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(9.11) What are day programs?

(9.11) What are day programs?

Day programs is the general term used to describe a variety of programs for adults with developmental disabilities. These programs provide services on an hourly or daily basis but are not 24-hour programs. At a day program, you can learn how to interact with others, express what you need, and follow instructions. Types of day programs include:

  • Adult development centers,
  • Activity centers,
  • Behavior management programs,
  • Independent living skills programs, and
  • Social recreation programs.[1]Title 17, Cal. Code Regs. section 54302(a)(16).

Adult Development Centers are a type of day program. They focus on helping you develop and keep skills you need to advocate for yourself, integrate into the community, get a job, and care for yourself.[2]Title 17, Cal. Code Regs. section 54302(a)(7). Some offer different activities every day like work, volunteering, education, recreation, and independent living skills. Your activities depend on what you need and want.

Ask the regional center if there are programs like this near where you live. If not, ask the regional center to start a program.

Activity Centers are day programs for people who:

  • Already have basic self-care skills,
  • Can interact with others a little,
  • Can explain what they need, and
  • Follow instructions.

These programs help you develop and keep the skills you need to advocate for yourself, be integrated in the community, and work.[3]Title 17, Cal. Code Regs. section 54302(a)(2).

Behavior Management Programs are day programs for adults with severe behavioral disorders or both developmental and psychiatric disabilities. They serve adults who are not eligible for other day programs because of behavior problems.[4]Title 17, Cal. Code Regs. section 54302(a)(12).

Social Recreation Programs are day programs that help you integrate in the community and advocate for yourself for recreation and leisure activities.[5]Title 17 Cal. Code Regs. section 54302(a)(64). Regional centers are once again allowed to purchase social recreation services, as of July 2021.[6]Section 4648.5(a) Regional center services suspended in 2009, are now restored as of July 1, 2021. The services include camp and related travel expenses, social recreation, educational services, and … Continue reading

An exception can be made for regional centers to purchase social recreation activities if the regional center decides that the service is: “a primary or critical means for” improving the physical, cognitive or psychosocial effects of your developmental disability,” or the service is necessary to help you stay in your home and no other service can meet your needs.[7]Section 4648.5(c).

References
1 Title 17, Cal. Code Regs. section 54302(a)(16).
2 Title 17, Cal. Code Regs. section 54302(a)(7).
3 Title 17, Cal. Code Regs. section 54302(a)(2).
4 Title 17, Cal. Code Regs. section 54302(a)(12).
5 Title 17 Cal. Code Regs. section 54302(a)(64).
6 Section 4648.5(a) Regional center services suspended in 2009, are now restored as of July 1, 2021. The services include camp and related travel expenses, social recreation, educational services, and nonmedical therapies, like music therapy.
7 Section 4648.5(c).