6. Heterogeneous Grouping

When grouping is necessary for financial reasons, people are grouped so that a mix of people with varying abilities is achieved, usually two people with more skills and one that needs more assistance. Some people are supported individually rather than within a group.

 

Why?

• Heterogeneous groups are more manageable for the staff, as they are able to concentrate more intense assistance on the person with more needs while unobtrusively providing support to the other people as well.
• The people with more needs utilize the more independent peers as positive role models.
• The more independent people have opportunities to exercise their independence, utilize their skills, and even teach them to others.