About the Association for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Association Adults with Developmental Disabilities (AADD) believes that social interaction is at the heart of the human experience. Yet, some of the simple activities many of us take for granted — a ride on the bus, a trip to the store, a phone call from a friend, a meal at a restaurant — are significant accomplishments for men and women with developmental disabilities. Our ultimate outcome is members’ enhanced independence, self-pride, social and behavioral skills. To accomplish this we believe that social interaction is key. Our three key signature programs that aim to promote independence and social interaction include:
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AADD provides ongoing programs and specialized classes to increase independence and improve life quality for developmentally disabled adults. The Social Services for Greater Independence Program (SSGIP) is our flagship program and runs year-round. The SSGIP consists of weekly education sessions, called RAP sessions, and weekend social learning activities. At RAP sessions, professional program facilitators provide instruction that centers around health literacy, financial literacy, and employability (soft job skills). Social learning activities supplement instruction from RAP session by providing opportunities to practice new skills and build relationships with friends and mentors while on group trips to venues like the theater or sporting events as well as parties and dances.
In addition to the SSGIP, we periodically offer short-term specialized classes to respond to specific areas of need and an extended social learning activity, a.k.a., member vacation. Recent specialized classes have addressed issues that arose during to the pandemic. Past specialized classes have included computer literacy and personal safety classes. The extended social learning activity is a supervised vacation for up to 40 members. The extended time allows AADD members to really spread their wings and practice their independence as well as develop strong bonds with their friends.
We are proud to say that all AADD’s programs have a significant impact on the community and create positive outcomes for AADD members. Our programs increase inclusion and socialization, decrease isolation, improve self-confidence, help stabilize employment situations, and provide respite to caregivers.
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER
Click here for membership application information.
AADD Mission Statement
Association for Adults with Developmental Disabilities' (AADD) mission is to provide education, discussion, and social activities that empower special needs men and women 18 years and older to live more independent lives while helping to support caregivers and helping to increase acceptance of special needs in our community. AADD creates secure environments where members develop the vital skills for lifelong independence—from employment, healthy eating, arranging transportation and managing personal finances, to forming and maintaining friendships and understanding the intricacies of public etiquette. Our programs help members break the chains of social isolation as they learn to maneuver through our complex world, helping them gain the self-confidence, pride, and greater independence that can lead to a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.
| Supporting You, Then, Now and Always |
Social Interaction is at the heart of the human experience.
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Association for Adults with Developmental Disabilities is a 501 (c) (3) organization.
The History of the Association for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
The Association for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (formerly the Young Adults Group) was founded in 1973 by five parents in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, who were concerned about the future of their developmentally disabled children following high school graduation. The main goal of that first group was to create an organization for their sons and daughters to get together and socialize. The small group met on Saturdays at a house on Susquehanna Road in Abington where they would hold dances, play games, and socialize.
The Saturday activities were a hit. Soon Montgomery County Social Services sent out a social worker who began holding RAP sessions where members of the Saturday group could have discussions that would further help them achieve greater independence. Thus began the unique combination of education and socialization that is the core of AADD’s programs. Once free of social isolation and educational regression, AADD members blossomed. In 1975, AADD was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization.
Today, AADD serves all of the greater Philadelphia area and continues to provide a unique combination of programs that focuses on helping members feel empowered to live and work in their community. RAP sessions provide education like health literacy, financial literacy, soft job skills, social skills, and communication. Social learning activities provide an opportunity to cement new skills, engage with the community, and most importantly, socialize with friends. AADD members are employed at almost four times the national average for adults with developmental disabilities, half live outside their family home, and everyone reports feeling happier because of AADD.
Our Executive Board
President |
Rick Cherry |
Vice President |
Susan Levey |
Presidential Advisor |
Anthony Rocca, Esq. |
Secretary |
TBD |
Treasurer |
Gary Reilly |
Board of Directors |
Harriet Bleiman |
Board of Directors |
Murrey Cohen |
Board of Directors |
Bruce Sham |
Board of Directors |
Phillip Spergel |
Our Advisory Board
Dr. Rita Axelrod |
Hannah Berger |
Elaine Ecker |
Paul Feldman, Esq. |
Stephen Sable |
Ruth Spergel |
Our Staff
We are AADD
In Loving Memory of Our Friend Cynthia
Our Families say it Best!
Our Member's Say it the Best