SMSC has been committed to the empowerment of people with developmental disabilities since l966. The underlying philosophy of the Activity Center (AC) program mirrors this commitment by providing the highest quality training to the individuals we serve. The goal of SMSC's Activity Center is the continued growth and strengthening of programs that are committed to this philosophy. We believe that each consumer is a unique individual with personal interests and aptitudes. Each must be supported and instructed in the living skills area that ideally suits her/his wants and needs. This includes specialized focus on vocational preparation as an important part of living skills training.
Our Activity Center program is a community-based day program (typically 14 hours per week in a community-based activity) that serves adults who generally have acquired most basic self-care skills, have some ability to interact with others, are able to make their needs known, and respond to instructions. Activity Center programs focus on the development and maintenance of the functional skills required for self-advocacy, community integration and employment;
Our training goal focuses on providing functional curriculum through innovative programming that includes:
(1) Equal access to integrated employment and community environments.
(2) Promotion of understanding of self-advocacy and the individual's rights and responsibilities.
(3) Enhancing each person's interests and individual potential in all areas of his/her lives.
The Activity Center provides a positive environment, where individuals with developmental disabilities are served, in heterogeneous groups both on site and in community settings. The program focuses on functional curriculum, and "People's First" language and concepts. Individuals are given ongoing opportunities to participate and share in adult-appropriate activities. Curriculum training includes; community work training, contract work, art (consisting primarily of learning design, composition, painting and drawing skills), landscaping/horticulture, health (physical fitness), vocational training and development, social awareness, communication skills, meal preparation, computer skills, independent living skills, community integration, self-care, sex education, leisure, recreation skills development, self-advocacy, community safety and access training. Each training curriculum is based on the functional skills philosophy.
The Activity Center program maintains a 1:6 ratio (1 program staff to 6 consumers). During community activities, the staff-to-consumer ratio required is 1:4 (1 program staff to 4 consumers) to insure safety, situations for natural support, and adequate skills development to assist consumers in attaining ISP/IPP goals and objective.
