Program Description
We are excited to announce our Adult Programs has a new website click HERE The Adult Community Training [ACT] Program is, a 100% community-based adult day program serving the intellectually and developmentally disabled community in Berkeley, Oakland and surrounding areas. ACT focuses on Vocational Skills, Self-Determination, Community Integration and Independent Living Skills.
Program Principles and Activities
The Adult Community Training [ACT] Program is, a community-based adult day program serving the IDD community in Berkeley, Oakland and surrounding areas. ACT focuses on Vocational Skills, Self-Determination, Community Integration and Independent Living Skills.
Ala Costa Centers Adult Programs is proud to be the only adult day program openly designed by autistic and neurodivergent people serving the intellectually and developmentally disabled community. Our philosophy is rooted in our fundamental belief of disability justice and the right to community inclusion for all. To learn more about how we approach service click HERE
ACAT’s community-based instruction is educational instruction that occurs in typical community spaces, much different from the school campus and classrooms. Community-Based Instruction prepares students in the least restrictive environment and in real-time for a successful transition to adulthood. To learn more about how we approach service click HERE
The Neurodiversity Model of education is a shift in thinking away from the traditional Medical Model of Disability, which views intellectual/developmental disabled people as a problem to fix or as suffering from a disease, deficit, or dysfunction. Our program model focuses on an individual’s personal goals and not diagnostic limitations. The individual does not become invisible or subsumed under a diagnosis, nor does our program’s structure rely on medicalized generalizations; instead, we seek to legitimize non-normative ways of being. To learn more about how we approach service click HERE
Utilizing best practices models ACT promotes individual independence and empowerment by incorporating these eight components of self-determination across all our learning environments.
- Choice-making
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
- Goal setting and attainment
- Self-regulation
- Self-advocacy
- Self-awareness
- Self-efficacy
- Self-awareness
- Self- efficacy
Independent living skills are activities that decrease an individual’s dependence upon other people as well as increase the individuals access to the broader community. Skills include:
- Community safety
- Money management
- Mobility training
- Meal planning & preparation
- Shopping
- Choosing goals
- Housing
- Community integration
The ACT program follows a Service Learning Vocational Model by offering a variety of volunteer work sites where individuals have the opportunity to provide service to community members. individuals gain a sense of independence and responsibility, which leads to increased self-confidence and empowerment. At work sites, individuals learn new skills and gain real on the job work experience. To see our current list of community based worksites click HERE
Program Qualities
- Person Centered
- Community Based
- Strength Based
- Promotes Self- Determination
- Utilizes a Neurodiverse Model of Education
- Allows for the Dignity of Risk