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Lifelong Learning for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Day Habilitation at Charles River Center provides a structured, goal-oriented program for adults with complex communication, medical and therapeutic needs. Our day habilitation programs are housed in our spacious, updated main building in Needham, MA. Our Center is fully accessible with wide corridors leading to spacious, bright group rooms, a fully accessible kitchen and large activity rooms.

At CRC, we consider our staff to be lifelong coaches. With the individual’s interests in mind, activity choices may include music, arts & crafts, cooking, computer and iPad time, games, gardening and exercise activities. Community outings to the library and local parks are built into each weekly schedule to work on therapeutic goals while having fun around Needham. Day hab participants may also choose to do group volunteering for Meals on Wheels and local food pantries.

Our caring staff are committed to enabling adults with complex disabilities to have choices and continually learn new things that improve their well-being and self-management. Assistive technologies including visual supports, iPads, AAC devices and whiteboards and other adapted daily living aids are used throughout the day to facilitate choicemaking, independence and improve functional skills.

Day Hab Provides Individualized Therapeutic Goals and Activities

Adults who attend our Day Habilitation program are assessed annually by our team of nurses, physical, behavioral, occupational, and speech therapists. Based on a team approach with individual input and choices, an annual Individual Support Plan (ISP) is developed for each participant. This plan outlines individualized goals to improve daily living skills as well as health and well-being. Therapists support the staff on physical and communication techniques throughout the day.

Day Hab Program is designed for adults:

With developmental and intellectual disabilities, including autism, who thrive in a structured environment with OT, PT and speech supports
Who require 1:4 staff to participant ratios to main safety and physical supports. We can support 1:1 if needed.
Need assistance with personal care throught the day including including feeding
Benefit from adapted equipment for mobility, communication and daily living
Seek a full day, center-based program

Accreditations: Charles River Center Day Habilitation program receives the highest certification level by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Program Highlights

Fitness and physical therapy rooms with (equipment)
Large, accessible teaching kitchen and cafeteria
Outdoor terrace with raised garden beds for horticulture
Recreational activities include music therapy, adapted Zumba, adapted yoga and more
Opportunities for community outings and volunteering

Eligibility

Adults age 22+ who qualify for MassHealth
Referral and enrolled by a state agency, such as MA Department of Developmental Services Regional Offices
Direct referrals from families/guardians, school systems and other programs
There are no fees connected with enrolling and taking part in CRC day hab programs.
Transportation to and from CRC must be provided, and may be arranged through the funder