St. Mary's Independent Living

The SMILE Day Program provides a nurturing environment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to learn and develop useful life skills that will enhance their abilities to access and be actively involved in the community in significant ways, so they are viewed as valuable contributing members. Direct care professionals attentively utilize a person-centered approach focusing on supporting each participant’s personal goals toward independence while providing a fun and meaningful day. The SMILE Day Program also offers supervision of participant self-administered medications by trained direct care professionals with oversight by a Registered Nurse if needed. The SMILE Day Program offers different settings to help each participant progress, achieve goals, gain a sense of accomplishment, and improve self-esteem.

ONSITE

This setting features a structured environment within classroom settings.
Participants are assisted to develop and maintain communication skills, social skills,
decision-making skills, problem-solving skills, team-building skills, and relationship-building
skills through instruction, role-play scenarios, interactive games, and technology. Support is
also provided to help participants explore and express their creativity in positive ways such
as through painting, crafting, writing, performing, singing, music, and movement.
Participants also practice emergency preparedness and safety skills.

COMMUNITY

This setting promotes choices and opportunities for community engagement in
activities that are important to and for each participant such as volunteering and exploring
leisure and recreational activities. Experienced direct care professionals establish positive
connections with every participant to recognize their preferences and interests to help them
identify activities with meaning and purpose that fit their needs and abilities, and that they
will enjoy.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

o Lilburn Community Garden Members
o Hands On Atlanta Volunteers
o Fernbank Museum of Natural History
o Rosary Makers of America Volunteers

COMMUNITY OUTINGS

o Museum, Art Gallery, Shopping Mall, Historical Site, Park, Library, Horse Stable,
Retail Store, Grocery Store, Farmer’s Market, Botanical Garden, Coffee Shop,
Restaurant, Plant Nursery, Fruit Farm, Animal Farm, Butterfly Farm, Movie Theater,
Nature Center, Aquarium, Zoo, Sports Venue, Senior Center, Recreation Center

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

o Shopping, dining, voting, hiking, walking, touring, gardening, bowling, tennis, ball
games, fitness, dance, cooking class, art class, concert, performance, religious
experience, sporting event, day trip, seniors interests, leisure interests, cultural
interests, meal delivery, rosary-making, safety awareness