Social competency is one of the most difficult skills individuals must acquire to develop an independent life. For most of us, this is a natural intuitive process requiring little or no formal training. This is not true for individuals who were born with or later develop disabilities that interfere with accurate perception, conceptualization, and the ability to effectively organize the world in which they live.

The Stepping Out Program focuses on providing social, educational, and cultural activities for adult individuals with developmental and behavioral disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. This program is central in the effort to empower the individuals we serve and help them live more rewarding and independent lives.

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Our Goals

• To provide the individuals we serve with enjoyment and learning through shared social, cultural, and educational experiences.
• Increasing the individuals’ social and leisure skills and their ability to use community resources independently.
• Increasing the individuals’ ability to form relationships with others and providing more opportunities to do so.
• Teaching advocacy skills for use with family members, friends, and service providers.
• Increasing the individuals’ sense of self-confidence, self-esteem, and awareness of others.
• Providing important information and support to the individuals’ families.

Our Activities

The Stepping Out Program engages individuals through a wide range of activities, all of which are designed to help them build new friendships and improve their social skills, while also offering additional learning experiences and improving their quality of life. Our activities have included:

• Weekend camping trips
• Parties
• Dances
• Theater
• Community service activities
• Sporting events
• Educational activities including money management, sexuality, personal development, civic awareness, cooking, planting
• Tours
• Crafts
• Dinners
• Museums
• Zoo trips
• Hiking
• Potlucks