Individualized Skills &
Socialization (ISS) Center
Empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through functional life skills, vocational preparation, and inclusive community connection in West Houston.
More Than Day Care: A Purposeful Pathway to Independence
Under Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) standards, traditional "Day Habilitation" has transformed into Individualized Skills and Socialization (ISS). This evolution represents a monumental leap forward from passive sitting to active, person-centered skill development.
At Amani Living's West Houston ISS Center, participants are never treated as spectators in their own lives. We provide dynamic daily modules tailored to each individual's abilities, fostering real-world autonomy, vocational readiness, and genuine social belonging.
- Individualized Goals: Curriculum built around individual strengths, personal interests, and growth targets.
- Real-World Integration: Routine community outings for shopping, banking, recreation, and civic participation.
- Pre-Vocational Coaching: Hands-on practice with task completion, workplace etiquette, and job skills.
- Sensory & Wellness Spaces: Calm quiet rooms and adaptive recreation areas tailored to sensory regulation.
- Isolated institutional environments with minimal community interaction.
- One-size-fits-all busywork without progressive personal goal tracking.
- High participant-to-staff ratios with limited individualized attention.
Who Our ISS Center Supports
We proudly serve adults aged 18 and older with diverse abilities, supporting multiple Texas Medicaid waivers, state funding programs, and private pay families.
HCS Waiver Participants
Individuals enrolled in the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) program seeking licensed on-site and off-site ISS to fulfill their Individual Plan of Care (IPC).
Texas Home Living (TxHmL)
Participants residing with family or in their own homes who utilize TxHmL waiver benefits to access structured daytime social engagement and community outings.
ICF / IID Residents
Adults living in community-based Intermediate Care Facilities seeking enriching daytime habilitation and purposeful socialization outside of their residence.
Private Pay & Family Funding
Families currently on waiver interest lists or seeking high-quality, private-pay day programming with transparent daily and monthly enrollment rates.
Young Adults (18+) Transitioning
Graduating special education students and young adults seeking structured daytime routine, peer friendship, and progressive vocational skill building after school.
What Participants Can Work On
Our curriculum balances practical daily living competencies, vocational readiness, expressive arts, and community inclusion.
Daily Living & Personal Autonomy
Developing independent routine mastery in our mock kitchen and functional life skills lab.
- Meal preparation & healthy food selection
- Kitchen & appliance safety protocols
- Money recognition, budgeting & making change
- Personal hygiene routines & self-grooming
Communication & Social Skills
Fostering genuine peer relationships, self-advocacy, and emotional regulation.
- Peer conversation & active listening circles
- Non-verbal & AAC device integration
- Conflict resolution & cooperative games
- Self-advocacy & expressing personal choices
Vocational Prep & Pre-Employment
Building foundational work habits, attention to detail, and professional etiquette.
- Task stamina & following multi-step instructions
- Sorting, assembly, inventory & simulated jobs
- Punctuality & workplace professionalism
- Volunteering & community service projects
Community Integration & Outings
Weekly escorted field trips throughout Houston to practice real-world citizenship.
- Grocery store shopping & payment practice
- Public library, park & museum exploration
- Ordering and dining at community restaurants
- Pedestrian safety & transit awareness
Health, Fitness & Sensory Wellness
Encouraging physical vitality, emotional calm, and body awareness every day.
- Adaptive movement, yoga & stretching exercises
- Dedicated quiet sensory regulation room
- Healthy hydration & nutritional education
- Mindfulness, breathing & stress reduction
Creative Arts & Cognitive Enrichment
Stimulating creativity and cognitive agility through hands-on creative projects.
- Expressive painting, pottery & textile craft
- Music appreciation & rhythm engagement
- Computer literacy & assistive digital tools
- Container gardening & botanical care
Sample ISS Program Day Schedule
A structured yet adaptable daily rhythm that keeps participants engaged, energized, and moving forward toward their personal goals.
Arrival, Morning Greeting & Goal Alignment
Warm welcomes, check-in with coaches, daily visual schedule review, and morning hydration with peers.
Functional Life Skills & Autonomy Workshop
Hands-on practice in the daily living lab: kitchen safety, budget calculations, sequencing tasks, and personal organization.
Community Outing Group / Vocational Lab Rotation
Group A heads out for community integration (library, grocery store, or park). Group B engages in pre-vocational assembly, clerical skills, and collaborative projects on-site.
Nutritious Lunch & Socialization Circle
Family-style mealtime emphasizing table manners, conversational turn-taking, cleanup routines, and relaxed peer interaction.
Adaptive Recreation, Creative Arts & Wellness
Expressive painting, music therapy, gentle yoga, or sensory quiet room relaxation based on individual afternoon preference.
Daily Reflection, Recognition & Pick-Up / Departure
Reviewing today's achievements, personal journal entries, packing personal items, and coordinated departures with families and transportation providers.
On-Site Facilities & Off-Site Community Inclusion
True habilitation requires both a secure, stimulating home-base and active citizenship in the surrounding neighborhood.
On-Site Center Facilities
14800 Westheimer Road, Ste G100, Houston
- Functional Life Skills Kitchen: Fully equipped with residential appliances, low counters, and food preparation tools.
- Pre-Vocational Training Lab: Structured workstations for sorting, packaging, collating, and basic inventory tracking.
- Sensory Regulation & Quiet Suite: Soft lighting, weighted blankets, soothing audio, and sensory tools for de-escalation.
- Creative Studio & Digital Hub: Fine arts supplies, touch-screen tablets, and assistive technologies.
- Accessible Restrooms & Hygiene Facilities: Roll-in zero-barrier access with certified privacy and dignity.
Off-Site Community Inclusion
Greater Houston Area Partnerships
- Civic Engagement & Library Visits: Utilizing local public libraries for research, book borrowing, and digital learning.
- Community Retail & Banking: Real-life cash transactions, interacting with store clerks, and making purchase choices.
- Parks, Trails & Outdoor Recreation: Walking clubs, nature study, picnics, and sports in Houston city parks.
- Cultural & Educational Field Trips: Quarterly visits to Houston museums, botanic gardens, and community centers.
- Community Volunteer Projects: Giving back through food pantry support and neighborhood beautification.
Our Mission
To champion personal autonomy, functional skill mastery, and vibrant community belonging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through individualized, dignity-centered daytime support.
Our Vision
A future where every adult with developmental differences in Greater Houston experiences active community membership, meaningful friendships, and the confidence to live a self-determined life.
Our 4-Step Enrollment Process
We ensure every family and service coordinator experiences a smooth, transparent transition into the center.
Initial Request & Verification
Submit the online enrollment request form below or call our office. We review waiver eligibility (HCS, TxHmL, ICF) or private pay preferences.
Facility Tour & Meet-and-Greet
Visit our Westheimer center. Meet our developmental coaches, explore our skill labs and sensory rooms, and ask any questions.
Person-Centered Assessment
Together with the participant, family, and case manager, we draft an Individualized ISS Plan with concrete goals and preferred weekly days.
Welcome & Orientation
Start attending with a dedicated 1-on-1 peer mentor coach during the initial week to ensure a secure, joyous transition.
Request Enrollment Information & Tour
Complete the form below to request enrollment details for our West Houston ISS Center. Our admissions coordinator will review your inquiry and follow up within 1 to 2 business days.
Location, Hours & Direct Contact
Conveniently located in West Houston on Westheimer Road with dedicated participant drop-off bays and zero-barrier accessibility.
Houston, Texas 77082
Administrative offices open 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our ISS center programming, waiver coverage, and enrollment requirements.