What We Do

Our Day Program

We provide a supportive day program designed to help neurodiverse adults learn, connect, and thrive in their everyday lives.

Our Mission

At the Center for Achieving Independence, we empower neurodiverse adults through a safe, supportive day program. We provide social and skill-building opportunities that promote independence, personal growth, and community connection. By nurturing each individual’s strengths and interests, we support holistic development and help them reach their full potential.

Why This Program Matters

Our day program provides far-reaching benefits for individuals, families, and the broader community.

Encourages lifelong learning and skill‑building

Prepares clients for employment

Fosters social connection and belonging

Supports mental, emotional, and physical health

Promotes independence through daily routines

Provides relief and peace of mind to caregivers

Increases inclusion and community visibility

Builds communication and problem‑solving skills

Offers a cost-effective alternative to assisted living or in‑home care

Activities

In-House

Soft career skill practice

Role-playing mock interviews

Job application assistance

Arts or craft projects

Science experiments

Garden Growing

Cooking projects

Computer exploration

Learning office tasks

Life skills
(laundry, doing dishes, cleaning)

Board or card games

Social/Emotional Learning

Periodic Outings

Job fairs

Library

Phillips Park

Dollar Tree

Walmart

Restaurants

GAR Museum

Fire Museum

Red Oaks Nature Center

Coffee Shops

Local Parks

Ice cream shops

Food Pantry

Movie Theater

Outlet Mall

Monthly Day Trips

Kane County Cougars Baseball

Chicago Steel Hockey

Morton Arboretum

Brookfield Zoo

Seasonal/Pumpkin/Apple Farms

Blackberry Farms

Live Theater

Outdoor Markets/Art Shows

Speak with us today to learn more

Participants We Serve

The Center for Achieving Independence welcomes a range of neurodiverse adults. Each participant brings unique strengths and goals, and we tailor our support to help them grow.

Our program focuses on building life and career skills, confidence, and social connection through meaningful daily activities. From creative projects to community outings, participants learn, engage, and discover a genuine sense of belonging in a safe, supportive environment.

We’ll also help clients navigate career paths—building interview confidence, workplace skills, and self-advocacy after hire.

Transportation Assistance

We offer transportation service from 3 convenient pickup and drop-off locations for participants living outside Aurora.

Operating Hours:

Monday–Friday: 8:30 am (pickup) | 2:30 pm (drop-off)

Pickup & Drop-off Locations:

Naperville:
Community Christian Church, 1635 Emerson Ln, Naperville, IL 60540
Google Maps | Directions

Batavia:
Les Arends Forest Preserve, 2S731 State Rte 31, Batavia
Google Maps | Directions

Oswego:
Jewel-Osco, 3795 Orchard Rd, Oswego
Google Maps | Directions

Participants, families, or guardians must complete a Transportation Agreement Form to be eligible.

Additional Program Information

Ready to learn more about our program? Here you’ll find details on fees, policies, and our application to join the Center for Achieving Independence.

Program Fee Schedules

Review our current fees and associated day program schedule.

Program Policies

Read our program policies to see how we ensure a positive and supportive experience for every participant.

Program Application

Get started by downloading our program application and beginning the enrollment process.

Program FAQs

What are the drop-off and pick-up times?

Drop-off is 9:00–9:15 a.m.; pick-up is 1:45–2:00 p.m. Please walk participants to the center door at arrival and pick them up from inside the building.

Is lunch provided?

No. Please send a sack lunch and a beverage. A microwave and refrigerator are available. Participants should be able to prepare and eat their lunch independently, except for learning to use the microwave.

Are snacks provided?

Yes. Snack foods and water are available at no charge. Programming may occasionally include a cooking project (noted on the calendar in advance), and participants may choose to eat that instead of their lunch. We still encourage everyone to bring a lunch in case they don’t prefer what’s prepared.

How can I contact someone from the Center for Achieving Independence during the day or outside program hours?

When off-campus, staff always carry a cell phone. After hours, please leave a detailed voicemail with your name and number, and we’ll return your call by 9:00 a.m. on the next business day.

Can we switch scheduled days, add a day, or receive a refund for unused days?

Switching or adding days must be requested at least one week in advance and is subject to availability. Unused days are nonrefundable.

How can a participant take medication while attending?

All medications must be in original prescription containers labeled with dosage and timing. Participants (and guardians) must inform staff of any medication needs. Staff will supervise self-administration and log time and dosage. Staff cannot administer medication or determine dosing.

What if a participant doesn’t want to join an activity or outing?

We plan engaging, meaningful activities. If a participant opts out of an in-house activity, they may choose a self-directed “free choice” alternative. For outings, participants must ride with the group but may sit out when feasible. Please review the daily calendar with the participant in advance.

What are the hours and activities for the Extended Day option?

Extended Day runs 2:00–5:00 p.m. We provide a snack and a variety of activities (e.g., art or science projects, games, cards, puzzles, LEGO bricks). We do not go on outings in the afternoon. Pick-up is no later than 5:00 p.m.

Do you have a nurse on staff?

No. We do not provide skilled nursing care. For safety, we cannot accommodate participants who require feeding tubes, respirators, stoma care, tracheostomy care, or hands-on toileting assistance.

How often do you plan outings into the community?

Typically once or twice per week, depending on the participant’s schedule and the center’s calendar.

How long does a participant need to commit to attending the program?

Please commit to one-month increments. Billing follows the agreed schedule until we receive written notice at least two weeks before any change.

Can a participant make up missed days?

Subject to availability, we’ll try to offer make-up days within the same week. Missed days don’t roll over to future weeks, and refunds aren’t available. Absences are reviewed case by case.

Still have questions?

Visit our Contact page, call, or email us, and we’ll respond as soon as possible.

Our Day Program

Our Mission

Why This Program Matters

Encourages lifelong learning and skill‑building

Prepares clients for employment

Fosters social connection and belonging

Supports mental, emotional, and physical health

Promotes independence through daily routines

Provides relief and peace of mind to caregivers

Increases inclusion and community visibility

Builds communication and problem‑solving skills

Offers a cost-effective alternative to assisted living or in‑home care

Activities

In-House

Periodic Outings

Monthly Day Trips

Speak with us today to learn more

Participants We Serve

Transportation Assistance

Operating Hours:

Pickup & Drop-off Locations:

Additional Program Information

Program Fee Schedules

Program Policies

Program Application

Program FAQs

Still have questions?

How we can help

Program Info

Additional Info

Our Day Program

Our Mission

Why This Program Matters

Encourages lifelong learning and skill‑building

Prepares clients for employment

Fosters social connection and belonging

Supports mental, emotional, and physical health

Promotes independence through daily routines

Provides relief and peace of mind to caregivers

Increases inclusion and community visibility

Builds communication and problem‑solving skills

Offers a cost-effective alternative to assisted living or in‑home care

Activities

In-House

Periodic Outings

Monthly Day Trips

Speak with us today to learn more

Participants We Serve

Transportation Assistance

Operating Hours:

Pickup & Drop-off Locations:

Additional Program Information

Program Fee Schedules

Program Policies

Program Application

Program FAQs

Still have questions?

Download Program Application