Center Teaches Life Skills to Developmentally Challenged

Most don’t think much about life skills. From doing laundry to paying bills, cooking, cleaning, getting where we need to go, we just pick it up on our own. But for those with a developmental disability the basic activities of daily living can be challenging. That is where the Center for Learning and Development (C4LD) steps in, serving people over 21 who have aged out of the education system and qualify under the state’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD.) 

“There’s a huge need and support is not readily available,” explained C4LD Founder and CEO Nader Kamel, MS (CS0), PhD (ABD), MBA. “Everyone who graduates from the special education programs throughout the state has the need for continued support. Intellectual disability is a permanent disability and so it does not go away at 21. This is why the Department of Human Services has put in the support program nationwide and every state supplements those fundings to ensure access to all who need it.”

In April of this year, Kamel, of Sicklerville, opened C4LD in building 7 at 1667 E. Landis Avenue in Vineland. The staff provides day habilitation services that are free to those who qualify for DDD support. This isn’t a day-care facility or custodial program; instead, it focuses on developing skills to make independent living a possibility. The program runs weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Unlike the traditional education system where students age-out at 21, in C4LD participants continue for as long as they need to. Currently there are clients in their 50s who are enrolled and thriving in the program.

 “I noticed a good segment of the individuals are not receiving the kind of support they need to become more and take better charge of their lives,” said Kamel. “Many have the ability to learn, but are not given the environment, and support to learn.” The C4LD program offers a structured learning environment that addresses their specific learning needs and allows them to develop skills to do more on their own. 

Kamel explains that they use an evidence-based, step-by-step teaching system of behavior analysis and assessment of life skills. A detailed assessment of abilities, interests, and goals is completed for each participant and then a customized plan is formed. 

“As part of my investigation and self-education, I discovered that the DDD’s support manual has defined a day program as a service that helps individuals develop the skills and experiences they need to become more independent and better fit their community at large.”

Describing himself as a “serial innovator,” Kamel, who has a background in engineering, worked in the health care industry for more than 30 years of his 40-year career before taking on his own ventures. 

“Throughout my career I have brought innovations  into the market that changed the nature of the industry,” he explained “I designed the first infant home apnea monitor, the first commercially offered AI control system, and the first closed-loop neuromodulation system for treatment of footdrop, to name a few.” 

More than two years ago he headed up a group of day programs for another provider and while investigating and developing the programs noticed that many of these programs were only providing daycare and not skill development. 

“In all these daycares, you see a group of individuals who are more capable and are not getting the service they need. So, they wander around and waste their time. A little focused attention can create a profound impact on their quality of life,” he explains. “As they learn more skills, that expanded set of abilities makes them less dependent on others and empowers them to rely on themselves for the tasks they need to perform. A structured and systematic approach will identify those missing skills and then focus on giving them the exposure and experience they need to become effective, hence expanding their skill set.”

Kamel noticed that Applied Behavior Analysis science had developed the tools used to evaluate what is needed for living independently, but they were not being used to improve the skills of the individuals. “I could not understand why not. So, I designed a program that does exactly that,” he said. “We use ABA assessment tools to identify areas of strength and deficiencies and develop a curriculum for each individual that helps them get better. The approach is systematic and measurable. The outcomes are objective and clearly show what individuals have learned.”

The center is complete with real-world tools and challenges and includes a pseudo home setting including kitchen and pantry where participants can learn meal planning, food preparation, and safety. They also learn about house cleaning, doing laundry, and organizing, and they develop social skills and etiquette. There is also classroom time for reading, writing, math, and communication development, as well as money management, problem-solving, telling time, and the use of calendars to structure their day. 

An exercise room is available to focus on physical fitness, coordination, and balance as well as how to use equipment like treadmills and ellipticals. Activities also enhance endurance and improve fine and gross motor skills. A technology lab provides digital training in the use of tablets, laptops, and calculators.

There is a space where creativity and self-expression are developed using music, arts, crafts, and woodworking skills. In this area learners play instruments such as keyboard, guitar, and drums to enhance not only rhythm but also teamwork skills.

The learning extends beyond the activities offered within the Landis Avenue center with supervised outings into the community—to the grocery store, restaurants, banks, and parks to practice real-life skills. These environment-focused daytrips allow participants to use their skills learned into everyday life practice.

“Our program doesn’t stop teaching, it emphasizes doing,” explained Kamel. “The center also partners with families, guardians, and group home managers to make sure the skills learned are reinforced at home.”

If you are interested in this program for yourself or someone else who needs help acquiring skills for independent living, visit their website at www.Center4LD.com or call 856-356-9500.