CENTER FOR ADAPTIVE LEARNING

 

A Key to Individual Potential for Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Assessment

Upon admission to CAL, the client's case records are reviewed for learning style and ability. Variables considered important to successful participation in the program include: interests, personality, cognitive ability, use of expressive and receptive language, attention, memory, organization, and ability to cope with complexity and stress. The client's physical health, mobility, and sensory motor skills will also be reviewed. When sufficient data is not available, CAL may request a professional evaluation of the client. Data gathered through the assessment process is used to develop procedures and strategies for effectively serving the client in the CAL program.

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Admission Policy Statement

CAL is committed to creating and maintaining a living and working environment for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders which promotes dignity and supports a sense of community. The CAL program provides each participant with an individual program for growth and achievement. CAL is committed to maintaining the highest quality of living possible which will allow each client to develop a sense of pride and increase self-esteem. Applicants are assumed to have a neurological impairment which makes truly independent living problematic. The wide range of problems includes, but is not restricted to autism, attention deficit disorders, learning disabilities, obsessive/compulsive disorders, borderline intellectual ability, epilepsy, brain injury or other conditions which render the individual neurologically impaired.

Admission procedures are designed to allow for maximum communication between staff and families. CAL ensures each applicant an assessment for fit with the community, followed by the development of an individual program plan if accepted.

 

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. CAL considers applicants without regard to race, creed, sexual orientation or national origin.

Criteria for Admission

· Participants must be over 19 years of age

· Participants must have the capability of supported independent living in an environment supervised no more than twelve (12) hours a day

· Participants must have employment potential (volunteer or paid)

· Participants must have a neurological impairment that makes totally independent living problematic. This may include autism, attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, obsessive/compulsive disorder, borderline intellectual ability, epilepsy; brain injury or other conditions which render the individual neurologically impaired.

· Participants must demonstrate a desire to live independently, with support.

· Participants must be willing and able to live in an alcohol and drug free environment.

· Participants must be willing and able to live in a violence-free environment.

· Participants who take medications must begin the program under monitored medication management, though they may work toward independent medication management as one of their goals.

· Funding for the CAL program is private, by Regional Center membership, or by School District eligibility

Eligibility

Participants in the CAL program must meet all of the following requirements:

· Be over 19 years of age

· Have an identifiable neurodevelopmental disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder

· Be assessed as having the potential for employment

· Demonstrate a desire to live as independently as possible

· Be willing and able to live in an alcohol and drug free program

Admissions Process 

· Intake phone call - The first step in applying to CAL is to call the Program Associate, who fills out an intake screening form and sets up a meeting with the Executive Director, the potential client, and family.

 

· Initial meeting - During this meeting, admission and exclusion criteria will be reviewed, an apartment can be visited; tour of the facilities, and discussion of the prospective client’s history. Upon determination that the individual is a reasonable prospective client for CAL, the next step is to collect all existing evaluations or request further evaluations.

 

· Site visit - If all parties agree to go forward following these activities, arrangements will be made for the client to spend a day participating in the program and being observed by the staff.

 

· Application - After the site visit, the family is offered an application form if the individual is considered an appropriate candidate for the CAL program. Several staff review the completed application, including all testing and assessments, and two letters of recommendation. After that review, the potential client and family are interviewed by a panel of staff, including the Clinical Director. Admission to the program is at the discretion of the staff with a final decision by the Executive Director.

 

· Acceptance - Families are informed of the staff’s decision within two weeks. Upon acceptance into CAL, the start date is determined; contracts are signed and deposits collected prior to moving into the CAL apartment. After three to six months, the client, family members, and the client’s staff team will meet to define goals and objectives through an Individual Program Plan (IPP). 

Text Box: School records and transcripts, including copy of diploma or GED certificate, achievement test scores, and recent academic reports. All existing diagnostic reports and test records including most recent neuropsychological evaluation and Wechsler (WAIS-R or III or WISC-R) scores. Two letters of reference from teachers, tutors, counselors, or employers. Records and reports from any professional such as physicians, specialists, optometrists/ophthalmologists, occupational therapists, tutors, etc. Text Box: The following information must be included with CAL application:

To contact Admissions, please call the Program Associate Administrator at ext. 120 or send your inquiry by e-mail to

info@c4al.org.

PH: (925) 827– 3863

FAX: (925) 827– 4080
Text Box: Drug dependency or prior felony arrest for a drug related crime A history of chronic severe psychosis or chronic severe psychotic behavior A history of chronic violent or aggressive behavior that significantly endangers the client or others and which has not been responsive to behavioral management and/or medications A severe personality disorder or antisocial behavior pattern which precludes group interaction and responsiveness to correction and direction Physical limitations which require 24-hour a day attendant care. Individuals requiring attendant services less than 24 hours a day may be candidates for the CAL program, but must provide these attendant services through an outside agency Text Box: Individuals who fall into any of the following categories will be excluded from the CAL program: