ARC OF SAN DIEGO - STARLIGHT CENTER, THE

About ARC OF SAN DIEGO - STARLIGHT CENTER, THE

The Arc of San Diego supports and empowers persons with disabilities to achieve their life goals. Starlight Center has four day programs which assist 180 individuals in acquiring skills that enable increasing independence, helping them to achieve their personal goals, including maximum participation in the community and in work environments. Two programs are site-based: the Adult Development Center (ADC) with a ratio of one instructor to four participants (1:4) and the Activity Center (AC) with a ratio of 1:8. Two programs are based in the community and spend more than half of the day off-site. These programs are the Community Based Program (CBP) and the Senior Program, and have a ratio of 1:3. The Arc of San Diego's Parent/Infant Program also has onsite services here. In addition to life skills, functional academics, social skills, vocational skills, and physical wellness training, site-based activities for all programs include: cooking classes, gardening activities, art classes, music therapy sessions, and computer skills. Off-site activities for CBP include training on how to use public transportation and other community resources, developing shopping skills, volunteering at other non-profits, and paid work at restaurants and other establishments. The Seniors Program focuses less on vocational skills and more on recreational and health & wellness events such as visiting museums, parks, senior and nutrition centers, and special trips to go bowling or see movies. The production center offers Food Service Training, Computer Literacy, Self Advocacy, the Stepping Out Program, and a Girl's and Men's Club to 81 participants. The program recently created The Job Club, a consumer-driven group that meets once a month to share and discuss tips on getting a job in the local community.