Building Skills. Creating Futures.
CSAAC’s Meaningful Day/Vocational Programs empower adults with autism to lead fulfilling, independent lives. Through a balance of on-site skill development and community experiences, participants gain confidence, purpose, and meaningful connections every day.
Meaningful Day: Learning, Living, and Connecting
CSAAC’s Meaningful Day/Vocational Services empower adults with autism to build independence through real-world skill development, community engagement, and purposeful daily activities. Individuals participate in a blend of on-site learning and community-based experiences, volunteering at local organizations, taking part in recreational outings, preparing meals, exploring creative arts, and practicing essential life skills.
CSAAC also operates a portfolio of integrated social enterprises that create additional pathways for meaningful employment and hands-on training. At Cherry Hill, CSAAC owns and operates Rita’s Italian Ice, where individuals in the vocational program assist with maintaining the store and supporting daily operations. The Damascus Farm initiative offers structured agricultural activities that build responsibility, daily living skills, and meaningful community participation.
Goals of the Meaningful Day Program
Enhance Quality of Life
The program is designed to enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by providing meaningful, engaging, and personally fulfilling activities that support emotional, social, and physical well-being.
Promote Community Inclusion
The program facilitates active participation in community life, fostering social relationships, reducing isolation, and ensuring individuals are valued, visible members of their communities.
Support Skill Acquisition and Independence
Services are structured to build and sustain essential life, social, and vocational skills, empowering individuals to increase their independence, self-determination, and ability to pursue personal goals, including employment.
The Meaningful Day Program is a core component of the DDA service system, offering individualized supports that promote engagement, learning, and personal growth. Through a person-centered and outcomes-focused approach, the program empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives, develop critical skills, and participate fully in their communities.
Supported Activities under Meaningful Day
Supported Employment
Supported Employment provides individualized assistance for people seeking and maintaining competitive, integrated jobs. Support may include job discovery, job development, on-the-job coaching, fostering natural workplace supports, and ongoing follow-along services for job retention. Volunteer or internship experiences are only used when part of a structured, time-limited discovery process. The focus is on ensuring long-term success in real jobs at real wages.
Community Development Services (CDS)
Community Development Services help individuals build meaningful roles within their communities by developing skills, independence, and social networks. Activities may include travel training, self-advocacy, exploration of personal interests, volunteerism, and participation in community events. The service emphasizes inclusion and community presence alongside people without disabilities, aligning personal interests with pathways toward employment and fuller community participation.
Day Habilitation Services
Day Habilitation focuses on developing and maintaining essential life skills that support greater independence and personal choice. Using structured teaching and meaningful activities, individuals work on communication, social skills, daily living tasks, safety awareness, and pre-employment competencies. Volunteer opportunities and community-based learning may also support long-term vocational and personal growth.
Job Development
Job Development assists individuals in securing jobs in competitive integrated settings through personalized strategies. This includes customized employment, where roles are matched to a person’s unique strengths and an employer’s needs, and exploration of self-employment options based on a person’s interests and abilities. The goal is to establish sustainable employment relationships tailored to the individual and the workplace.
Vocational Training & Employment Services
For adults ready to explore or expand their careers, CSAAC offers hands-on vocational training, employment placement, and ongoing job coaching. Working closely with local employers, we create inclusive opportunities where individuals can apply their skills, build professional confidence, and achieve long-term success.
From resume preparation and workplace readiness to on-the-job support, CSAAC ensures that every person receives the guidance they need to thrive in the workforce.
Our Approach
Our Meaningful Day/Vocational Programs are guided by CSAAC’s person-centered philosophy, supporting each individual’s goals, interests, and pace of learning. Staff work closely with participants, families, and employers to create individualized plans that encourage lifelong growth, inclusion, and dignity.
Ready to Learn More?
Discover how CSAAC’s Meaningful Day and Vocational Programs can support you or your loved one on the path to independence and fulfillment.