|
As we approach our 25th Anniversary (October, 2008), California
Autism Foundation is proud to be a model for other developmental
disabilities providers throughout the state. Through our
array of programs and services, we remain committed to
addressing people with autism and other developmental disabilities
every need.
Our Vision: California Autism Foundation’s vision
is to offer a spectrum of services that meet the needs
of people with developmental disabilities. We take a holistic
approach with an understanding that everyone deserves to
live in a real home, have a real career path and have an
equal opportunity to participate in today’s economy.
People with developmental disabilities should share the
same quality of life.
 Program Philosophy: The
California Autism Foundation philosophy is to utilize behavioral
modification techniques, express the importance of diet
and exercise, maximize opportunities in community activity
programs and minimize medication usage in our licensed
programs.
Agency History: The
California Autism Foundation began in October 1982, when
six friends met around a dining room table to create a
home in the community for the foster son of John Clay,
L.C.S.W., Founder and Executive Director. Severely handicapped
with autism, 18-year-old Kenny lived at Napa State Hospital,
where John was a social worker. Kenny had very little speech,
severe behavior problems, and almost no family contact.
John was told that if he wanted Kenny to live in the community
he would have to start a program himself.
With $30,000 in borrowed funds, the
first A Better Chance home opened in August 1983 in San
Rafael, California with six young men who were previously
thought to be unable to live in the community. The program
was named “A Better Chance” (ABC) in recognition
of the fact that no outcomes could be guaranteed, but that
the residents would have a better opportunity for success
if they live in a genuinely therapeutic environment. Emphasizing
consumer empowerment through the development of communication
skills, positive programming, and respect for the individual,
the experiment was very successful. Although some had predicted
that it couldn’t work, Kenny and three of his original
housemates still live at ABC I, enjoying an active and
productive life.
In 1986, the Regional Center of the
East Bay asked CAF to open a second home, and the Foundation
has grown continuously ever since. Today, we provide nine
licensed homes serving up to 54 children and adults with
developmental disabilities in Marin, Contra Costa, and
San Francisco. Beyond residential care, the CAF family
has grown to include a unique array of services for over
300 families:
- A Better Chance School, a progressive
K-12 nonpublic school for students who have been unable
to thrive in public schools.
- A Better Chance Day Programs, Richmond
and San Rafael, providing community and site-based vocational
development and lifelong learning.
- ABC Transportation, providing quality
transportation service for behaviorally challenged consumers.
- ABC Industries, an accredited Work
Activity Program, that provides adult education and operates
Custom Assembly & Packaging (“CAP”),
a successful business providing packaging, labeling,
and assembly services at competitive prices.
- ABC Supported Employment, an accredited
service to support disadvantaged workers in finding and
keeping employment.
- ABC Apartments, independent living
apartments.
- ABC Supported Living, support services
in consumers’ own homes.
- St. Moritz Lodge, our autism-friendly
vacation retreat in Truckee, California
- Windsor Confections, Inc. and The
San Francisco Chocolate Company, affirmative enterprise
providing training and careers in gourmet confections
|
