Day Programs for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
What are Adult Day Programs?
Day programs are important for individuals with I/DD because they offer opportunities such as learning and practicing life skills, engaging with the community, and connecting with their peers. It provides a structured day and helps provide a sense of routine for individuals. Families report that these programs have allowed their loved one to express autonomy while gaining important life skills. Day programs enhance quality of life while setting the foundation for a successful future that may support independent living. Most day programs take up around 5 hours which not only allows individuals to spend time outside the house, but also allows families and caregivers the space for resting, running errands, or working. It can be tailored and personalized based on an individual basis. There are a wide range of day programs you’ll find in your community and it’s important to assess what the right fit will be. You can do this by speaking with your regional center coordinator as well as contacting nearby programs or facilities for a prospective visit. Common skills and knowledge gained during program hours involve self advocacy, financial management, wellness, safety awareness, accessing resources, socialization, and personal care. Individuals become very active members in their community while learning more about their preferences and long term goals.
Programs may include:
- Transportation
- In Home Day Programs
- Outside the Home Programs
- Community Service Opportunities
- Vocational Training
- Career Exploration
- Recreational activities
- Part Time Work
- Exercise
In-Home vs Outside-the-Home Day Programs
At this point you may feel like a day program is a great choice but are still wondering what the key differences are between In-Home vs Outside-the-Home Day Programs. Which one is the right fit for your loved one? Life Services Alternatives (LSA) provides both types of programs.
In-Home
- Customized to individual goals and needs
- Daily recreational, physical, and educational activities
- Focused on personal goals for residents in our homes
- For residents whose health and support needs prohibit them from attending an external program, mental stimulation and physical exercise are provided so they can develop skills and maintain their health.
- Specialized consultants such as dietitians, psychologists, and physical therapists are also utilized to support residents in achieving their goals.
Want to learn more? Contact Sharmean Heffernan, Program Director
Phone: (408) 728-9610 Email: sheffernan@lsahomes.org
Outside-the-Home
- Life skills training
- Stimulating community-based activities
- Help participants achieve positive self-esteem, independence, and a greater sense of control over their own lives.
- LSA’s Community Integration Training Program (CITP) provides meaningful volunteer opportunities for participants to develop vocational skills.
- Offering a 1:3 staffing ratio, or 1:1 if needed, CITP provides highly personalized support.
- The goal is for participants to become more independent and, for some, to gain paid employment.
- The program operates year-round, provides a structured five-hour day, is available on weekdays, and can be tailored to fit the needs of the participant.
Want to learn more? Contact Abigail Diaz, Program Director
Phone: (669) 296-8140 Email: adiaz@lsahomes.org
The Community Integration Training Program provides an array of community service opportunities at different volunteer locations. You can find CITP participants doing office tasks, culinary services, parks and community landscaping, janitorial services and organizing library books. Despite the differences between the In-Home and Outside- the-Home program, every individual has the opportunity to participate in stimulating activities while being surrounded by supportive and caring staff. The CITP program has transformed the lives of LSA residents like Ronnie and Robbie. They are housemates at LSA’s Cypress home. Their weekday mornings consist of getting ready to head out and do community activities. Ronnie and Robbie have a great time participating in CITP while getting to connect with their fellow peers and engage with other community members. Living in a residential home while participating in a day program has changed the lives of Ronnie and Robbie. Help us continue making this impact. Consider donating today. Each cent helps us provide meaningful programs that help residents live their best life possible.
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