Activity Center

SMSC has been committed to the empowerment of people with developmental disabilities since 1966. The underlying philosophy of the Activity Center program mirrors this commitment by providing the highest quality training to the individuals we serve.

The goal of SMSC’s Activity Center is the continued growth and strengthening of programs that are committed to this philosophy. We believe that each consumer is a unique individual with personal interests and aptitudes. Each must be supported and instructed in the living skills area that ideally suits her/his wants and needs. This includes specialized focus on vocational preparation as an important part of living skills training.

 

Our Activity Center program is a community-based day program (typically 14 hours per week in a community-based activity) that serves adults who generally have acquired most basic self-care skills, have some ability to interact with others, are able to make their needs known, and respond to instructions. Activity Center programs focus on the development and maintenance of the functional skills required for self-advocacy, community integration and employment;

 

Our training goal focuses on providing functional curriculum through innovative programming that includes:

 

  • Equal access to integrated employment and community environments.
  • Promotion of understanding of self-advocacy and the individual’s rights and responsibilities.
  • Enhancing each person’s interests and individual potential in all areas of his/her lives.

 

The Activity Center provides a positive environment, where individuals with developmental disabilities are served, in heterogeneous groups both on site and in community settings. The program focuses on functional curriculum, and “People’s First” language and concepts. Individuals are given ongoing opportunities to participate and share in adult-appropriate activities. Curriculum training includes; community work training, contract work, art (consisting primarily of learning design, composition, painting and drawing skills), landscaping/horticulture, health (physical fitness), vocational training and development, social awareness, communication skills, meal preparation, computer skills, independent living skills, community integration, self-care, sex education, leisure, recreation skills development, self-advocacy, community safety and access training. Each training curriculum is based on the functional skills philosophy. The Activity Center program maintains a 1:6 ratio (1 program staff to 6 consumers). During community activities, the staff-to-consumer ratio required is 1:4 (1 program staff to 4 consumers) to insure safety, situations for natural support, and adequate skills development to assist consumers in attaining ISP/IPP goals and objective.

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We Couldn’t Do it Without You!

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC) is deeply grateful for the dedicated and generous supporters who allow us to provide quality programs that benefit adults with developmental disabilities. There are many ways to support SMSC to help us ensure that we can keep our doors open for years to come.

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Other Programs
& Specializations

Self Determination

Enroll in our regular programs or specialty programs, but manage services outside of San Diego Regional Center.

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Adult Development Center

The goal of the Adult Development Center program is to offer a variety of opportunities, which aim at increasing the level of independence, as well as improve the overall “quality of life” for those we serve.

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Behavior Modification

The purpose of this program — which is offered on a consumer-to-staff ratio of 1:3 — is to increase consumers’ level of independence, and decrease their level of behaviors, while they are involved in work and other meaningful activities.

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Senior Program

This program is open to those aged 50 and over. Our primary focus is the promotion of an environment that is conducive to the discovery of recreational alternatives, the improvement of an individual’s leisure skills, and enhancement of the retirement experience for our senior population.

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Activity Center

Activity Center programs focus on the development and maintenance of the functional skills required for self-advocacy, community integration and employment.

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Adaptive Computer Training

This innovative program trains adults with developmental disabilities to learn basic computer skills using adaptive technology equipment that meets each student’s individual need.

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Aquatics Program

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center Aquatics Program offers quality classes, year-round, to the general public and to our SMSC students. Swimming is an enjoyable social and/or recreational experience that also provides a broad spectrum of health benefits.

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Culinary Arts Training

These courses qualify students to prepare and serve daily meals. SMSC’s goal is to teach skills that will help students find employment opportunities in the food service industry.

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Employment Services

SMSC’s Employment Services Program is a community-based program that serves adults with developmental disabilities who are in the process of acquiring vocational skills, and generally need support and direction in obtaining and retaining employment.

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Linguistics

Developing communication skills is important. At SMSC a licensed speech/language pathologist assesses individual speech and language abilities and provides instruction and activities in small group settings.

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Organic Garden

Our two-acre organic garden site includes a flourishing natural habitat; complete with ADA approved meandering pathways, contemplative spaces and opportunities to commune with nature. In addition, our gardens serve as a reality-based work training environment.

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Sophie's Gallery

In the 1970s, SMSC expanded its curriculum to offer its first art classes. Many students who had not been able to express themselves through traditional means were sharing their once hidden feelings through vibrant, original works of art on canvas, wood, glass and other media.

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