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For Programs that are full, add your name to our Waitlist.

 

Our multi-disciplinary programs and activities are designed for adults with special needs (intellectual and/or developmental disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADHD, epilepsy, and other chromosomal abnormalities). While our programs are designed for people who are moderate-to-high-functioning, our seasoned staff work to make content and experiences accessible and inclusive to all ability levels. Working with program participants individually or in small cohort settings, our person-centered programs seek to offer each program participant opportunities to find success.

In-Person Programs

Hands-On Garden Groups

Our in-person, Hands-On Garden Groups meet at the Sunflower Hill Garden. The program offers person-centered programming for adults with developmental disabilities, providing opportunities to learn, explore, and engage in new and supportive ways through in-person garden experiences. Led by knowledgeable staff with a passion for both people and plants, curriculum addresses educational, therapeutic, and life-skill topics to grow important independent living skills applicable far beyond the garden setting. Hands-On Groups have been uniquely designed to honor all ability levels and are smaller in size to guarantee intentional interaction, ensuring an environment that equips each person for success.

Whether you’re looking to be out-and-about in the fields and possess a passion for experiencing all types of garden related tasks, or eager to explore and learn about the garden surroundings while building community among participants and garden staff, the Hands-On Garden Groups are designed for YOU! All groups and sessions will learn about work imperative to keeping a garden growing, tools and skills employed in such work, and enjoy extended time participating in field tasks practicing what you have learned. You’ll grow in plant knowledge, explore tastes of new and healthy foods, and engage your senses in our natural setting.

Our summer Hands-On Garden Groups meet in-person, weekly on Wednesdays for a 4-week session, with each Session providing the same curriculum and seasonal garden experience. Because weekly tasks are designed with each participant in mind, all groups allow for a variety of garden tasks to appeal to high, medium, and low function levels which may include any range of gross and fine motor movements, and a variety of standing, kneeling, lifting, and/or table tasks. In response to COVID-19 safety guidelines, in order to ensure safety when in the fields, both groups require participants to be accompanied by a caregiver/support staff for a 1:1 ratio.

Details

• Maximum of five (5) participant/caregiver pairs per group.
• No cancellations for inclement weather. With small group sizes we have the ability to provide safe/distanced and meaningful indoor experiences. As always, individuals should make the best decision for their unique circumstances/needs.
• Please review our Covid-19 Procedures and Guidelines prior to registration.
• Hands-On Garden Groups meet outdoors and are exposed to seasonal weather conditions. Participants should plan to dress in layers and come prepared for the day’s forecast. Clothing should also allow for comfortable and safe movement in the space. Please wear sturdy, close-toed shoes and non-constricting clothing that may be exposed to dirt, mud, water, etc.
• Participant’s caregiver/support staff should be a person who can attend each week with the participant and will be expected to fully participate and support the participant as needed during group time and work alongside them during garden task time.
• Location: Sunflower Hill Garden at 455 Olivina Ave Livermore, CA 94550

Virtual Live Programs

Cooking Class with Teacher Abby

Cooking Class with Teacher Abby is an engaging introduction to cooking at home, and is perfect for chefs of all ability levels! These interactive classes will build independent living skills through cooking discussion, teacher demonstration, and group activity. Participants have the option to cook along with step-by-step guidance during class time (independently or with a caregiver’s assistance), or simply view the class cooking demonstration for future at-home practice. All participating chefs will be provided weekly recipes, tips, and safe kitchen skill demonstrations, along with modifications for skill-levels, to encourage at-home practice independent from class. All sessions will focus on healthy eating habits and will include food creation to enjoy at the close of each class.

NEW FOR SUMMER 2021
We’re excited to offer three uniquely designed opportunities to cook with us from the comfort of your own home. Each four-week session focuses on a different food theme! Though the recipes will vary, each session will provide similar instruction and skill building foundations designed to grow each participants’ confidence and joy in the kitchen. Summer Cooking Class participants can look forward to engaging lessons that will provide ample opportunity to practice common kitchen skills, including how to read a recipe, how to measure ingredients, how to safely use a knife, and how to prepare a cooking station for success. Recipes will introduce cooking basics, building on those practices each week, while highlighting seasonal garden produce for healthy eating habits. In this exploratory class, participants can expect to taste new flavors, receive individualized support to grow abilities, learn to apply practiced skills to a variety of recipes, and gain the confidence necessary to be adventurous in their own kitchen. Our summer Cooking Classes are perfect for new and intermediate chefs looking to begin or grow their experience, as well as those who already feel comfortable in the kitchen.

Details

• Each class will be virtual and will meet via Zoom, an online video conferencing service. There is no fee to use Zoom.
• Participants can participate independently or with a caregiver’s assistance.
• Each participant must have a computer or other internet enabled device and reliable access to the internet.

SWEET TREATS (JUNE)

A healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth, Sweet Treat Cooking Class will feature recipes that will not only include fruits and veggies, but be easy to cook, delicious to devour, and convince you that afternoon delights don’t have to be bad for your body.

AROUND THE WORLD CUISINE (JULY)

A tasty trip for those who enjoy a variety of flavors, our Around the World Cuisine Cooking Class features popular recipes that will transform your home kitchen to a dining destination.

SUMMERTIME SNACKS (AUGUST)

Featuring all the best of the season, our Summertime Snacks Cooking Class will leave you wishing it was summer all year round. This class highlights small-bite recipes that are perfect for eating on the go, sharing with others, and enjoying alfresco under the sun.

Cooking Classes full? Add your name to our Waitlist.

Free Online Activity Programs

 

We will continue to post our free Online Activity programming weekly. Each activity is created to get participants moving, learning, or just stepping outside for some fresh air!

Cancellation policy: a full refund will be given if registration is cancelled one week prior to the start of the class. No refunds will be given after that.