Adult Day Program for Adults With Developmental Disabilities in Orange County, CA
Community-based adult day programming focused on independence, vocational preparation, social development, and meaningful participation in the community.
Dreams of America is an adult day program for adults with developmental disabilities in Orange County, based in Irvine, California. Founded in 2015, the program provides individualized support through community-based activities, vocational training, independent living skill development, socialization, recreation, and community participation.
Dreams of America has served more than 200 families and has been a vendor of the Regional Center of Orange County since 2015. The program also serves private clients.
Who We Serve
Dreams of America serves adults with developmental disabilities who can benefit from individualized support, skill development, and opportunities to participate in their community.
Program support includes:
Independent living skills
Social and communication skills
Vocational and employment-preparation skills
Community participation
Mobility and community navigation
Money management
Basic computer skills
Safety awareness
Recreation and socialization
Volunteer and community participation
Greater independence and self-confidence
Dreams of America also serves participants of different ages and works with families, caregivers, and Regional Center professionals to understand each participant’s individual needs, interests, abilities, and goals.
Adult Day Program Services
Dreams of America provides structured activities designed to help participants develop practical skills at the program and in the community.
Services and activities include:
- Vocational training and job skill development
- Volunteer work at community locations such as churches and food banks
- Mobility training
- Money management
- Basic computer skills
- Safety awareness
- Arts and crafts
- Physical exercise and sports
- Recreational outings
- Socialization
- Community-based activities
- Reading and writing activities
- Music and other instructional activities
Community participation gives participants opportunities to practice skills in real-world settings rather than limiting skill development to the program facility.
Person-Centered Adult Day Programming
Each participant receives individualized support based on personal strengths, needs, interests, and long-term goals.
Dreams of America develops an Individual Support Plan (ISP) for each participant. The plan identifies personal goals and the services, strategies, and accommodations needed to support progress.
Families and caregivers are encouraged to participate in goal development when appropriate. Goals are reviewed annually or as needed, allowing support to be adjusted as the participant’s needs and progress change.
1:4 Staff-to-Participant Ratio
Dreams of America maintains a 1:4 staff-to-participant ratio to provide individualized attention and support.
Staff work with participants on practical skills, community participation, vocational development, communication, socialization, mobility, and independence. The program’s approach is built around treating every participant with dignity and respect.
Vocational Training and Employment Preparation
Dreams of America incorporates vocational development into everyday activities.
Participants can practice skills such as:
- Following directions
- Completing assigned tasks
- Managing time
- Communicating with supervisors and coworkers
- Developing appropriate workplace habits
- Building confidence
- Working as part of a team
- Taking responsibility for tasks
Volunteer activities and community participation provide opportunities to practice job-related abilities in real-world environments. Dreams of America also works with community businesses and vendors to support opportunities for employment, supported employment, and volunteer work. Employment is not guaranteed.
Community-Based Activities for Adults With Developmental Disabilities
A significant part of the program takes place in the community.
Participants may take part in:
- Volunteer work at local churches and food banks
- Physical activities and sports at local parks
- Community dining, including outings to Irvine Spectrum
- Bowling
- Miniature golf
- Field trips
- Recreational outings
- Community-based vocational activities
These experiences allow participants to practice communication, social interaction, responsibility, mobility, decision-making, and other practical skills in everyday environments.
Safety and Individualized Support
Safety is the number one priority at Dreams of America.
Support is delivered through a person-centered approach with established policies and procedures covering participant rights, confidentiality, professional boundaries, documentation, emergency procedures, incident reporting, infection prevention, community safety, and individualized support needs.
Staff receive training related to effective communication, positive behavioral support, social and independent-living skills, community integration, and participant safety. Ongoing supervision, coaching, meetings, refreshers, and additional training support continued staff development.
Regional Center of Orange County Vendor Since 2015
Dreams of America has been a vendor of the Regional Center of Orange County since 2015 and also serves private clients.
For Regional Center of Orange County clients, program tuition is covered according to the current program arrangements. Private tuition is available for eligible private clients.
2024 Regional Center Spotlight Award
Dreams of America received the Regional Center Spotlight Award for Best Provider in 2024.
The recognition reflects the program’s work in providing person-centered programming and meaningful activities and community experiences for adults with developmental disabilities.
Community Partnerships
Dreams of America develops community connections that create opportunities for participants to learn, contribute, socialize, and practice skills outside the program.
Community partnerships and participation have included organizations and locations such as:
- Mariners Church
- Coastline College
- Saddleback College
- Local churches
- Food banks
- Community volunteer sites
- Local parks
- Community businesses and vendors
Serving Adults With Developmental Disabilities in Orange County
Dreams of America is based in Irvine, CA and serves individuals and families throughout Orange County, including:
- Irvine
- Tustin
- Newport Beach
- Lake Forest
The program’s Irvine locations include Goodyear Park and Irvine Center Drive.
How to Apply to Dreams of America
For Regional Center of Orange County clients, the enrollment process begins with a referral from the Regional Center followed by an intake meeting. Once program appropriateness is determined, applicants complete the program application and attend a group tour.
Dreams of America also accepts private clients. Contact the program to discuss availability, tuition, and enrollment requirements.
Call 949-398-7698 or email info@dreamsofamerica.org to inquire about the adult day program.