There are many things to love about LSA. One of the most important is you! Your love, dedication and support has enabled us to grow to 14 much needed homes throughout our county for our developmentally disabled adult residents.
This Valentine’s Day our wish for you is that you are healthy and happy. We appreciate all that you do; not just today but EVERY day.
As a parent of a son with special needs, our family has been thinking about long-term housing options for Scotty for many years. We love having him with us, but my wife and I know we won’t be here forever, and it is in his best interest to transition to a long-term living community before we can no longer take care of him ourselves.
We think about it every day: hoping for an option where he will be well-supported, and worrying about finding a caring place for our sweet and funny son. My wife, Tracy, introduced me to LSA years ago because she had some friends who were board members and they spoke so highly of the organization. We attended several LSA fundraisers, and were very impressed by Dana and the LSA team members we met. We especially loved hearing the stories of other parents who had great experiences with their children living in LSA homes, and how thankful they were to find such an exceptional organization to care for their children.
I continued to learn more about LSA, ultimately volunteering to join the board to try to be helpful and learn more about housing for adults with special needs. The more I learned, the more I understood what an incredible commitment LSA has undertaken to provide lifelong housing and caring support for adults with a wide variety of challenges.
Dana and his tremendous team provide exceptional, loving homes for exceptional people with developmental disabilities. It is a noble calling that greatly impacts the lives of so many adults with special needs, and it is an incredible gift to their families. Donor support is the lifeblood of non-profit organizations. Tracy and I strongly believe in the LSA Mission, and we will continue to donate regularly to this wonderful organization.
To support adults with developmental disabilities, please join us in supporting LSA’s Home is Where the Heart Is fundraiser on May 18, 2024. You will be happy you did!
Alison’s wishes for her son, Jack, are identical to many parents: to live a life filled with joy and without worries. He would also be surrounded by people who encourage his growth while doing the things he loves the most.
From Struggle to Strength; An Unbroken Spirit
At age two Jack wasn’t talking much and as a teacher and mother, Alison, had reason for concern so they began having appointments with the pediatrician. Years later in, 2003, Jack was diagnosed with a brain cancer called medulloblastoma. A brain surgery was performed to remove 90% of the tumor and the remaining 10% had to be treated through radiation. The procedures did save him but left him with significant intellectual disabilities.
At a young age, Jack had already been through so much. Alison was determined to make sure Jack’s younger years were filled with doing things that brought him joy like going to Trader Joe’s. They made good friends there and the staff even let Jack pack groceries. He was once a Trader Joe’s boy for Halloween.
In 2021, Jack’s strength was tested again. He had a brain bleed. The doctor said that the radiation procedure Jack received as a child left him with blood vessels in his vascular system like that of a 70-year-old man which can’t be changed. Due to this, the doctor gave the life-altering news that Jack may have around 10 years to live. Despite this shattering diagnosis, Jack’s support system continues to help him live his best life possible by doing things that bring a smile to his face.
“He really is an earth angel in my opinion. Many people who know Jack are inspired by his story and what a pure soul he has. He generally smiles all the time! Jack does not know to worry about his future, which is definitely a blessing.” -Alison
What comes next
All through Alison supporting Jack in living a fulfilling life while attending high school, she had many sleepless nights wondering what would happen after he completed postsecondary school. “What comes next”, is a question Alison asked herself and one that so many parents in her position do.
Alison expressed, “We’ve just heard so many bad stories about some programs and also saw that many were shut down.”
A way to maintain joy in Jack’s life while Alison was at work would be to have him a part of a program where he could thrive with compassionate staff while doing meaningful work and making friendships.
That’s what I need
Alison first learned about LSA through Wishbook in the Mercury News. Right after reading the article, Alison got in contact with LSA’s CITP Coordinator.
“The CITP Coordinator was so amazing and was just really dedicated to helping us on the journey. One day in December we met a few of the groups with the coordinator at the mall and I just got a really good feeling for it. The fact that it’s been around so long I really like. I like Dana’s story. It just seemed like a great place.” -Alison
Jack’s “Job”
Jack has been with LSA’s Community Integration Training Program (CITP) for over a year. He enjoys the community outings, volunteer opportunities, and being around his peers. He’s eager to please and often asks Alison how the coordinator said he did that day. Allison mentions another bonus is the free transportation which has been helpful for her since she works full time.
“Jack insists CITP be called work and we even have a saying of that on the fridge. He really loves LSA. He enjoys going. It’s a blessing.” -Alison
A Life that Brings Joy
The goal of Jack’s family is to make a happy life for him.
“When I go to sleep every night I will ask, “What has brought Jack joy?”. – Alison
Alison believes it’s not Jack’s time and he’s here to teach more to people. Staff and participants of CITP could attest to this. Staff have described Jack as curious, a self-starter, hands-on, and very excited to help. He enjoys greeting people and being around his peers. Since starting CITP, Jack has developed close bonds with certain peers and they look out for Jack. In return, Jack reminds everyone to embrace life and find joy in every day.
December is here and that means bringing out the beanies, puffy jackets, and mittens. Alright now that everyone has their cozy winter outfits on, the question is where are the best places to visit this 2023 holiday season with friends and family? Here in the Bay Area, the options seem limitless with events happening each weekend. While this may sound great for some, others who have loved ones with disabilities find that they will have to do extra research to ensure that the places they’d like to visit are inclusive and have accessibility features.
Aside from the population we serve, adults with developmental disabilities, staff and Board members at LSA also have family members with a disability so we know how important it is to be able to go out and experience the holidays with your loved one in the community.
We’ve compiled a list below of places with accessibility features that our residents had a blast visiting and events that are inclusive of all abilities. Let this be your guide in choosing the destination to create magical memories this 2023 holiday season with your friends and family in the Bay Area.
Sensory Play
1. Magical Bridge Foundation @magicalbridge
We’re starting off the list with the Magical Bridge Foundation. The story of how the Magical Bridge Foundation began resonates with many of us. Olenka Villarreal, the founder of Magical Bridge Foundation and LSA Board Member, saw that no playground was designed for families who had children of different needs so she sought to create spaces that transcended these social and physical barriers.
Magical Bridge Foundation embraces the true spirit of inclusivity and has parks throughout the Bay Area like Palo Alto and Sunnyvale where those of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to experience the magic of play. View their other locations here.
Check out their Choral Concert event on Saturday, December 16th at 12 pm. View their upcoming events here.
Location: Mitchell Park, 600 E Meadow Dr, Palo Alto, CA
Details: Sun Dec 17 2023 10:00 am to 02:00 pm
3. Animal Assisted Happiness
Animal Assisted Happiness is one of our volunteer sites for our Community Integration Training Program. Volunteer or visit this local San Jose nonprofit whose mission is to “enrich the lives of youth with needs through barnyard animal interaction…” While this isn’t your typical event to make a holiday list, there’s no denying the smiles and therapeutic benefits animals can bring especially during these short winter days.
Want to see the dazzling holiday lights with the family but everyone would rather stay in the comfort of a nice warm car? Then check out Alameda’s Christmas Tree Lane! A neighborhood that goes all out in decoration and festivities each December. This has been a long-standing tradition for nearly 84 years. While families are welcome to drive by, residents of the block also invite those to take a stroll and admire the lights. You can see the holiday lights from December 3, 2023, through New Year’s Eve from 5 – 10 pm.
Location – 3200 block of Thompson Ave, between High & Fernside
Events – “Fresh off of their performance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC, the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees will be sharing joy and fun with Christmas Tree Lane on Friday, Dec 15th starting at about 6 pm.”
5. Palo Alto’s Christmas Tree Lane
Palo Alto’s Christmas Tree Lane is another opportunity to experience the holiday magic all while staying cozy in the car. Visitors are welcome to take a stroll as well.
Location – 1700-1800 Fulton Street, Palo Alto
Details – Saturday, December 16 through Sunday, December 31, 2023 (5 pm to 11 pm)
Location – Jack London Square 70 Washington Street Oakland across from PLANK.
Details – Sat December 16, 2023, from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Sensory Friendly
7. Nutcracker Sensory Friendly Dance-Along
Experience the joy of ballet with San Francisco Ballet during this 2023 holiday season. This sensory-friendly guided workshop is perfect for family members of all ages and abilities to experience ballet together through the story of the Nutcracker.
Location – Location: SF Ballet, 455 Franklin Street, SF
Details – Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Cost: $25 per person, adults and children*
8. A Christmas Carol
Bah Humbug…. Watch the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dicken’s timeless story of the Christmas Carol. There will be a sensory-friendly performance for neurodiverse attendees or those with sensory sensitivities.
Wednesday, December 20, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
9. Black Diamond Ballet’s Nutcracker
Watch the Nutcracker in this sensory-friendly performance that was crafted for “individuals with autism spectrum disorders, sensory sensitivities, or other disabilities”. At this event, you’ll notice relaxed features like low-level lights, a reduction of loud sounds, and a quiet area in the lobby. Attendees are also welcome to bring support items like seat cushions.
If you’re anything like us at Life Services Alternatives (LSA), you put a lot of thought into what you gift your loved ones during the holidays. We serve adults with developmental disabilities and we also have close friends and family who have a developmental disability. We understand these individuals have their unique interests and abilities, so it’s important to us that we be intentional with their holiday gifts.
During the search for the best inclusive holiday gift, we like to keep in mind their needs, any sensory issues, and potential modifications of the item. Most importantly, the perfect inclusive holiday gift is one they will truly enjoy. Inclusivity is one of the major cornerstones of who we are and extending that to gift-giving is no exception.
Each one of our homes has a very warm family-like environment and with that, they are incredibly festive and celebratory during major holidays. We love joining our residents during these events and due to that, we’ve seen the types of products that have brought them the most joy and excitement. We also have a list of gift items others say they’ve given their loved ones with a developmental disability. These items have really helped with daily living activities. We can’t keep these items a secret any longer so we’re sharing them with you!
Let this list serve as your ultimate 2023 inclusive holiday gift guide for children and adults with developmental disabilities. We’re also including gift ideas from businesses owned or operated and committed to employing adults with developmental disabilities.
1. No Limbits Adaptive Women’s Khaki Wheelchair Pant
“These pants are for the rock and rollers of the world! Every detail has been specifically designed for the seated body with comfort and functionality rivaled only by how amazing they look. Perfect for wheelchair users or anyone who spends extended periods of time in a seated position, these pants were designed by occupational therapists with independence in mind.”
“Our goal is to create comfortable, functional, and stylish shoes allowing anyone to put on and take off easily. Friendly Shoes® increase mobility and independence by discretely accommodating more adaptive needs than any other shoe technology — without sacrificing fashion, comfort, or support.”
-Friendly Shoes
Experience hassle-free on-and-off with patent pending front Easy Shoe Access. ESA creates larger entry portals and is easier to pull than straight, lateral, or wrap-around zippers
Removable memory foam insoles provide arch and metatarsal cushioning while absorbing shock, helping reduce pain and impact
Padded heel collar and tongue helps stabilize your feet and feels fantastic
Anti-slip outsoles for increased stability on slick surfaces
Wide width expanding mesh upper accommodates braces and wide feet
“Say hello to Pinch Me, a holistic, drug-free, portable stress-reduction tool. This pliable putty was expertly developed to be the ideal texture for perfect pinchability. When you feel a hint of stress, pull out your container. Gently knead away nuisances, or use it while you’re relaxing to decompress and get back to center.
We infuse each container with placating, spa-quality oils and soft, subtle hues to act as subliminary calming agents. The elements come together to pack a powerful punch against common, everyday stressors.”
Game your way. Create a custom controller experience that is uniquely yours. Designed primarily to meet the needs of gamers with limited mobility, the Xbox Adaptive Controller features large programmable buttons and connects to external switches, buttons, mounts, and joysticks to help make gaming more accessible.
6. Sensory Tent for Kids with Autism, ADHD, SPD – Calm Corner
Calming & Relaxing Space – A safe and quiet sensory space where your children can escape from overwhelming world, specially designed for kids with special needs to reduce anxiety and stay clam.
Fully Blackout Sensory Room
Improve Focus
Big Enough for Two
Easy to Set Up – Only takes 20 seconds to set up the pop-up tent and 2 minutes to fold and store. No poles and pegs, or any assembly needed. It fits in a small portable carry bag.
Business owned or operated and committed to employing adults with developmental disabilities.
1. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop, where people with intellectual & developmental disabilities are valued in the workplace. It’s a place where diversity isn’t just appreciated, it’s celebrated. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee proudly employs 400+ individuals with disabilities nationwide.
Our farm is a place where people of all abilities can learn new skills, strengthen their social networks, and contribute valued products to our local economy.
We offer horticulture and farm skills training, internships to people with developmental disabilities, environmental and gardening education, and micro-enterprise opportunities on a roughly four-acre urban organic farm in Santa Cruz, CA.
“South is 20 years old and was diagnosed with autism at age 3 and he is an extraordinary artist. He started creating small clay figures at the age of 2…
South began to sculpt and create figures of characters like the Veggie tales, cartoons he watched at record speed with amazing accuracy. No one can quite understand his accuracy when he is able to mix the colors, his detail, and the fact that he does not look at his hands at all, only at a photo. He is precise down to the teeth and eyes.
“At Blissful Seeds, we believe that everyone deserves to live their lives to the fullest, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
As a mother of a child with autism, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this condition. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to creating an inclusive environment, a supportive autism community, where young adults with autism can thrive.
Our mission is to provide meaningful employment opportunities for these individuals, helping them to become active participants in their community. We believe that with the right support, they can transform their lives and reach their full potential.”
Kelly is a young lady with Down syndrome and this company was created to assist Kelly in leading a fulfilled and productive life after school came to an end for her. She loves fashion, style and bling, so what better way to express that than to create fashionable jewelry! Special Sparkle is a mother/daughter team where we work together to design and Kelly makes all the jewelry!
My journey at LSA began in January of this year when I joined as a marketing and outreach intern. Initially, my expectations for this role were centered around gaining valuable hard skills in marketing. However, I soon discovered that this experience offered much more than just that.
During my time at LSA, I have learned so much about the IDD community and what it takes to be truly inclusive. I had the privilege of becoming a ‘regular’ at some of the parties and Bingo games giving me the chance to immerse myself in the LSA community. I have captured some of the beautiful moments between staff and residents which is what showed me that LSA is truly about. “Creating homes, changing lives”.
I knew as early as the interview process that LSA wasn’t just a company I wanted to work for, but a community I wanted to be a part of. The way my colleagues spoke about LSA and how intentional they were to have me visit one of the homes for my final interview, is what made me realize how much integrity LSA has in their purpose.
I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have had the opportunity to meet amazing people weekly, collaborate with an inspiring team, and to have captured many beautiful moments.
