More Than a Day Program: How Trudeau’s Community Based Day Supports Fosters Belonging for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
As summer arrives in Rhode Island, communities come alive with activity: farmers markets, outdoor events, neighborhood gatherings, and long, light-filled afternoons. For adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, experiencing everything a community has to offer should not be a matter of luck. At the Trudeau Center, it is part of a purposeful plan.
Our Community Based Day Supports program is built on a simple but powerful belief: every adult deserves to feel connected, included, and genuinely at home in their community. This June, we are proud to share how that vision becomes reality, one day at a time.
What Is Community Based Day Supports?
Community Based Day Supports is a structured daytime program that provides adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities consistent, meaningful opportunities to engage in their communities. Participants take part in activities tailored to their personal interests and goals, including recreational outings, volunteer opportunities, social events, skill-building experiences, and everyday community access.
The program is grounded in a person-centered approach. Staff work closely with each individual to understand their strengths, interests, and aspirations, then build a schedule of experiences that reflects who that person truly is. No two participants’ days look exactly the same, because no two people are exactly the same. That individuality is not just respected; it is celebrated.
Connection as the Goal
Social isolation is a well-documented barrier to health and quality of life for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Meaningful community inclusion does not happen on its own. It requires intentional support, consistent relationships, and a team dedicated to helping individuals participate fully in the world around them.
“Community Based Day Supports is about helping each person discover where they belong and what brings them joy,” said Charlotte Higham, Vice President of Adult Services. “When an individual finds their place in the community, it creates a foundation for everything else. Purpose, confidence, real connection. Those are the things that make life full.”
That sense of belonging builds through small, consistent moments: a recognized face at a local business, a regular role in a community activity, a friendship that grows over time. Over weeks and months, those moments accumulate into something meaningful. Participants develop routines, relationships, and a sense of place that extends well beyond any single outing or event.
Person-Centered from the Start
Trudeau has been providing comprehensive services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1964, and person-centered care has always been central to that work. Community Based Day Supports reflects that commitment at every level, from how individual schedules are designed to how staff build genuine, lasting relationships with the people they support.
Staff are not simply facilitating activities. They are listening, learning, and advocating for the individuals they work with. They pay attention to what lights someone up, what makes a difficult day better, and what new experience might open a door to something unexpected.
Why It Matters Beyond the Individual
When adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are active, engaged participants in their communities, the impact extends far beyond the individuals themselves. Businesses, neighbors, and organizations gain a richer, more complete understanding of what genuine inclusion looks like in practice. Community spaces become more welcoming. Assumptions get replaced with real relationships.
And for participants, the results are meaningful: greater confidence, stronger social networks, and a sense of belonging that supports long-term wellbeing and quality of life. Research consistently affirms the connection between social engagement and positive health outcomes, and Community Based Day Supports puts that research into action every single day.
Learn More
Adults with I/DD have legal rights to self-determination under the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar legislation. Resources for learning more about these rights include:
- The Arc: Information on self-advocacy and rights (thearc.org)
- National Core Indicators: Research on person-centered practices
- Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council: State-specific advocacy resources
Creating Bright Futures Through Choice
Community Based Day Supports is one of many ways the Trudeau Center is creating bright futures for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Rhode Island. If you are a family member exploring options for a loved one, or a community partner interested in connecting with us, we would love to hear from you.
AI may have been used in the initial drafting and research of this article. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as, medical, therapeutic, or individualized service advice. Every person’s needs and circumstances are unique. For information about services specific to you or your loved one, please contact the Trudeau Center.
