About This Program
Enriching Programs That Build Skills, Voice, and Community Connection
Overview
Our specialized services empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to grow, connect, and advocate for themselves. Through programs like the Academy of Learning, expressive arts, communication support, peer self-advocacy, and public safety supports, we offer meaningful opportunities for skill-building, creative expression, and active community participation.
Specialized Services Programs
The Academy of Learning fosters an inclusive, supportive, and healthy environment where individuals can grow and thrive, offering opportunities to strengthen daily living skills, explore artistic expression, expand knowledge of health and wellness, and participate in meaningful volunteer and recreational activities within the community.
Our program also provides a wide range of social experiences designed to build lasting peer connections. Guided by participant choice and feedback, our approach ensures that everyone receives the support they need to pursue their goals.
The Program for Adaptive & Expressive Arts (PAEA) offers sensory experiences, music, visual arts, American Sign Language, augmentative communication, and more.
The Developmental Services Communication Committee helps adults with diverse communication needs build the skills they need to connect and thrive providing support with augmentative & alternative, communication (AAC), instruction in American Sign Language (ASL), guidance in choosing and using communication technologies. Our goal is to ensure everyone can communicate in the way that works best for them.
Peer Self-Advocate Support empowers adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities to speak up for themselves, make informed choices, and take an active role in their communities. Peer advocates use their lived experience to support others in building confidence, learning about rights and responsibilities, and developing leadership skills. Self-advocates offer group meetings, one-on-one mentoring, and community activities. By fostering independence and mutual support, the peer self-advocate network helps individuals become stronger voices for themselves and for their communities.
NCSS provides public safety support in collaboration with the Department of Aging and Independent Living. These supports ensure that people with developmental disabilities are safe and supported within both their home and the community. The team collaborates with various community partner agencies to provide support through challenging situations. One goal of public safety funding is to protect not only the safety of the individual but the community. As a team, NCSS works to provide person centered support that keeps individuals safe, with adequate support while maintaining rights and dignity.
Adult Camp Rainbow at NCSS offers individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities a unique opportunity to experience the fun, friendship, and adventure of summer camp in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. Originally created to provide a camp experience for adults whose needs could not typically be accommodated by traditional summer camps, Camp Rainbow continues to foster acceptance, belonging, and personal growth.
Through a wide range of recreational, outdoor, and social activities, participants build communication, socialization, and independent living skills while enjoying opportunities for relaxation, creativity, and exploration. Camp Rainbow encourages continued skill development throughout the summer, helps campers form meaningful peer connections, and provides exciting opportunities to try new activities in a positive and engaging setting. Every camp experience is designed to enhance each individual’s potential for growth while creating lasting memories and a true sense of community.
Specialized Services Programs
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Additional Developmental Services
From skill-building to employment and family support, our person-centered programs offer meaningful opportunities that promote independence, inclusion, and connection for individuals and families alike.
Not sure where to start?
If you’re still exploring options or have questions about which of our programs might be the right fit, we’re here to help. Our team can guide you through our available services and outline the next steps based on your needs.
