Day Activity Services

The day options program, which began simultaneously with the founding of our residential program in 1964, revolves around the community and its environment and encourages individuals to grow to their fullest potential. Our Adult Day Options programs provides services to adults 18 years of age and older with autism and developmental disabilities,

Our programs are located across Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties.

Activities include:

Art – Individuals are encouraged to use their creativity in producing various art projects that may be both short term and long term. They work with paper mache, paints, clay, string art, sand art, coloring pencils, etc. They create large art pieces that have over the years been displayed and hosted by Artworks Gallery and Studio (www.artworksnepa.com)
Community – Individuals are offered opportunity to engage in local activities such as bowling, basketball, picnics, museums, zoos, and many more. They enjoy going shopping and are within walking distance of the local mall. They also participate in simple cooking such as making pudding, cupcakes, pizza muffins, ice cream waffle sandwiches, etc.
Creative projects – Individuals are exposed to different types of music, play different instruments, play games, and show off their singing ability. They also complete puzzles and enjoy physical activities like aerobic dance and exercise. There has also been involvement with a local college to participate in music therapy classes.
Sensory room – Individuals are introduced to various sights, sounds, and textures in a small setting (3 individuals at a time). It is specially designed for individuals with Autism and other sensory processing disorders. There is a sensory board, music, and various sounds used to calm or motivate individuals. We utilize aromatherapy and different textured items for the hands, feet, and face. Lighting can be increased as well as decreased for heightened learning. Sand and dirt therapy (gardening) is also used for dexterity purposes.
Leisure Program – Individuals are offered the opportunity to sit back and relax by watching a movie/TV show, listening to music, or browsing through a book, magazine, or a newspaper. They can also play a game of cards, or just sit and talk with friends.

Assessments & Placement

Individuals are assessed prior to admission via personal interview, record review and a tour of the facilities. During that time, information is gathered through questions, solicitation of goals and past achievements as appropriate. Family members and/or significant others are also brought into this process for information sharing, particularly if the individual needs assistance to communicate their wants and needs.

Placement will occur based on the interdisciplinary team of the medical, clinical, vocational, and support personnel along with the individual. This placement will be directly related to the information gained during the interviews in order to maximize the choice and goal attainment of the individual. Review of the placement and success is monitored monthly, quarterly and annually. The individual also at any time can secure movement from one program level to the next through skill development based on the goals that they have agreed to and work each day to attain.

Licensing Information

Our agency also contracts with the northeast Intermediate Unit #19 as well as other Local MH/MR providers to support and provide day options to individuals in the community. This program is fully licensed under the day activities - department of public welfare 2380 regulations.

For more information regarding our Day Options Services, please contact our Admissions Coordinator.