Our Services


ACA serves adults 18 and older with autism, intellectual disability or a related condition. We offer two separate program. Each has its own setting, schedule and funding.

ACA Day Program

DD Waiver: Community Engagement and Coaching

The two programs at a glance

 

ACA Day Program

Community Engagement and Coaching
Where
At Westwood Baptist Church, with some community outings
Engagement: May use the church for pick-up/drop off and use the church for hygiene breaks, but out in the community all other times.
Coaching: Pickup/Drop off typically at the client’s residence and out in the community the entire time.
When
Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 9:30 am to 2:30 pm- year round
Set individually, based on each person’s plan (ISP) and authorized hours
Support
Small groups up to 1:3, or 1:1 with your own aide
Engagement: small groups up to 1:3. Coaching: one-on-one
Funding
Private pay ($75–$100/day). Fairfax County SDS funds accepted. CCC+ Waiver can cover a personal attendant.
DD Waiver (Medicaid)
Licensed
Currently not licensed with DBHDS
Licensed by DBHDS
A good fit if…
You want a predictable weekly routine with hands-on activities in a calm, familiar space where community outings are encouraged but not required
You have a DD Waiver and community goals in your plan, such as volunteering, recreation or building independence skills
How soon can we start?
Currently we have immediate openings. Just apply and we will reach out to schedule a virtual assessment.
Currently we have immediate openings. Have your support coordinator reach out to start the process.

Community Coaching and Community Engagement

ACA is licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) to provide Community Engagement and Community Coaching under the DD Waiver. These services are separate from our Day Program and take place out in the community. Individualized goals are developed with the family, support coordinator and ACA in their Individual Support Plan (ISP).

Community Coaching

One-on-one coaching in the community to build a specific skill or overcome a barrier, so the person can take part more independently.

Community Engagement

Small-group outings, with up to 1 staff to 3 people, that build connections and confidence in everyday places. 

Some Barriers Many Face Include

Sensory
  • Loud, crowded places like stores, restaurants and events. Practice short visits at quiet times, using headphones, planning a break spot.
  • Bright or flickering lights, strong smells, unexpected noises (hand dryers, alarms, announcements).
  • Waiting in lines or crowded spaces where people are close or might touch.
  • Overwhelm in a new place, leading to shutdown or wanting to leave right away.
Mobility and physical
  • Getting around safely: crossing streets, parking lots, stairs, uneven ground.  Practice a route step by step.
  • Using public transit or paratransit: reading schedules, boarding, knowing where to get off.
  • Low stamina for long outings, standing or walking distances.
  • Finding and using accessible restrooms, or needing help with hygiene while out.
Behavioral and Emotional
  • Anxiety about new places, people or changes in routine.  Preview the place with photos or videos and a visual schedule.
  • Trouble coping when plans change, an item is sold out, or there’s a wait.
  • Meltdowns or elopement (wandering or bolting) when overwhelmed.
  • Learning safe ways to calm down and ask for a break in public.

Communication and Social
  • Ordering food, asking for help, or answering questions from strangers. Practice role-play, scripts, communication cards or an AAC device.
  • Understanding social rules, personal space, and when to talk or stay quiet.
  • Making and keeping friendships outside the family.

Daily living and Safety
  • Handling money, paying and checking change.
  • Knowing who to ask for help, carrying ID, and what to do if lost.
  • Time management: getting ready, arriving on time, knowing when an activity ends.

Day Program Overview

Our day program focuses on skill-based learning and engagement in a sensory-friendly setting. Each activity starts with a short online tutorial, then participants create their own version, which builds flexibility and creativity. Days include arts and crafts, cooking, social recreation games and some community outings.

Schedule

Monday, Wednesday and Friday

9:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Choose 1, 2 or 3 days per week

Year-round; closed for major federal holidays

Visual schedule emailed the day before

Rates & Funding

1:3 coaching: $100 per 5-hour day

1:1 with your own aide: $75 per 5-hour day

Aide placement help: $150 per quarter

Billed monthly, no long-term commitment

Fairfax County SDS funds accepted; CCC+ Waiver can cover attendants if client wants 1:1 support

Benefits of Our Day Program

Builds confidence and independence through community participation

Encourages flexible thinking and creativity through hands-on projects

Provides predictable routines that reduce anxiety and promote success

Strengthens communication, social interaction, and daily living skills

Offers individualized support in a 1:1 or small-group setting

Helps campers generalize skills in real-world environments

Can choose how many days a week prefer be it 1, 2, 3 days

Program billed monthly, so no long term commitments

Operate year round and only take off major Federal Holidays

Maximum staff to client ratio is 1:3

Medicaid direct support professionals and/or ABA registered behavior technicians welcome during our programming hours

Ready to Apply?

Click on our Apply Now button on the Header for both of our programs, and we’ll follow up to schedule a virtual assessment and discuss next steps. Plenty of time will be allowed to answer all your questions!

During our intake assessment, we will also review local and federal government resources to ensure you are aware of programs that may support your family and help cover service fees. Our Executive Director has extensive knowledge of both the CCC+ and DD Waivers and has helped many families navigate these systems. Her experience includes serving as a volunteer Board Member with Parents of Autistic Children of Northern Virginia, as well as working as a contractor for the Endependence Center of Northern Virginia, Partnership for People with Disabilities and the Arc of Northern Virginia.