Palisadians Support Adults with Special Needs

Gala to Benefit New Day Program for Adults with Special Needs on Nov. 15

When Linda Ellrod, the mother of two special needs children, realized there were no day programs for adults with special needs available on the Westside, she banded together with a group of determined advocates, including her husband Tony and some Palisadian families, to launch The Aurelia Foundation. The nonprofit is dedicated to supporting programs for young adults with moderately severe to extremely severe disabilities.  The programs offer enriching learning experiences and a curriculum based on the individual learning styles and abilities of each young adult.

Most recently, the foundation has backed the formation of the Santa Monica-based adult community integration program, Creative Steps. Designed to provide individual plans for each client, Creative Steps offers a one-on-one experience, pairing a coach with each client.

“Some clients are on a more academic track and others can hold jobs with the help of their coach. Most of the clients are integrated into the community and learn to ride the busses, go to the farmer’s market and do a variety of things within the community,” said Ellrod, who is an instructor at Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Center.

What makes the program different from other adult day programs is Creative Step’s ability to care for clients with a wide spectrum of needs, from those who are high functioning to those who are profoundly disabled and require 24/7 care and even clients with behavioral issues.

“It can be really difficult to find a program that doesn’t turn you away for various reasons. Some only accept those who are mobile and have language skills. Others will only take on clients who aren’t,” Ellrod said. “Creative Steps is able to address a whole spectrum of disabilities.”

Unfortunately, Ellrod added, adult day programs of any kind are few and far between in the United States. As a Peruvian native, she knows other parts of the world have it even worse.

“It’s slowly happening, but we still need to increase the amount of day programs,” she said. “As cases of autism rise, there’s going to be even more of a need as these kids grow up. It’s very important to me as a mom.”

Ellrod’s 20-year-old daughter is a client at Creative Steps, but Ellrod admits concern for her 13-year-old son’s future.

Legally, a special-needs students is allowed to stay in their school until they turn 22, even if they have already gone through their graduation ceremony. But after their 22nd birthday, many young adults are left with an uncertain future.

“Having day programs for adults with special needs is hugely significant. After their child turns 22, a lot of parents don’t know what to do,” Ellrod said. “There are a lot of parents who end up with their adult child on the couch all day as a default. Having these programs helps clients learn what adults are doing and how to be productive.”

While programs like Creative Steps receive some government funding from a regional center, they rely on private donations to be truly operational.

A gala to benefit the new day program for adults with disabilities will take place on Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Del Rey Yacht Club in Marina del Rey. There will be dinner, dancing and a silent auction benefiting Creative Steps. The Aurelia Foundation is requesting support by the donation of services or items for its silent auction.  Donations can also be made at www.aureliafoundation.org. For more information, contact Linda Ellrod at lellrod@yahoo.com.