The Light House Expands Adult Day Services at Its New London Community Campus
Last year, we celebrated the opening of our Resource and Innovation Hub at our New London Community Campus. Now, we’re expanding to the neighboring property at 141 Shaw Street, where renovations are underway for a new accessible adult day program.
With this addition, The Light House will operate three day programs in southeastern Connecticut, responding to growing demand for day supports and expanding options for individuals and families throughout the region.
Expanding Our Inclusive Model
The new program will follow the inclusive model used across our day services: adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, and physical disabilities participate together, with support tailored to each person. That includes individuals who require dedicated one-to-one assistance, as well as those who participate more independently.
We are making a significant investment in renovating the building to support that range of needs. Accessibility is central to the design, and our planning includes adaptive equipment, sensory spaces, and resources for wellness and daily living.
Too often, individuals with significant physical disabilities have fewer program options because of accessibility barriers. Addressing those barriers allows more people to learn, socialize, and build skills alongside their peers in a setting that can support them.
Individual Goals, Meaningful Days
Our Day Support Options (DSO) program is individualized and participant-driven. Each person’s Individual Plan guides programming based on their interests, strengths, preferences, and goals.
For one participant, that might mean practicing meal preparation or learning to navigate a community setting with greater independence. For another, it could mean exploring a volunteer opportunity, developing employment readiness skills, or using assistive technology to communicate their choices. Health and wellness, recreation, and social relationships are also important parts of the program.
The activities and level of assistance will look different for each person. The expectation is consistent: participants should have an active role in their day, with support that helps them build skills, make decisions, and pursue what matters to them.
A More Connected Community Campus
The location at 141 Shaw Street places the new program beside our Resource and Innovation Hub, bringing participants and staff closer to the resources and expertise already based at our New London Community Campus. That proximity creates opportunities for collaboration across our day, employment, and assistive technology services.
The expansion continues the priorities outlined in our STEP Transformation Plan: individualized supports, greater independence, and meaningful participation in community life. The building will provide an accessible base for programming, while activities throughout the community will connect participants with local organizations, businesses, recreation, and volunteer opportunities.
We look forward to sharing updates as renovations progress. Thank you to our staff, families, and community partners for helping us grow thoughtfully and respond to the needs of the people we serve.
Kassidy Brown
Executive Director
