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Legacy
Lafayette Legacy: Day Habilitation Program
What is the Lafayette Legacy?
Lafayette Legacy is a vibrant and person-centered day habilitation program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Legacy supports individuals in leading meaningful, fulfilling days shaped by their own choices, interests, and goals.
Participants engage in a flexible mix of on-site and community-based experiences that support independence, personal growth, social engagement, and overall well-being. Each person’s schedule is co-designed weekly in collaboration with staff to reflect evolving preferences and developmental objectives.
Whether seeking structure, community involvement, or a safe space to build functional skills, Legacy provides a welcoming environment rooted in dignity, safety, and opportunity.
Program Goals & Methods
Legacy is designed to help individuals:
- Increase functional living and social skills through evidence-based learning
- Access a consistent, structured daily schedule that supports routine and growth
- Build independence through exposure to real-world environments
- Cultivate community relationships, including opportunities for volunteering
All services are delivered by trained staff using evidence-based instructional strategies tailored to the individual. Staff model skills, provide guided practice, incorporate adaptive tools and technology, and monitor progress using data-driven methods.
Personalized support plans are created in collaboration with each participant and their team, ensuring services align with individual preferences, strengths, and needs.
Core Curriculum
The Legacy curriculum is dynamic and varied, balancing staff-facilitated group activities with independent tasks and community outings. Activities are intentionally designed to promote:
- Functional living skills
- Emotional and social development
- Community engagement and integration
- Personal wellness and self-advocacy
Participants select their own daily and weekly activities, supported by staff trained to adapt materials and delivery methods to meet each person’s learning style and goals. Progress is documented and reviewed regularly with participants and their guardians.
Sample Weekly Schedule
Each participant develops a customized weekly schedule with input from program staff. A typical week may include:
- Independent and small group activities
- Peer interaction and structured social time
- Opportunities to practice daily living skills
- Outings into the community to apply learned skills
Schedules are flexible, revisited weekly, and continuously aligned with each person’s individual support plan (ISP) and personal growth objectives.
Meet the Team
Lafayette Legacy is led by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to person-centered service and high-quality supports for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Betsy McMahon, Program Manager
Betsy brings a strong background in special education and a deep commitment to person-centered planning and meaningful daily programming. With five years of experience designing individualized supports and leading inclusive practices within the public-school setting, Betsy ensures every aspect of Legacy reflects the values of choice, dignity, and growth. Betsy holds a Master’s degree in Special Education, specializing in Mild to Moderate Disabilities.
Stacey Elster, Chief Program Officer
Stacey oversees all Lafayette programs, including Legacy. With over 16 years of experience in the education and disability services field, she brings a holistic perspective to program development, quality, and innovation. Her career includes roles as a special education teacher, consultant, and adjunct faculty member at Webster University. Stacey holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Special Education, specializing in Severe Developmental Disabilities.
Eligibility & How to Apply
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for admission, applicants must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have Medicaid Waiver funding
- Have an active Individual Support Plan (ISP) indicating that Day Habilitation Services are appropriate
- Be able to:
- Participate in both individual and group activities
- Remain safely within the facility and avoid elopement
- Demonstrate independence with personal care needs
- Ambulate independently or with assistive devices (walker, crutches, or wheelchair)
- Demonstrate ability to administer medication, per Lafayette program policy
- Demonstrate non-violent behavior toward self or others
- Show a desire to participate in the program and its services
Application Process
The application process includes:
- Completion of the Lafayette Legacy Application
- Submission of:
- Current Individual Support Plan (ISP)
- Documentation of ambulatory and support needs
- Interview and tour of the program
- Review of applicant’s needs and goals in accordance with the program’s service delivery model and outcomes
- Scheduled intake and orientation for accepted participants
Frequently Asked Questions
Legacy is a structured, evidence-based program grounded in the HCBS Rule. It emphasizes individual choice, progress tracking, and community engagement, offering a more personalized and data-informed approach.
Yes. Choice is central to the program. Individuals work with staff each week to select activities that align with their goals, interests, and support needs.
Community outings occur multiple times per week and are based on interest surveys, personal goals, and availability. Lafayette provides transportation and appropriate staff support for all off-site activities.
Currently, to meet required staff ratios, fulltime enrollment is expected.
Legacy focuses on functional living, social-emotional learning, and community integration. Specific skills are determined by the participant’s support plan and may include communication, safety awareness, self-advocacy, and more.
Participants bring their own lunches and snacks. Staff may support individuals in meal prep and planning as part of functional skills training.
Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. Individuals must demonstrate non-violent behavior and the ability to remain safely within program settings. A behavioral history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, but safety and support needs will be thoroughly reviewed.
Yes, transitions are supported when appropriate. Staff will work with individuals, families, and case managers to assess eligibility and ensure a smooth handoff of services.
Yes. While most individuals use Medicaid Waiver funding, private pay options are available.
Have more questions?
Contact Betsy McMahon for more information at 636-779-6783 or email at [email protected].