Ability Now Bay Area
Formerly known as the Cerebral Palsy Center for the Bay Area, Ability Now Bay Area offers adults with developmental and physical disabilities the most comprehensive and cutting edge services available. Our unique programs include education, communication, computer literacy, vocational training, wellness and community integration. We promote self-advocacy, independent living skills, and leisure skills, which enhances our participants’ ability to live more independent and fulfilled lives.
Ability Now Bay Area offers a rich variety of adult learning programs that focus on increased self-confidence and autonomy. From life skills to advanced mathematics to adaptive yoga, every participant is engaged in classes and activities to help them reach their full potential. Participants engage in a broad range of learning opportunities that are designed to expand academic ability, enhance communication skills, develop vocational aptitude, increase involvement in the community and improve health and wellness.
ADULT EDUCATION
ONLINE CLASSES
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
LAURA LONG TECHNOLOGY CENTER
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
ABILITY WRITE NOW
COMMUNITY INTEGRATION
The computer lab at Ability Now Bay Area is one of the first in the country to be offered at a day program serving adults with disabilities. Our state-of-the-art Computer Learning Center is equipped with 20 workstations with adaptive hardware and software of various types so a wide spectrum of cognitive and physical abilities can benefit from the classes taught here. Learning activities focus on the use of assistive technology to expand expressive and receptive communication through the development of computer skills and use of the Internet.
Health and Wellness
People with severe physical disabilities often deal with the chronic pain and musculoskeletal stiffness that comes from overusing the functioning parts of their bodies to compensate for those that are impaired. Over time, their limitation of movement increases—and so does their pain.
Our Health and Wellness program is one of the only programs of its kind in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Wellness Program helps participants increase functionality and relieve pain and discomfort through the use of integrative health therapies such as adaptive yoga, Jin Shin Jyutsu acupressure, Feldenkrais movement therapy, and massage therapy. Classes in nutrition, healthful cooking, movement and exercise, and making healthy lifestyle choices are also available for a full wellness experience.
The knowledge and skills acquired in this program empower participants to improve their lives by learning how to care for themselves and, when necessary, how to seek appropriate interventions from others. Equally important, this program provides them with tools they can use for the rest of their lives.