Fostering self-sufficiency in adults with developmental disabilities
Based in Santa Clara County, California, the Special Place Foundation seeks to establish a nurturing, semi-rural, residential-vocational community for adults with disabilities, designed to foster self-sufficiency. The core principles guiding the combination residential/vocational environment include:
Comfort – a home environment surrounded by familiar, supportive
friends, accessible support services, private living space, and peer group
activities.
Challenge –
Vocational activities of varied and increasing skill levels, that both
challenge participants and support them in developing vocational
expertise, experiencing fulfillment, achieving self-confidence and
satisfaction for a job well done.
Contribution
– Activities and programs that
allow participants to make meaningful and understandable contributions to their
community.
Enrichment – Exposure to, and in-depth participation in
diverse and engaging cultural and educational experiences and activities, that expand and
develop participants interests & skills.
Self-sufficiency – life-skills training, independence training, support and encouragement to explore and pursue individual interests and goals.
Community Integration – special events, activities, and programs that foster social and educational interactions with peers and mentors.
Safety – a monitored and nurturing environment that supports residents in distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy choices.
Sustainability – a sustainable living environment that follows green building principles, organic farming and land-use techniques, and supports long-term residency.