For families supporting loved ones with developmental disabilities, finding the right program can be a daunting task. But at Community Mainstreaming Associates (CMA) in Long Island, New York, a revolutionary approach is changing lives and redefining what’s possible.
Let’s take a closer look at CMA’s Day Habilitation Without Walls program, led by the passionate Miguel Torres-Castro, and explore how it might be the perfect fit for your family member.
A Program That Grows with Participants
“We don’t cookie-cut programming. We have personalized meetings with each participant and their family, really asking them the questions of what it is they’re looking for in our program.”
MIGUEL TORRES-CASTRO, Director of Day Habilitation
CMA’s Day Habilitation Without Walls isn’t your typical day program. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, it offers a flexible, person-centered experience that evolves with each participant’s needs and interests.
“We don’t cookie-cut programming,” explains Miguel Torres-Castro, Director of Day Habilitation. “We have personalized meetings with each participant and their family, really asking them the questions of what it is they’re looking for in our program.”
This tailored approach focuses on four core areas:
- Technology: From coding to podcasting, participants explore modern tech skills.
- Arts: Music, painting, pottery, and more allow for creative expression.
- Lifestyle: Physical wellness through sports, yoga, and group exercises.
- Vocational Training: Practical skills like resume writing and interview preparation.
A Typical Week: Diverse Experiences, Real-World Skills
To illustrate the program’s diversity, Castro walks us through a typical week:
- Mondays might start with volunteering at Jones Beach, followed by music therapy and a nature walk.
- Tuesdays could involve recording a podcast and participating in pet therapy.
- Wednesdays, dubbed “Wellness Wednesdays,” focus on fitness and mindfulness activities.
- Thursdays might include e-commerce training and community volunteering.
- Fridays, affectionately called “Fun Fridays,” offer recreational activities like bowling or visits to local fairs.
This varied schedule ensures participants are constantly engaged, learning, and growing. “We’re moving 60 people around Nassau County every single day,” Castro notes, emphasizing the program’s commitment to community integration.
Building Confidence Through Real-World Experiences
One of the program’s strengths is its focus on real-world experiences. Castro shares aa example from their improv theater program: “The most recent improv skit I remember was they’re in a restaurant ordering food. There’s four of them around a table. One of them is playing the role of a waiter and one of them realizes that there’s a fly in their soup.”
These exercises do more than entertain; they build confidence and social skills.
“Folks that would, for the most part, be shy or a little reserved and less social than others would come out of their shells and become more confident and become more expressed,” Castro explains.
A Bridge to Employment and Independence in a Family-Like Atmosphere
For many families, the ultimate goal is to see their loved ones gain independence and possibly enter the workforce. CMA’s Day Habilitation program serves as a crucial stepping stone towards these goals.
The program often leads to participation in CMA’s Supported Employment services, where individuals receive job training, placement assistance, and ongoing support in the workplace. “We’ve had folks that have gotten promotions, we have folks that have gone from part-time to full-time in their roles,” Castro proudly shares.
However, what truly sets CMA apart is its family-like culture. This was beautifully illustrated when participants interviewed CMA’s Executive Director, Eileen Egan, for their podcast program.
“Not only did they really ask Eileen such amazing questions, but the conversation was just so organic,” Castro recounts. “It was really great to see them have that level of comfort with Eileen, and again, that speaks a lot to the organization, CMA in general.”
This culture extends to how staff and participants interact. “We’re a family, really, when it comes to how we interact with our people,” Castro emphasizes.
Evolving Needs: Looking to the Future
CMA’s commitment to responsiveness is evident in how they adapt their programs. For instance, recognizing that older participants needed a different pace, they’re developing spaces and activities specifically for seniors, such as sensory centers and garden rooms.
As CMA continues to innovate, they’re focused on creating new housing opportunities, developing new programs, and increasing outreach in underserved communities. They’re also building partnerships with other agencies and companies to enhance the resources available to participants.
For families navigating the complex world of developmental disability services, CMA’s Day Habilitation Without Walls program offers a beacon of hope. It’s more than just a day program; it’s a pathway to a more fulfilling, independent life for your loved one.
Evaluating If This Program Is Right For Your Loved One
The Day Habilitation Without Walls program might be a perfect fit if your family member:
- Enjoys variety and community engagement
- Has interests in technology, arts, fitness, or vocational skills
- Could benefit from building confidence and independence
- May be interested in future employment opportunities
- Thrives in a family-like, supportive environment
Castro’s passion for the program is clear: “Our mission is to make sure that everybody really leads a fulfilling life that’s full with love, with respect, and with possibility.”
