Sep 15 2009
FAQs
- How do I apply for the Adult Action Center program?
- What is the cost of the program to the participants and their families?
- What kind of program is offered?
- Where is the Adult Action Center located?
- Will C.E.R.T.S., Inc. provide transportation to and from the Center?
- How is the program staffed?
- Who manages and is responsible for the program?
- Why does the Board of Directors of C.E.R.T.S. believe that a renewed approach to the care of young adults is needed?
Who might be interested in this program?
The primary focus group for this program is recent graduates of special education programs. Age at admission is 21-35 years of age. The intent is to incorporate many of the progressive developments that have been introduced into special education programs over the past ten years. Parents and families who want their young adult in a challenging environment committed to developing their full potential will want to explore this program further.
How do I apply for the Adult Action Center program?
This web site contains a brief Expression of Interest Form that can be filled out and sent to C.E.R.T.S., Inc. You will be contacted, given more information, and, if you are still interested, you can fill out a formal application form.
What is the cost of the program to the participants and their families?
C.E.R.T.S., Inc. will accept the reimbursement level that is provided by the State of Delaware (through DDDS) for all participants who have been given an ICAP assessment. We encourage participants to apply for eligibility under this state provision.
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Individualized programming tailored to the demonstrated abilities and interests of each participant.
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MOVE for Adults programming (www.move-international.org)
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Cooperative staff planning and execution toward desired functional outcomes
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The use of technology to enhance communication
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Proactive therapies (physical and occupational)
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Meaningful peer interaction
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Parental and family participation
General programming includes:
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Mobility and movement: see MOVE for Adults.
- Daily living: personal hygiene (dressing and grooming), eating and food preparation, housekeeping
- Recreation and leisure: games, music, art, sports, physical fitness, gardening, and photography
- Community skills: social interaction such as shopping, library, attendance at social events, and community outreach opportunities
- Vocational skills: performing needed tasks for others in the home or at the center
Where is the Adult Action Center located?
The C.E.R.T.S., Inc., Adult Action Center is located in Newark, Delaware. We are leasing space in the Exceptional Care for Children facility located at 13 Independence Way (just off of West Chestnut Hill Road).
Will C.E.R.T.S., Inc. provide transportation to and from the center?
At the present time, C.E.R.T.S. is unable to provide transportation to participants. Families of the participants are responsible for transportation to and from the center. Some families drive their young adult to and from the Adult Action Center and some young men and women ride DART Paratransit. Transportation for field trips will be provided by the program.
The current staff consists of eight full-time staff members: An Executive Director, a Program Specialist/Nurse, and six Program Associates. In addition there two part time employees: an Administative Assistant and a Housekeeper. Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy services are subcontracted.
Who manages and is responsible for the program?
C.E.R.T.S., Inc. has a non-profit corporation status 501(c) (3) with direction and policy formulation provided by a Board of Directors representing education professionals, parents, and the business community. The Adult Action Center is managed by an Executive Director who reports to the President of the Board and has primary responsibility for the delivery of the daily program to participants, for supervision of staff, and for full implementation of all federal and state standards, policies, and procedures. There is also an Advisory Board to assist the Board of Directors. The names of the members of the Board of Director are listed on this web site.
Why does the Board of Directors of C.E.R.T.S. believe that a renewed approach to the care of young adults is needed?
New efforts like the C.E.R.T.S., Inc., Adult Action Center are needed because the world of people with disabilities is changing in many directions at the same time:
- Due to improved health care, people with severe disabilities are living longer. Nearby medical institutions like the DuPont Hospital for Children and the Kennedy Kreeger Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital are pioneers in developing therapies and medications designed specifically to counteract the traditional life-threatening ailments of the medically fragile.
- A new medical and educational engineering science subspecialty called assistive technology is transforming the world of people with disabilities. From prosthetics that substitute for missing physical functions to speaking devices that give the power of speech to the voiceless, computer-driven technology is creating a web of physical and social support not previously available.
- Educational breakthroughs in the field of special education are allowing teachers and therapists to design highly individualized educational plans for a wide variety of students. An increasing number of teachers and specialists are being educated in these state-of-the-art methodologies.