Where Do Disabled Adults Go When Day Programs Don’t Fit?
Every parent of a disabled adult hits this question eventually:
→ “Where will my child go every day when school transition program ends?”
→ “What if they don’t qualify, or thrive, in a traditional day program?”
→ “Where do they belong if they don’t want job training or can’t be ‘productive’ on someone else’s terms?”
It’s one of the most terrifying parts of transition, and one the current system often fails to answer well.
Most day programs in Colorado are designed with narrow tracks: vocational training, life skills, or structured full-day programming. And while those options work beautifully for some, for many others, especially neurodivergent adults or those with high support needs, they just don’t fit.
The Problem with “One Size Fits All”
We’ve talked with dozens of families who tried the “next step” program and found:
Their loved one masked all day, only to melt down at home
The environment was too loud, too fast, too much
Goals focused on productivity, not personhood
“Choice” was promised but rarely practiced
Some adults dropped out entirely. Others sat in silence, day after day. Parents were told, “It’s the only thing available.”
That’s not good enough.
The Hub Was Built for the Ones Who Didn’t Fit the Mold
At the Disability Innovation Hub (DIH), we flipped the model:
Instead of asking people to conform to a program, we created a space that flexes around each person.
Here, adults with disabilities can:
Co-work
Create
Connect
Chill
Come and go on their own terms
Some spend their day doing art, joining a club, or walking to lunch with a peer. Others bring a support person, settle into a sensory space, and just decompress.
There’s no checklist. No productivity requirement. No forced participation.
It’s the opposite of a day program; it’s a community where belonging drives engagement.
Why This Matters
Belonging and agency are critical for mental health, identity, and lifelong growth.
When adults are allowed to decide how they want to spend their day, they start:
Exploring interests they couldn’t before
Building natural friendships
Trying new things on their own timeline
Reclaiming a sense of direction
This isn’t a program. It’s a movement toward a more inclusive Colorado.
Want to See It Yourself?
You don’t need to wonder if this could work for your family. You can experience it.
We offer a free guest pass so you or your loved one can:
Spend a day at the Hub
Meet other members
Test the space, pace, and support
See if this is the right fit, without pressure
Bring a friend, a parent, a support person, or come solo. We’re here, and we’re ready to welcome you.
