Sherin Varughese

Pathways to Independence (PTI) supports a group of adults with learning disabilities and associated disorders that have no other resource to turn to for group social development. They, in many cases, have never fit in socially and are now forming the first meaningful relationships and friendships of their lives. PTI's program teaches interpersonal skills and how to apply them through community-based events and activities that help the participants feel more comfortable and experience success both in their personal and work relationships. The PTI program focuses on developing socialization and community integration shills that are commonly difficult for individuals with severe learning and associated disorders. We provide individualized training during 25-35 small group events held each month throughout the community. The staff assists participants in developing and maintaining peer relationships, using appropriate social interactions, and addressing boundary and individual communication issues. PTI was founded in 1987 as a committee of the Learning Disabilities Association of St. Louis. In 1989 we became a separate, not-for-profit 501(C)(3) organization focused on helping adults with severe learning disabilties. PTI is partially funded by the Productive Learning Board of St. Louis and the St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources.