Choices for Adult Learning (CAL) is the only adult day program of its kind in California. Designed to meet the unique needs of adults with significant behavioral and intellectual disabilities, this community-based program provides 2 staff for every 3 adults, offering 1:1 support for each individual for at least a third of their program day. This staffing flexibility has allowed CAL adults to devel
op micro-enterprises, make meaningful connections with people in their community, and pursue individual goals. CAL’s unique design helps individuals who either have a history of 1:1 support during their public school years; who have been unable to make progress in a traditional day program setting; or whose behavior needs preclude their placement in other adult day programs. CAL is a data-based program, and our students have attained great success in attaining new skills; replacing problem behavior with functional behavior, making friends in their neighborhoods, starting businesses, and being actively engaged of community experiences (gym memberships; sports clubs; volunteerism; etc). A special benefit the families receive as part of the program design is in-home behavioral consultation and support. Regional Center funded, admission to the program requires a referral from a case manager and the consensus of an admissions team. Those who use San Diego Regional Center services must live within 25 miles of the CAL program (Oceanside area); those who work with other Regional Centers may live outside this radius. We are proud of this innovative program and its ability to successfully support a very special segment of our population.
