | Our Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) provide strategies and support to help individuals succeed in their homes and communities.
- Therapy Services | Individual, group, and family therapy using evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches like CBT, DBT, and EMDR.
- Nursing Support (Grand Junction only for direct care) | On-staff RNs assist with medical needs, training, and planning—available statewide for team consultation.
- Benefits Navigation (Direct in Grand Junction; consultative statewide) | Our specialists help Members and families understand Social Security, Medicaid, and other systems.
- Program Trainer | Offers customized, hands-on training for Members and providers, including evening and weekend support. This includes assistive tools, tech help, and creative problem-solving.
The Supported Living Services (SLS) Waiver offers a more limited level of care compared to the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver, which is required for residential services.
If you only have an SLS Waiver, you may still qualify for other Ariel services, including:
- Behavioral support
- Vocational programming
- Individual and group therapy
Want help understanding what you qualify for? Reach out to one of our Benefits Specialists and we’ll walk through it with you.
While benefits are often managed through your local Case Management Agency (CMA), Ariel’s in-house Benefits Specialists are here to help you understand and navigate what’s available. We’ll support you in gathering documentation, filling out applications, and answering questions along the way.
The Support Intensity Scale (SIS) is used to determine what level of care and funding a person qualifies for. It looks at both medical and behavioral needs and assigns a score from 1–6 (with a level 7 for special circumstances).
This score helps determine eligibility for residential services and other supports under the DD or SLS Waivers. If your needs change—such as a medical event or new behavior concerns—you can request a reassessment.
Yes. Ariel provides 24/7/365 on-call support for Members and caregivers. Our on-call staff are trained in crisis response, suicide intervention, and trauma-informed care.
In a life-threatening emergency, always call 911 or 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
We love this question—and we’re always looking for compassionate people to join our provider network. As a Host Home Provider, you’ll make a real difference in someone’s life while being supported by a dedicated Ariel team.
We offer a variety of programs and services. Contact us with your individual needs and we will route your request to the person who can assist you best.
Vocational Services
Vocational Services focus on job skills and employment. Day Habilitation is more about enrichment, personal growth and social connections.
It depends on the person! One participant might bake cookies at Charley’s or do landscaping on the Work Crew. Another might be exploring career interests or practicing interview skills. We customize it to each individual’s path.
Yes! Participants in our internal programs like Charley’s Cookies or Work Crew can earn money while mastering employment skills. This helps foster financial independence and boosts confidence as participants transition to external supported employment opportunities.
The goal is to prepare participants for supported employment in the community, which could include retail, food service, clerical work, or other roles that match their skills and interests. Our team works closely with participants to identify opportunities that align with their goals. Some examples of places our participants have achieved employment, include The Home Depot, Texas Roadhouse, and Intermountain Health (St. Mary’s Hospital).
Day Habilitation (Day Program) Services
If you or your loved one is age 18 or older and has a diagnosis of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), then yes! To confirm qualifications and to get started, please call (970) 245-1616.
A day-time engagement usually begins around 9:00 AM and runs until 2:00 PM. Depending on their selected activity, participants may either stay at Ariel or they may head out to nearby malls, museums, the pool or other community-based locations. Those who are interested in volunteer type activities may travel to local organizations such as Goodwill, Food Bank of the Rockies, The Arc, or recycling centers.
After-hours (evening and weekend) offerings provide additional opportunities for growth and enrichment outside the traditional program schedule. These may include specialized experiences such as 3D printing in a makerspace, hands-on art experiences, and cooking classes. Expanding these activities allows participants to enjoy unique engagements while addressing scheduling challenges within the traditional program hours.
All activities are designed to foster social connections and real-life experiences, supporting a balanced and individualized approach to participant development.
The participant! Case managers also play a critical role in helping to identify goals and desires through person-centered meetings, which are coordinated by Ariel staff alongside other team members.
We know some of our participants may have come from more institutionalized settings with less choice and more restrictions. It is one of our greatest joys to be able to offer a variety of options to people and to have them choose. Whether it’s type of programming, meals, and just about anything (considering safety, of course), we prioritize participant voice.
Typically, most of our Day Habilitation participants are 21 years old and up—some of our participants are octogenarians (in their 80s)!
We also can serve those who are younger (between 18 and 21 years old), but adults in this age group often continue to participate in programming arranged through their schooling, supported by their Children’s Habilitation Residential Program (CHRP) or Children’s Extensive Support (CES) waivers.
Day Habilitation is more focused on providing enrichment activities to foster personal growth and social connections. Vocational Services are more geared toward job-related skill building and acquiring employment.
There are no strict limitations on who can participate in Ariel’s Day Habilitation programs, as we pride ourselves on embracing tough situations and creating opportunities for everyone.
For example, individuals who are non-verbal or require assistance with eating, toileting, or mobility—such as those using wheelchairs or walkers—are welcomed and supported with care. Ariel also accommodates participants with medical needs, including those who rely on G-tubes or insulin delivery systems. By fostering an inclusive environment and offering additional assistance where needed, Ariel wants to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their challenges, can engage meaningfully in the program.
If you have questions about your specific situation, please contact us!
One of the positive outcomes we’ve seen is illustrated through the story of Bruce, a participant who transitioned from the Grand Junction Regional Center into a community-based setting. Through participating in Day Habilitation programming centered around his interests, Bruce has blossomed and expanded his horizons. Gaining access to more opportunities, training, and skill-building activities, has redefined his perceived limits. Bruce has come to understand that the boundaries he once thought existed are far narrower than he imagined. His world has grown significantly larger, opening new avenues and doors for his personal development and self-discovery.
Then there’s Suze, who has cerebral palsy and a deep love for swimming and community outings. Despite the significant support needed for such activities, Ariel staff, along with the participant’s mother and host home, facilitated a visit to the Fruita Pool, using a specialized float device to make the experience safe and enjoyable.
Another inspiring story is that of Roy, who was once considered a dangerous individual due to his aggressive behavior, though through consistent support and dedicated efforts, he has transformed significantly. While he still experiences moments of anger, they are far less frequent and intense, allowing him to thrive in a more positive and controlled manner.
And that’s only a few of the many ways we’ve seen participants grow and benefit from our collaborative and compassionate services.
Behavioral Services
If you’re 16 or older and have an IDD diagnosis, you likely qualify. Call us at (970) 245-1616 to confirm and to get started.
We address a wide range of behaviors, including but not limited to:
- Self-harm (e.g., hitting, biting oneself)
- Aggression (e.g., pinching, hitting others)
- Elopement or running into unsafe spaces
- Property damage (e.g., smashing objects, throwing things)
Behavioral Services is very individualized. It may look different depending on the person’s behaviors and needs. It might take place in an office, in the community, or alongside other Ariel services like Day Habilitation. Some participants work with us daily; others benefit from simple changes in their environment or caregiver approaches.
We often start with proactive strategies—like structured routines or planned activities—and build in motivational tools to encourage lasting growth.
Our team approach includes and relies on involvement of families and caregivers who work directly with the Member.
ABA is an evidence-based approach that focuses on identifying triggers, shaping skills, and reinforcing positive behaviors in real-world settings. It’s backed by decades of research and used to improve communication, social interaction, hygiene, safety, and independence.
Caregivers play a central role in ABA success, and we’re here to support them every step of the way.
Our participants gain life-changing skills: expressing their feelings, forming friendships, caring for themselves, and thriving in group settings. Many achieve greater independence, allowing them to stay in less restrictive environments and enjoy healthier, fuller lives.
If participants are under 21, services require reauthorization every six months.
If participants are over 21, services require reauthorization annually.
Our team is led by a master’s-level, Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and includes certified Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) with 40+ hours of specialized training. All staff receive additional, ongoing training in trauma-informed care, safety, medication administration, and more.
We also provide training specific to the needs of each individual we serve.
Yes, in some cases. While in-person services offer the broadest options, virtual services can be effective, especially for those in rural areas. We’ll help assess whether remote services are a good fit.
IDD Adult Therapy Services
Yes, unfortunately given the demand for services, we often have a waitlist. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth signing up for Therapy Services! We encourage you to get in touch to learn what scheduling availability is like for your specific needs. If we’re not able to accommodate you on a timeline that works for you, we won’t leave you hanging—we’ll share other resources and providers to support your mental health and wellbeing.
If you’re in Mesa County or Western Colorado, community providers we often refer to are:
Counseling and Education Center (CEC)
https://www.cecwecare.org/counseling/
(970) 243-9539
Hilltop Community Resources
https://htop.org/therapy
(970) 244-0562
Health Solutions West
https://www.healthsolutionswest.org/
(877) 603-7045
We primarily accept Medicaid, though we may be able to offer private-pay options.
If you need to apply for Medicaid, or learn more about eligibility for the program, visit:
https://peak.my.site.com/peak/s/peak-landing-page?language=en_US
Yes. During our initial conversation, we’ll ask you about your preferences so we can best match you to a therapist.
During our initial conversation to set-up services, our team will inquire about your scheduling availability. Knowing the multiple benefits of keeping a consistent schedule (including its relation to more positive outcomes), we attempt to find a time that will work for both you and your therapist consistently. Then, there’s not much need to “schedule” moving forward, you both just know that you’re down for 4 p.m. on Thursdays, for example.
Of course, there are occasions when things need to be rescheduled due to illness or other commitments. When that happens, you will create an alternate plan with your therapist.
Simple Practice is our online patient portal for paperwork, messaging and other account management. Once you engage in services, you may receive information about how to log-in and use this system. If you have additional questions, please ask your therapist for more information.
We provide specialized therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization Processing (EMDR). Each therapy is tailored to address the participant’s unique needs and challenges, ensuring compassionate and effective care.
Yes to all. We see many people who are experiencing anxiety and depression, and those who have experienced a variety of types and intensities of trauma. Our therapists are trained for and in tune with how to help our patients navigate whatever mental health challenges they may be facing so they can improve their quality of life.
By and large, patients feel better overall, have more skills for coping with life and its challenges, experience an improved connection in and quantity of relationships, and generally feel more hopeful. People typically begin to engage with their community more, find daily living and self-care tasks to be easier and more enjoyable.
It depends. For people working through more acute challenges (e.g., recent job loss, health diagnosis, relationship issues), people may spend between three and six months, and even up to 12 months, in therapy. For more complex needs (e.g., co-occurring mental health diagnosis, significant history of trauma, justice system involvement), spending one to two years in therapy, or more, isn’t unreasonable.
It’s really based on what you’re experiencing or have experienced, matched with your willingness to engage with the process and readiness to change.
Remote services are not our go-to for therapy. We do offer it on need-based availability in cases of illness, lack of access for our rural communities, or specific diagnoses (e.g., agoraphobia).
All combined, our therapists represent decades worth of therapeutic experience and excellence. We are incredibly proud of our therapy team and the vast amount and depth expertise (education and lived experience) they bring and continue to develop with ongoing training.
Fortunately, there are an increasing number of resources and options to support mental health and wellbeing.
If you are currently experiencing thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or if in more immediate crisis, please call emergency services at 911. For a comprehensive list of suicide, loss survivor, mental health and related resources, please visit https://suicidepreventionmc.org/resources/.
If you are experiencing other challenges, such as food insecurity, housing instability, job loss, etc., we recommend connecting with other community providers to help address these issues as well. Learn more at https://www.211colorado.org/ (Colorado) or https://wc211.org/ (Western Slope).
Host Home Providers
At the heart of being a successful host home provider is a genuine desire to support people with disabilities. Whether you have experience or simply the passion to learn, we provide the training and tools you need.
Here’s an overview of the approval process:
- Application & background checks (CBI, DMV, CAPS)
- 40 hours of required training (CPR/First Aid, QMAP, CPI, etc.)
- Two home inspections—one by Ariel and one by HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development)
- Interviews with our staff and potential individuals for placement
- A detailed matching process to ensure it’s the right fit for both parties
The timeline can vary, as we prioritize thoughtful, person-centered matching.
- CPR & First Aid
- QMAP (medication administration)
- CPI (crisis prevention and de-escalation)
- MANE (mistreatment, abuse, neglect, exploitation)
- HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) orientation and other state-required trainings
Ariel covers the cost of all required trainings.
We also include specialty trainings on:
- Trauma-informed care
- Informed supervision
- Behavior support techniques
- Brief suicide intervention
Yes. Terms like “host home,” “shared living,” and “life sharing” are often used interchangeably. The structure and philosophy may vary slightly by agency, but the core idea is the same.
No. You or your spouse may work, but you must still be able to provide consistent, quality care and meet the individual’s daily needs.
Most providers serve one or two individuals, based on support needs. In some cases, a third person may be approved if everyone has their own room (unless two individuals are a married couple).
The individual’s room must have a locking door, window, closet, and be at least 10×8 feet. Homes must meet HUD and ADA standards.
Other home requirements include:
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit (no medications or ointments)
- Carbon monoxide monitors (one per level)
- Smoke detectors (standard or specialized)
- Clear, unobstructed exits and clean, hazard-free spaces
