CENTER FOR ADAPTIVE LEARNING

 

A Key to Individual Potential for Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Program Description 

The CAL program is built on the recognition that a neurodevelopmental disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder affects all aspects of an adult's life, career, and activities of daily living. In response, CAL provides comprehensive services designed to meet emotional, social, vocational and functional needs.

Our focus is on supporting each adult client to develop to their full potential. While we encourage the individuals we work with to acknowledge their challenges, we concentrate on developing their strengths and talents. Far too often, individuals with disabilities focus on their limitations and challenges rather than explore their positive attributes. At the Center for Adaptive Learning we emphasize the positive and help adults build upon their strengths.

Program Planning

Each client at CAL brings a unique set of needs and aptitudes. The staff, in conjunction with the client and other involved parties, tailors a specific program of goals and objectives during a yearly Individual Program Plan (IPP) process. Goals are developed in five core areas: Living Skills, Vocational Skills, Emotional / Social Skills, Health and Fitness, and Art and Expressive Skills. 

 

Living Skill Goal Areas Include:

· Personal Grooming and Hygiene

· Handling Emergencies

· Banking

· Transportation

· Medication Management

· Time Management

· Budgeting

· Grocery Shopping

· Cooking

· Apartment Maintenance/Cleaning

· Upkeep of Personal Belongings

 

Vocational Goal Areas Include:

· Pre-vocational Assessment and Preparation

· Resume Writing

· Volunteer Work

· Telephone Skills

· Interviewing

· Job Development

· Long-term Job Maintenance

· Education Planning

· College Studies Support

· State Department of Rehabilitation Eligibility

 

Emotional / Social  Skills Goal Areas Include:

· Counseling (group and individual)

· Self-awareness

· Anger Management

· Anxiety Management

· Decision Making and Planning

· Sexuality

· Self-advocacy

· Interpersonal Skills

· Self-esteem Building

 

Health and Fitness Goal Areas Include:

· Healthy Choices in Meal Planning

· Commitment to Regular Exercise

· Monitoring of Weight and BMI

· Awareness of Stress and Stress Management

 

Art and Expressive Skills Goal Areas Include:

· Engaging in Various Art Projects and Art Exhibits

· Using Computers to Develop Art Projects

· Exploring Art as an Expressive or Therapeutic Activity

· Optional Choice of Meditation, HeartMath, or other Relaxation Techniques

The Core Program

CAL provides a comprehensive program designed to address all needs - physical, social, emotional, and vocational. We acknowledge the whole person.

 

Comprehensive Services Include:

 

· Living in a Supervised Apartment Cluster

· Social Skills Development

· Individual, Group, and Roommate Counseling

· Full Time Clinical Psychologist on Staff

· Employability Skills and Job Placement

· Career and College Opportunities

· Case Management

· Living Skills Training 

· Recreational Opportunities

· Health, Fitness, and Medication Management

· Financial Supervision / Money Management

· SSI/SSDI and Housing Benefits Management

· Art Exploration and Training

· ‘Great Escapes’ Outings

· Game Nights and Clubs

Program Support Information

The Center for Adaptive Learning (CAL) is licensed by the State of California: Department of Education and Department of Social Services, and is a vendor of services for the Regional Centers in California. The Center for Adaptive Learning considers applicants without regard to race, creed, sexual orientation or national origin.