“When you know better, do better”

For 44 years we’ve lived with our daughter, Vanessa, who has Down syndrome. The world has evolved somewhat with growing acceptance and inclusion for adults with I/DD, and now standards are also being raised for Day Programs.

When I founded the first Day Program in our town in 2006, I did so in part because I noticed our population was typically under-served, with minimal enrichment programming. Seeing sheltered workshops and groups sitting around for hours without engagement bothered me. But, since the participants didn’t complain, and families were grateful for any help available, most programs didn’t offer more.

Our clients enjoyed a half day of community-based activities like bowling, dance classes, museum visits, and martial art class, and we ‘took it up a notch’ for the half of our day of facility-based activities.

The participants benefited from everything we offered, like art classes, sign language, filming, poetry, gardening, cooking, crafts, games, and woodworking. They also learned directly from others, whom we invited in to share their hobbies and passions.

Participants at Loveland Wings

Enjoying one of many art classes Delight Station has to offer

The state monitoring policy was focused on health, safety, and community access. One time, while observing our Day Program, the auditor smiled and said, “Wow, everyone is so happy and engaged in here; I rarely see anything like this!” Then she continued with; “But I’m not here to assess happiness, I’m here to ensure the state rules and regulations are followed, and you’re in compliance.” When she left, our staff celebrated her uncontainable compliment, knowing her observation was TRUE.

The poet Maya Angelou said: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” It’s time to expect that ‘Best Practice’ day program services include making client satisfaction and mental enrichment a priority, regardless of lack of professionally trained staff for classes or wellness programs. We know better, so let’s do better, together!

Apps and streaming services of classes of all kinds are common and expected by the mainstream. Most adults in our population have access to iPads, TVs, or phones, and know how to use apps and find their favorite shows on demand.

The Delight Station cast enjoying smoothies they made together

Vanessa tried to find creative outlets on YouTube, but we discovered that she needed a safer, contained platform. With the equitable, safe Delight Station app she can be completely independent with her technology to access a variety of engaging activities; something she and I both value.

Because we understand the needs of the community of people with I/DD our videos provide healthful, enriching, inspiring experiences to support lifelong learning at any time, on multiple devices, whether at home or to supplement a day program. She is thriving, and everyone in our population deserves to do the same.