Program Description 

             The program is built on the recognition that a learning disability affects all aspects of an adult’s life, career and activities of daily living. In response to this, the Center for Adaptive Learning provides comprehensive services designed to meet emotional, social, vocational and functional needs.

   Program Focus

             Our focus is on supporting and encouraging the adult to develop to their full potential (not on fixing their disabilities). As the adult develops, the program changes to meet that change. The Center for Adaptive Learning provides a continuum of services from intensive support to “as needed” maintenance. While we encourage the adults we work with to acknowledge their challenges, we concentrate on developing their strengths and talents. Far too often, individuals with learning disabilities are so focused on their limitations and challenges that they do not thoroughly explore their positive attributes. At the Center for Adaptive Learning we emphasize the positive and help adults build on their assets.

   The Core Program

             The Center for Adaptive Learning (CAL) provides a comprehensive program. Our services are built on the recognition that a person with a neurological disability is challenged in every aspect of their lives. The program at the Center is designed to address many needs – physical, social, emotional and vocational. We acknowledge the whole person.

The Core Program Consists of:

Living Skills Training

Case Management

Client Finances

SSI/Housing

Vocational Counseling and Training

Interpersonal Skills Training

Health & Fitness

Medical Services

Individual & Group Counseling

Art Exploration and Training

Recreation and Socialization

 

   Program Planning

 

             Each client who comes to the Center for Adaptive Learning 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 Planning process. Goals are designed around three core areas: Living Skills, Vocational Skills and Interpersonal Skills. These goals are augmented by the use of art.

 

Program
Text Box: CAL PROGRAM SUMMARY:

Living Skill goal areas include:

Personal Grooming and Hygiene

Handling Emergencies

Banking

Transportation                                                      

Health & Medication                                                     Time Management                                                    Budgeting

Apartment Maintenance & Personal Belongings

Social Security and Housing Subsidy Eligibility

Vocational goal areas include:

Pre-vocational Preparation 

Resume         

Volunteer Work         

Job Developing         

State Department of Rehabilitation Eligibility

Education Planning

Telephone Skills

Interviewing

Handling on-the-job Experiences

Interpersonal Skills goal areas include:

Counseling (Group and Individual)            

Self-awareness         

Sexuality

Self-advocacy

Interpersonal Skills

IPP/ Annual sessions are held once a year to identify problems with the client’s progress and to develop strategies for overcoming them. Each client is expected to participate in the IPP/ Annual planning. Family members and sponsors are also welcome.

New Clients

Hello, my name is Carolyn. I've been at CAL for 2 months now and I'm the newest CAL member. I like being at CAL because I'm pretty independent and I've made some really good friends. What I hope for in the future is to get a job and eventually to be financially independent.

- Carolyn

Case Management

Living Skills

Cooking Group

 

Health & Fitness

Food Group

Exercise Group

 

Counseling & Education

Individual & Group Counseling

Women’s Group

Men’s Group

Relationship Group

Attitude Group

Autobiography

Current Events

Poetry Group

Reading People

Stress Management

Problem Solving

Great Escapes

Brain Group

Keyholders

 

Vocational Services

Voc Group

Worker’s Group

Community College

 

Art

Painting

Drawing

Fabric Group

 

Extra Curricular

Woo Woo Club

George Club

Case Management

 

The Case Management Department makes sure the clients’ physical needs are met; that they know how to maintain their apartments, their clothing, their belongings, their money, and their food.  They need to always be learning more and more about what they can do for themselves and at the same time to know how, when, and who to ask for help.

 

It was very difficult leaving Redwood City when

my mother died.  She was sick and I expected her to get better but she didn’t.  It was difficult leaving the house where I grew up and it was very scary moving to CAL. Since I have been at CAL I have learned to do my laundry independently and do a shopping list with staff assistance.  I have become a good cook and learned to keep my apartment clean!  I also go to a horticulture class at DVC three days a week. I have learned to become independent in many ways and it makes me feel good!

- Joan

Text Box: Women’s Group Women’s Group is the one group at CAL that only the women get to attend.  Since we are so outnumbered at CAL, as there are more than twice as many men as women, this group gives us a chance to bond and support each other. We are able to talk about women's special health issues, relationship problems, new or fun ideas, or any type of worry. It's pretty cool! - Rachel

Relationship Group

When I was at CAL more, one of my favorite classes was Relationships Group.  I liked Relationships Group because Steven King ran it and still runs it and if I have a problem with someone I could tell it to that person in the room.  Relationships Group was a good class for me.                         - Jeff

 

Men’s Group

We believe that most people have same sex friends that they have fun with and that they trust to help them figure things out when they need help.  We provide men's and women's groups so that everyone can have this opportunity. The men discuss men's issues and the women discuss women's issues, and we expect the skills to gradually take place even outside the group meeting times. The women in particular have a close-knit network because there are so few of them compared to the men.
Text Box: Current Events In current events class, we read and discuss current news articles and stories related to world events, health and fitness, scientific studies, as well as on other topics. Also, we occasionally watch documentaries related to current events and discuss the film. I like current events because it gives me a chance to discuss various topics that interest me like homelessness, war, and other social issues. This is the only chance I get to really voice my opinion on these issues and talk about them so I really get a lot out of the class. - Oriana

KEYHOLDERS

 

Hi, I’m Chrissy, and I’m a Keyholder. In Keyholders Group we discuss what’s going on at CAL, and how we can help make it better.  It took a lot of work to get my Key, and I want to keep going and get as many stars and honors as I can!  It is very important for Keyholders to set a GOOD example for other clients, and support them in positive efforts. We also plan Keyholder projects, like the presentation at last year’s Awards ceremony.              

- Chrissy

Autobiography

In Autobiography Group, we are given different topics to write on related to our personal life.  These topics range from writing about the first time we went away from home, to writing about a moment of pure joy.  After writing, some of us read our stories aloud to the rest of the group. What I personally get out of autobiography group is being able to remember past experiences and being able to write and communicate about these experiences.  I also learn what I like about my past and what I have learned about myself. Writing about myself makes me happy and makes me feel better in general.  I almost always attend the group because it is my favorite. It challenges us!                                                     - Scott

 
Text Box: Attitude Group Hi, I’m Laurel, and I’m in the Attitude Group. We watch videos from Project Runway, and rate the good and bad attitudes that we see. Some of those people have REALLY BAD attitudes! We then discuss similar behaviors that we see around CAL…including ourselves. - Laurel Poetry Group In Poetry/Creative writing class taught by Kelly a counselor at CAL, we learn about what poetry is and what it is all about. We learn about different types of poems such as Haikus which only have 17 syllables and are difficult to write. We also write our own forms of poetry. Each week we focus on a different topic and poem type. The class helps me get out my feelings and helps me to feel better. I also get a better understanding of poetry and how the meaning of different poems depends on the beholder of the poem. Reading People The Reading People Group is a small group about fun and entertainment.  We discuss what the stars are doing in Hollywood and read about ordinary people who do amazing things.  Some of my favorite things to read about are musicians and movie actresses. It's a great way to start a Friday!  - Kate

George Club

             I’m Steven and I’m in the George Club.  In the club we talk about all things Curious George.  We go on evening and weekend outings, and went as a group to see the George movie.  We also have monthly prize drawings.  I have won a LOT of Georges!

- Steven

Woo Woo Club

I’m Morgan, and I’m in the Woo-Woo Club.  We meet on Thursday evenings and discuss Woo topics while drinking a lot of tea.  Usually we talk about tarot cards, but we also discuss history, folklore, and Woo scams and frauds.  Sometimes we go on weekend outings to used bookstores or new age shops.                  - Morgan

Center for Adaptive Learning

A Key to Individual Potential

for Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

CAL