Two elderly people sorting potted plants at a table.

Supporting Adults with Disabilities Through Meaningful Daily Engagement

Beacon’s day programs offer structured, person-centered support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each setting provides daily opportunities for learning, socialization, and connection in a safe, supportive environment.

We work with families, caregivers, and local partners to help each person grow in a way that respects their choices, abilities, and goals.

What to Expect in a Day Program

Beacon’s day programs offer a consistent schedule, adapted for each individual’s backgrounds, support needs, and preferences. These adult day services are designed to build independence, confidence, and meaningful community connections.

Participants engage in a wide range of activities that support skill-building across multiple areas, including:

    • Daily living skills, such as meal planning, grocery shopping, self-care, and personal budgeting
    • Communication development, including expressive and receptive language activities
    • Social connection, with time to build friendships, play group games, and celebrate birthdays and holidays together
    • Community integration, through outings to libraries, stores, restaurants, parks, bowling alleys, and seasonal events like apple picking or visiting local fairs
    • Assistive technology use, with support for augmentative communication devices and adaptive tools
    • Creative expression, including arts and crafts, music, jewelry-making, and dance
    • Pre-vocational and employment readiness, such as volunteering with Meals on Wheels or practicing workplace skills

Each location builds a monthly activity calendar based on the interests and input of participants. Programs maintain flexibility to adjust based on individual needs, weather, or group dynamics, while providing dependable structure throughout the day.

Behavioral Support Services

Beacon provides behavioral support services to adults with developmental disabilities, using an approach which incorporates Positive Based Supports, and the evidence-based practice of Applied Behavior Analysis. Individual and functional behavior assessments are conducted, and behavior support plans are written, trained and monitored by our behaviorists who are overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The behaviorists work with the direct care staff to ensure plan integrity, and help foster the learning, growth and independence in each of the individuals we serve.

Transportation Options

Beacon provides the individual we support with transportation so they can access their surrounding community and partake in all the area has to offer. Our reliable transportation allows our individuals to gain access to services, activities and resources — whether medical appointments, shopping for groceries or personal items, visiting with friends, going to dinner or a movie, and more.

Group of people painting around a dining room table.
resident and caregiver doing activities at the table

Community Connection and Inclusion

Building relationships is a core part of our day program approach. Every activity is designed to help individuals feel included, valued, and part of the broader community.

Our teams partner with local businesses, nonprofits, and service organizations to offer active engagement opportunities like delivering meals, visiting parks or museums, or attending community events. Many participants take part in regular volunteer opportunities through programs like Meals on Wheels, local food banks, soup kitchens, and senior centers. These experiences help individuals build confidence, practice life skills, and give back to their communities.

Whether it’s playing games with friends, attending a class, or joining a volunteer project, participants are supported in ways that help them connect and thrive.

Individualized Support for Every Participant

Support at Beacon is personalized. We meet each person where they are — building on their strengths while offering consistent, respectful supervision and encouragement.

Depending on the location, services may include:

    • Individualized behavior support plans developed by trained behaviorists
    • Functional behavior assessments and goal-based support strategies
    • Oversight from Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
    • Direct care staff trained in plan implementation and Positive Behavior Supports
    • Access to on-site medical staff in select programs
    • Use of assistive or augmentative communication technology
    • Small-group or one-on-one support based on individual needs
    • A focus on self-advocacy and skill-building in all areas of life

Our behavioral approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behavior Supports. The goal is to support learning, reduce barriers, and help each individual work toward greater independence.

Real Stories From Our Day Programs

Beacon’s Day Programs are filled with moments of connection, joy, and progress — big and small. Here are a few stories that reflect what those days can feel like:

“This is my favorite place to be.” One participant started at Beacon while living in a group home, working one-on-one with staff to build his cooking, budgeting, and self-advocacy skills. Over time, he gained the confidence to move into a supported apartment with two of his peers. Now, he’s known in the program as the go-to person for helping others practice daily living tasks.

Mary loves routines that feel familiar and fun. Most mornings, she heads straight for the kitchen to help set up cooking class. After lunch, she plays cards with staff or dances during music time, and always asking for her favorite playlist.

Elizabeth lights up on jewelry-making days. She carefully picks out her beads and colors, and she always makes a second bracelet “just in case a friend wants one.” She says coming to program means she gets to “see her people and laugh.”

When Alan missed a day, it didn’t feel the same. He called to check in, and staff passed the phone around so he could talk to his usual lunch group. The next day, he walked in to high-fives and hugs. One friend told him, “We saved your spot.”

All stories are anonymized to protect participant privacy.

Program Locations

Missouri

Horizon – 2606 Rose Dr, Columbia MO

New Jersey

Sullivan – 370 Sullivan Way, Ewing NJ
Fusion and Loeser – 559 Union Ave, Middlesex NJ
Roszel A and Roszel B – 13 Roszel Rd, Princeton NJ
Eves – 4B Eves Drive, Marlton NJ

Virginia

Horizons Life – 3401 Commission Court Suite #101 Woodbridge, VA
Horizons Explorations – 3460 Commission Court Suite #101 Woodbridge, VA
Charming Concepts – 9506 Workhouse Way Building W-9 Lofton, VA
Horizons Manassas – 10050 Pennsylvania Ave Manassas, VA

Ohio

Day Programming Office – 600 Lakeview Plaza, Suite A Worthington, OH

Pennsylvania

ArtWorks Day Program – 236 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA
Bridge Street – 99 Bridge Street, Tunkhannock, PA
Cascade Program – 100 Cascade Drive, Unit D, Allentown, PA
Genet Day Services – 628 Genet Street, Scranton, PA
KDS (Keystone Day Services) – 1729 Pittston Ave, Scranton, PA
La Plume Voc Program – 2100 RT 6 & 11, La Plume, PA
Montrose Day Program – 17079 State Route 706 East, Montrose, PA
Mundy Street – 180 Mundy Street, Wilkes Barre Township, PA
Penn Industries – 921 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA
Sanderson – 1501 Sanderson Avenue, Scranton, PA

Get in touch with us if you have any questions or are ready to begin the enrollment process!

Why Families and Individuals Choose Beacon

Families and care teams trust Beacon because our programs are designed with the whole person in mind. Each day program offers:

    • Consistent, person-centered support
    • Experienced staff and interdisciplinary team coordination
    • Behavioral and medical supports as needed
    • Opportunities for learning, growth, and belonging
    • Community inclusion and volunteer experiences
    • A safe and welcoming environment

Whether you’re supporting a loved one or seeking services yourself, we’re here to answer your questions and provide the information you need to move forward.

Get Started

Interested in a Beacon day program? We make it easy to take the next step. Whether you’re a provider, family member, or individual looking for support, we’re here to guide you through the enrollment process.

individual smiling

Make a Referral

Begin by submitting a referral to connect with our intake team.
Refer a Resident
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Careers

Our accelerated training program provides an individualized and rapid path to a career in intellectual and developmental disabilities care.
Start Your Career

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend a Beacon day program?

Our programs serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who benefit from structured daytime support. We welcome individuals with a variety of support needs and build personalized plans based on each person’s goals and preferences.

What is a day program, and how does it work at Beacon?

A day program for disabled adults provides structured support during daytime hours offering activities, community involvement, skill-building, and social connection outside the home. At Beacon, each day program is tailored to meet the needs, interests, and goals of the individuals we serve.

Programs include a variety of group and individualized activities, as well as access to behavioral or medical support if needed. For many disabled adults, a day program offers a meaningful way to grow, connect, and stay active within their community.

Is the program covered by Medicaid?

Yes. In most states where Beacon operates, individuals who qualify through their state’s developmental disabilities system may receive Medicaid funding for day habilitation services, often up to 30 hours per week. Self-pay options may also be available. Because coverage varies by state, we encourage you to contact us or visit your state page for more information about funding options near you.

How do I refer someone to a day program?

You can begin by submitting a referral using our online form or by contacting our team. We’ll guide you through the enrollment process and help determine which services are the best fit.