Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) or developmental disabilities (DDD) deserve opportunities to grow, thrive, and build meaningful lives within their communities. In San Diego County, Canaan Cares is committed to helping adults live with dignity, independence, and purpose through individualized services that follow each person’s Individual Program Plan (IPP) and support their long-term goals.
From skill-building and community engagement to job readiness and daily living supports, Canaan Cares offers a comprehensive range of programs tailored to the unique needs of adults across the region.
Promoting Independence Through Daily Life Skills
Many adults with developmental disabilities want greater independence but need support building the skills that make everyday life manageable and fulfilling.
Canaan Cares offers Independent Living Skills (ILS) and other in-home or community-based supports that help adults learn to:
- Cook simple to advanced meals
- Shop and manage money
- Clean and organize their home
- Maintain personal hygiene
- Navigate their neighborhood safely
- Manage time and routines
- Practice healthy habits
These skills build confidence and support adults in taking more control over their daily lives. The goal is empowerment—helping each person develop the abilities they need to live as independently as possible.
Community Integration: Creating Opportunities for Connection
Being active in the community helps adults feel included, connected, and valued.
Canaan Cares provides community involvement supports that encourage adults to explore interests and build relationships, such as:
- Social outings and recreational activities
- Group classes, hobby groups, and wellness activities
- Community events, parks, and public spaces
- Volunteer opportunities
- Practice navigating public places
These outings are designed to strengthen social skills, support emotional well-being, and help individuals participate in the life of their community with confidence.
Supporting Employment & Job Readiness
For many adults, employment is an important step toward independence.
Canaan Cares helps individuals prepare for and succeed in employment through:
- Career exploration and assessment
- Resume building and interview practice
- Workplace etiquette coaching
- Skill-building workshops
- Job readiness activities
- On-the-job support (when included in the IPP)
Some individuals begin by exploring volunteer opportunities to build experience and confidence before entering competitive employment. Every step is guided by the person’s strengths, interests, and long-term goals.
Transportation Assistance (When Included in the IPP)
Transportation is a barrier for many adults with IDD/DD.
When the Regional Center approves transportation in the IPP, Canaan Cares helps individuals get to:
- Employment
- Day programs
- Community activities
- Appointments
- Volunteer roles
This support ensures that adults can access the services and opportunities outlined in their IPP, even if they cannot safely navigate public transportation.
Person-Centered Goal Planning
Canaan Cares believes that adults should direct their own lives as much as possible. Our services are built around person-centered planning, which focuses on what is most important to the person and for the person.
Common adult goals may include:
- Living independently
- Building friendships or social connections
- Improving communication
- Learning new skills
- Gaining employment
- Practicing safety in the community
- Developing routines for health and well-being
Canaan Cares partners closely with adults, their families, and Regional Center coordinators to ensure services reflect the individual’s voice and vision.
Flexible Support Through the Self-Determination Program
For adults who want more control over the supports they receive, Canaan Cares also participates in California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP).
Under SDP, adults can:
- Choose their own providers
- Hire their own staff
- Build a customized schedule
- Use their budgets flexibly to support their goals
This approach empowers individuals to design services that truly fit their lifestyle and preferences.
A Trusted Partner for Adults in San Diego County
Canaan Cares is committed to providing respectful, reliable, and high-quality support to adults throughout San Diego County, including:
California Regional Centers throughout San Diego, Poway, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, El Cajon, Vista, Solana Beach, Encinitas, La Mesa, and Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Riverside Counties.
We work closely with the San Diego Regional Center, including:
- Main Office: (858) 576-2996
- North Coastal (Oceanside): (760) 966-1000
- East County (El Cajon): (619) 588-4000
Whether an adult needs help developing independent living skills, exploring job opportunities, engaging in community life, or receiving daily living support, Canaan Cares is here to help every step of the way.
Empowering Adults to Live Fulfilling Lives
Adults with IDD or developmental disabilities bring incredible strengths, talents, and potential to their communities. With the right supports, they can build lives filled with purpose, connection, and independence.
Canaan Cares is honored to walk alongside adults and families in San Diego County, helping each person work toward the life they imagine for themselves.
FAQ: Supporting Adults With IDD in San Diego County
1. What services does Canaan Cares provide for adults with IDD or DDD?
Canaan Cares provides Independent Living Skills (ILS), community integration, job readiness, volunteer exploration, transportation assistance (when included in the IPP), daily living supports, and personalized goal planning.
2. Does Canaan Cares work with the San Diego Regional Center?
Yes. Canaan Cares partners closely with the San Diego Regional Center to support adults through authorized IPP services and the Self-Determination Program.
3. Can Canaan Cares help adults learn to live independently?
Absolutely. Canaan Cares offers skill-building for cooking, budgeting, home care, hygiene, safety, organization, and other essential daily life skills.
4. Does Canaan Cares provide employment support?
Yes. Adults can receive job readiness training, interview practice, workplace skills development, and support exploring employment or volunteer paths.
5. What areas of San Diego County does Canaan Cares serve?
Canaan Cares serves adults in San Diego, Poway, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, El Cajon, Vista, Solana Beach, Encinitas, and La Mesa.
6. Can adults choose their goals for services?
Yes. All supports are person-centered, meaning adults direct their own goals through the IPP or Self-Determination Program.
7. Is transportation included with services?
Transportation may be provided only when it is written into the individual’s IPP based on identified needs.
