St. Pascal's  Day Treatment St. Albans,  New York

Starting in 1978 with 25 adults in a one-room program, the Day Treatment Centers today occupy two facilities serving over 300 adults with severe and profound retardation, including many with additional handicaps of visual/or hearing impairment, cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities.

Key Benefits

• The daily program is tailored to meet each individual's needs and interests. Instruction is offered in cognitive development, academics, fine arts, fitness, and independent living. Speech and language therapy, travel training and vocational classes are also provided.
• AABR'S goals include moving toward job opportunities for some adults, more independent living for others. 
• Careful coordination between home and daytime settings and continuous evaluation of each person's plan assures that his/her ever changing needs are being met.

Day Habilitation Services

    Day Habilitation services provide the consumers with community based activities designed around their individual likes, preferences and strengths.

    The goal of AABR Day Habilitation program is to provide consumers with purposeful work-related training, which will provide them with the skills necessary to lead satisfying lives in the community.

AABR Chorus- On the Road Again

The AABR Chorus had been busy this past year, delighting members of the community with their voices and enthusiasm for song.  Included in this year’s tour were several nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other local community centers.  Last year’s high-light was performing for New York State Commissioner of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, Thomas Maul, with their rendition of “God Bless America.”

            “Last year, wherever they went, they were warmly received.  It’s such an enriching experience for them as well as for each audience,” says Rosalie DeRita, Director of St. Pascals.  She adds, “When they sing, you can truly see a sparkle of joy in their eyes.”

Admitting the challenge in bringing 19 untrained voices into one harmonious group, Choral Director Max Gouveia stated, “they love the long hours of rehearsal, but more than that, they love to bring joy to others . . .and of course the applause.” 

With the addition of several new songs to its repertoire, the Chorus is actively looking for financial backing to underwrite a trip into the recording studio.  Citing great success with AABR’s last holiday recording, the group would like to create a CD that can be enjoyed throughout the year.  AABR invites anyone who is interested in assisting in any way with this project to contact the Development Office.