Retirement Services - MARI

When most people with intellectual disabilities lived in institutions, few people faced the challenge of “aging gracefully.” In the years since deinstitutionalization, people with intellectual disabilities living in community settings have had access to better health care and their life expectancy has increased. Older adults with disabilities have the same need as any individual for engagement in meaningful activities and the opportunity to make a contribution.

Community Involvement Programs provides a supportive, respectful environment at its Bloomington location in the MARI Program—which stands for Music, Arts, Recreation and Inclusion. The focus of this program is to provide a quality community experience for older adults with intellectual disabilities for whom employment is no longer a priority.

Individuals in the MARI program have consistent opportunities to develop connections in the surrounding community. This may include participating in community recreational activities, shopping at local stores, volunteering at the library or other neighborhood organizations, or taking part in typical senior programs in the community. The hallmark of the MARI Program is the individual attention and support provided to each person.

For additional information contact Linda Dyre at (952) 854-0411 or lindad@cipmn.org.