Programs of the DayStar Foundation - Home of the Foundation for the Developmentally Disabled. Located in Lancaster California 93535

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Programs of the A.V. Foundation for the Developmentally Disabled

Description of Programs

Each program offered by the Antelope Valley Foundation for the Developmentally Disabled has essentially similar educational and training objectives. However, each program is distinguished from each other by the defining characteristics and/or limitations of the specific participants served in each program.

Aggregate data tracking and compilation is on-going within all programs ensuring that participants are working on realistic goals chosen by them when possible using specific IPP objectives in the least restrictive environment.

The staff at AVFDD conducts a thorough review and evaluation of the provided records when a referral is made in order to make recommendations and place the participant in the most appropriate program and the least restrictive environment possible. Program staff coordinates with the different programs and Regional Center in order to provide a smooth transition for the participant.

Quality trained staff provides instruction in all programs. Staff receive training on participant rights, and attend on-going in-service training on developmental disabilities and behavior modification. On-site trainers provide Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) training twice a year focusing on Nonviolent Crisis Intervention.

Adult Development Center (ADC)

This program has a 1:4 staff to participant ratio. Participants enrolled in ADC generally need more training to acquire refined basic self-care skills such as independent eating and toileting. Other basic areas of training include communication of needs, daily living skills, and community integration.

Self-Care and Self-Advocacy skills are emphasized in the ADC program.

Classes in grooming, hygiene, sign language, picture communication, the use of Word Plus, and the appropriate use of communication devices are provided on an as needed and individualized basis.

Signing Class

Close supervision is provided to ensure Safety Awareness.

Participants are taught simple food preparation and clean up.

Low impact aerobics are offered and simple range of motion exercises are taught for non-ambulatory participants.

Instructional tools used include visual stimulation, modeling, gesturing, and simple verbal directives.

Participants are encouraged to make choices and display appropriate public behavior during Community Integration outings.

Speech therapy referrals are provided on an as needed basis.

Day Training Activity Center (DTAC)

This program has a 1:8 staff to participant ratio. Most participants enrolled in DTAC have acquired basic self-care skills and are instructed on work and independent living skills using actual work experiences and in-house training.

This program focuses on Self-advocacy and community integration

Instructional tools used include role modeling, and verbal instruction.

Computer Training

ISL Training Systems illustrated guides (e.g., You and Your Rights, Private Behaviors, Appropriate Touch, etc.) are utilized as training tools.

Computer training (keyboard and mouse usage on instructional CD-ROM programs) is available.

Staff emphasizes health and hygiene by way of exercise classes, low impact aerobics, and weight maintenance through a healthy diet.

Participants make menus, shop for and prepare their own food. Cooking classes take place on site.

Speech therapy referrals are provided on an as needed basis.

Behavior Activity Center (BAC)

This program has a 1:3 staff to participant ratio. Participants referred to BAC display behavior deficits and excesses in their ability to effectively interact with others and their environment. Participants require training in ways to more successfully communicate frustration or anger by learning replacement behaviors that possess the same function.

Everyone is different and some participants are more independent than others. However, they may still require assistance in managing their emotions. Staff emphasize and teach a more positive approach to interact with self, others and the environment by maintaining participant engagement. Participants are encouraged to become involved in tasks and activities that are significant to them, and staff anticipates situations that may trigger a negative response, and intervene by redirecting the participant to more positive endeavors. Participants become involved in work training and interpersonal skills building throughout the day.

Each participant is observed, evaluated and recommendations are made 30 days after their initial placement at AVFDD. A Behavior Consultant, Program Lead staff and Direct Care staff collaborate in the development of an individualized plan for each participant. The behavior management plans developed at AVFDD use best practices in positive behavior supports and are implemented consistently and accurately.

Emphasis is placed on diminishing the barriers that prevent the participant from functioning in a less restrictive environment.

Goals and Objectives are written for Self-Advocacy, Participation, Community Integration, Self-Care, Communication, Increasing Desired behaviors, and Decreasing undesired behaviors.

A Task Analysis is individually written for Self-Care skills and tasks to aide in the instruction, teaching, learning, and attaining these goals.

Each participant takes part in community integration outings. These outings provide the participant with the opportunity and experience of using transportation, having choices, and making purchases.

Communication / Language goals are designed to assist the participant in expressing needs and wants in the most appropriate manner.

Speech therapy referrals are provided on an as needed basis.