Adult Day Programs Funding Guidelines

Adult day programs offer structured services for persons with developmental disabilities who are no longer eligible for public schools, who are unable or prefer not to pursue continuing education through the community college or university system, who are unable to participate in trade or vocational training programs, and who are unable to become employed in a supported or competitive environment.

All day programs serve the underlying purpose of giving persons with developmental disabilities the opportunity to have a pattern of life similar to non-disabled persons by providing them with planned activities. Day programs should provide training in skills leading to employment and/or other meaningful activities that lead to more productive, independent, and satisfying lives.

Participation in programming may be limited by an individual's choice not to participate or his/her inability to physically tolerate programming.

Lanterman Regional Center may purchase adult day program services for clients if the following criteria are met:

• The adult is ineligible for an appropriate public secondary school program; and
  
• The adult is ineligible for a Department of Rehabilitation funded program; and
  
• The adult is not capable of working in a supported or competitive environment; and
  
• The training needs of the individual can best be met by a purchased adult day program as determined by the Person Centered Planing (PCP) team; and
  
• The client indicates a willingness to attend and participate in a program.

The Person Centered Planning (PCP) team shall recommend the appropriate program closest to the client's home considering the client's choice and preferences, the availability of alternative training and socialization experiences, the need to increase self-help or other skills which allow the client to reside in the least restrictive living arrangement; and any other factors identified by the PCP team as relevant to the client's needs and preferences. When appropriate, preference will be given to programs that promote supported employment and which make maximum use of community integration opportunities.

ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: DECEMBER, 1996.