Paths to Relationship Development
Community Activities
Planned activities promote the full integration and inclusion of individuals with disabilities into mainstream society through positive and supported community collaborations.
Volunteering
Each individual is presented opportunities to volunteer and learn new work skills, to move on to working in meaningful employment, and thrive through community engagement.
Group Employment
Individuals work alongside CLASS professionals to develop independence, learn to work with a supervisor and engage with others at the job site.
Independent Employment
Individuals who are ready may choose career paths with additional job responsibilities and advancement opportunities.
Health Services
Many individuals in CLASS programs have multiple nursing and health care concerns, intellectual disabilities and / or physical limitations. Our nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech therapists regularly assess every individual’s needs and tailor plans to fit their goals.
Personalized Assessments and Supports
Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapies
Skilled Staff of RNs and LPNs
Daily Activities
Problem Solving
Learning Strategies
Self-Advocacy
Money Management
Fitness Classes
Career Exploration
Organizational Skills
Language Development
Community Awareness and Safety
Social Media Skills
Technology Skills
Community Trips
ChaCha reads a poem she wrote in her CBDS program.
People and Places
Individuals in Independent Employment
Individuals in Group Employment
Community Collaborators
Community Trips Per Week
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during the day at CLASS Community Based Day Services?
Services through CLASS are career-driven and built around individuals’ employment goals. Individuals explore volunteer and internship opportunities that help pave their pathway to employment. When someone finds something they like to do, we build a plan around it. We use the I Can Work© curriculum to help them develop the specific skills sets they need to get ready for the jobs they select.
What training is offered by CBDS?
CLASS offer a variety of skill building activities that maximize independence in the community. Examples include travel training, health and safety programs, social skills groups, technology training, self-advocacy, and activities of daily living and independent living skills. Activities are planned, structured and supervised according to individuals’ needs and interests.
CBDS programming leverages community engagement with a person-driven approach. Individuals have opportunities to engage in a variety of recreational activities through local community partnerships, such as circle drumming, horseback riding and singing lessons. Activities are designed so individuals can explore and discover new interests independently, build their skills and develop supportive relationships in the community.
How does your staff support individuals, their goals and roles?
CBDS staff members work in partnership with individuals to guide day-to-day activities, support individuals’ decisions about employment options and engage individuals in activities that can assist them in meeting lifelong goals. The CBDS staff promotes independence by encouraging individuals to use their strengths and access assistance and support only as necessary. The staff facilitates skill building activities that will promote independence in the community for everyone.
How do I get services from CLASS?
Work with your Department of Developmental Services coordinator.
Does CLASS have a sheltered workshop?
As sheltered workshops were closed down in 2016, CLASS was at the front of the wave embracing this change by closing our workshop and moving individuals into competitive or community based group employment and community based day services.
What are some of the activities in the community?
Our direct-care staff engages individuals to count their money during purchases at retail and grocery stores, observe the path that money takes at the bank, understand what animals eat and what is grown at local farms, and ask the cost of stamps and where their mail goes at the post office. Community and backyard gardening opens up their world to vegetable, nutrition and health — to touch and feel and taste and smell. Individuals attend horseback riding therapy to tone their muscles and develop their balance. They learn exercise is fun during movement classes with a group of friends, and they discover their voices and acting chops at local performance and theater programs. The direct-care staff encourages individuals to observe the variety of jobs people have at these venues, to lay the foundation for socializing and becoming more involved in their community.
What case coordination supports do you offer?
CLASS Case Coordination professionals are vital participants who empower your sons and daughters, who guide them through self advocacy to discover their own capabilities and independence. Coordinators are conduits of information, maintaining strong lines of communication among you and the CLASS direct-care and nursing staffs, your service coordinators and residential providers. Case coordinators practice advocacy and assist both you and your loved one in advocacy as you collaboratively design individualized support plans.
Do you provide transportation?
We will work with you to make sure your son or daughter can get to our program or we will identify resources for you.