United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona in North Phoenix celebrated the grand reopening and renaming of its adult day program, ArizonAbility. The nonprofit organization recently received a $250,000 grant from the state of Arizona to upgrade services and opportunities for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities who attend the adult day program. This is the first major construction project the campus has undergone focusing on outdoor facilities.
For 20 years, UCP of Central Arizona at the Laura Dozer campus has offered a full spectrum of services for people with disabilities, from birth through adulthood. The newly renamed and reimagined ArizonAbility Adult Day Program provides a coordinated program of services that allows adults with intellectual and physical disabilities to achieve their full potential in a safe and enriching environment.
“At UCP of Central Arizona, empowerment is at the core of everything we do,” said Gail Stelling, Vice President of Adult Program Operations. “We know that every individual has unique strengths and potential. Our goal is to provide the tools, resources and opportunities that allow each person in our program to realize that potential and lead a life of independence, fulfillment and choice.”
The recent quarter-million-dollar renovation included an adaptive basketball court, artificial turf addition, installation of an accessible golf putting green, a greenhouse for a special needs gardening curriculum, wheelchair-accessible planters, a misting system for climate control, an event space with canopy cover, adaptive exercise equipment, new landscaping and wider sidewalks to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
“This space is more than just a building, it’s a center for opportunity, growth and community,” said Kentay Garvin, President and CEO of UCP of Central Arizona. “Here, we will continue to break down barriers, create pathways to independence, and celebrate every achievement along the way. With the opening of the newly renovated and enhanced programming at the ArizonAbility Adult Day Program facility we are furthering our mission of empowering individuals to live their best lives.”
With 22 full-time participants, the ArizonAbility Adult Day Program focuses on creating a personalized learning environment tailored to each participant’s unique needs and preferences. There is a safe and supportive 1:4 ratio of caregivers to participants, convenient transportation options for families and comprehensive services enabling individuals to achieve their full potential in a positive, safe and enriching environment.
Newly reimagined programs include a culinary life skills program that teaches essential cooking skills for independent living and career opportunities and includes menu planning, shopping and meal preparation curriculum. There is a visual art program that helps artists improve coordination, control, focus, and other therapeutic skills. The health, wellness and nutrition curriculum combines physical activity with nutritional coaching. Plus, the horticulture therapy program uses plant-based activities to promote mental and physical well-being.
