Community Day Services & Community Integration: Our Community Day Services and Developmental Services & Community Integration programs support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in building meaningful, independent lives within their communities. Through person-centered supports, advocacy, and hands-on experiences, individuals are encouraged to grow their skills, explore interests, and actively participate in community life.
Participants take part in a wide range of structured and flexible activities designed to enhance independence and quality of life, including skill-building, paid work opportunities, vocational training, and community-based service projects. Our inclusive approach promotes dignity, choice, and confidence while fostering social connections and real-world experience.
Program Outcomes Include:
- Enhanced daily living skills through ongoing education and hands-on learning
- Improved socialization and communication through interactive group experiences
- Expanded leisure skills and interests through recreational and community activities
- Improved health and wellness through regular physical fitness opportunities
- Vocational training and employment readiness, including paid work experiences
- Increased knowledge of local resources through active community engagement
- Relationship building and job skill development through meaningful service projects
Our programs are designed to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives while remaining connected, engaged, and valued within their communities.
STARS Program: STARS (Structured Therapeutic Adult Recreation Services) is a Community Day Services program developed through a collaborative partnership between AID and the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, with an additional STARS program offered in partnership with the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA). Together, these collaborations support a total of four STARS programs designed to promote active, inclusive community engagement.
STARS focuses on community integration, volunteer opportunities, and fitness, with participants engaging in meaningful community-based activities nearly every day across three locations. Through hands-on experiences, the program supports independence, social connection, and healthy lifestyles. Outings and activities include bowling, shopping, swimming, walking in parks and community centers, cooking and life-skills instruction, music classes, fitness centers, libraries, museums, coffee shops, local events, volunteer sites, and seasonal community activities. These experiences encourage confidence, skill development, friendships, and ongoing participation in community life.
Vocational Training: Assistance for individuals in obtaining and maintaining job training through subcontracts or community job sites.
Volunteer Sites: Our volunteer sites are used for the purpose of community integration as well as skill training. Clients learn social skills and an appreciation of giving back to the community as well as enhancing their vocational skills toward community employment.
We have individuals volunteering at Anderson’s Animal Shelter, Aurora Animal Shelter, LIFT, ReStore, Feed My Starving Children, Two Rivers Food Pantry, Tillers, Trinity Church and St. David’s Church in Aurora and numerous local libraries.
Food Service: This program trains clients in basic food service skills and positive work behaviors, enhances their independence and prepares them for community employment. Food Service also increases life-long learned skills, daily living skills and vocational skills.
