Disabled adults have new R.O.A.D.s

OCEANSIDE — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside presents a new program, Real Options for Adults with Disabilities, or R.O.A.D.
R.O.A.D is designed by specialists to provide community-based options to learn and grow for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. R.O.A.D provides a wide range of curriculum and activities that will allow adults with disabilities to become more independent within their community.
R.O.A.D’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities by creating options which foster individual growth in all areas of their lives. The supporters of R.O.A.D have embraced the concept that, with adequate support and an innovative curriculum, a person with a disability can be an active and productive individual within their community, and can learn to make appropriate lifestyle choices; develop communication, social, and vocational skills; and explore life’s challenges through the skills that they learn.
The program is developing a functional skills training curriculum that addresses the individual needs of each participant. These include but are not limited to:
— Accessing community resources
— Building natural community supports
— Developing a community safety plan including Stranger Awareness and Street Safety training
— Developing a healthy living plan, with a focus on physical self-care, health, fitness and wellness education specific to the individual
— Community contribution through work which may include paid employment and/or community volunteer opportunities
— Self advocacy skills such as basic communication and language skills, decision making skills, discussions of appropriate relationship interactions to avoid exploitation
— Personal growth and development of values and individual goals
— Community integration. This program facilitates natural interactions and encourages relationships among individuals with and without disabilities in all environments. Natural supports will develop effortlessly as individuals with disabilities become “regulars” at community sites such as local libraries, community colleges, the Boys & Girls Clubs, the YMCA, the local coffee shop or even the local community golfing range.