Day Programs: Arts & Recreation

Full Life offers dynamic day programs for adults with developmental disabilities every Monday through Friday from 8:00am-1:00pm and from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Our day programs feature a wide variety of activities that promote independence, encourage self-esteem, and help our participants achieve their professional dreams and goals. Full Life Direct Support Professionals engage clients in meaningful, skills-building, person-centered group activities.

I want to tell you how wonderful it was to see Ben blending in and participating with the other “clients.” I found him at a table playing Connect Four (I think that’s the name). He wanted to show me the dance party and we went in and he started dancing – I’ve never seen him dance with such enthusiasm before. Just want you and the staff to know how happy I am to see Ben is such an active, happy supportive program. Thank you so much for all you do!

-Nancy Fuhrman

Arts Department

Full Life’s Art Department offers participants the opportunity to create original artworks. Projects range from drawing and painting to beaded jewelry or mixed-media paper-mâché sculptures. We showcase clients’ artwork around our building and also participate in art exhibits at local galleries.

We also offer a variety of music-based group activities, such as karaoke, dance parties, drum circles, and improvised noise jams. Several of our clients have produced their own CDs in collaboration with peers and staff. We also produce a weekly radio show called The Full Life Radical Radio Show, which is broadcast live on Freeform Portland and 90/3fm every Wednesday from 2-4pm.

 

Recreation

In-house activities at Full Life promote team building, problem solving, and wellness…not to mention fun. We’ve got a variety of games, exercise, and social clubs. Clients can join daily poker, bingo or foosball games around the lunch hour. They can also sign up for independent games. We also offer daily yoga, morning stretches and aerobics. Clubs range from science, music and literature appreciation to safety and well-being.

 

Community Outings

Building community integration and inclusion for people with disabilities is a huge component of Full Life. We pride ourselves on our extensive community integration programming. Full Life participants access many of Portland’s fun and unique offerings each day. Our favorite destinations include local libraries, the airport, the sky tram, museums, galleries, gardens, and Portland’s unique historical neighborhoods. Extended outings are available through our Community Inclusion Program.

 

Volunteer Opportunities

We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities tailored to people with disabilities. Volunteering helps clients build employable skills and self-confidence as they prepare to join the workforce. It is also an opportunity to give back and to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Our volunteer outings include bussing tables at Sisters of the Road Cafe, sorting donated art and craft supplies at SCRAP, and gathering groceries at Fred Meyer with Store to Door. Volunteer opportunities are supervised by a Full Life Direct Support Professional.

 

Community Inclusion Program

This new program was designed in collaboration with individuals with disabilities who currently attend Full Life’s day program. The goal? To facilitate more meaningful community inclusion. We believe that taking an active, positive, and person-centered approach to community integration opens the door to new opportunities for further developing social and employment-related skills. This program meets at KingPins Portland and features longer outings including full length movies at the theater, OMSI, Oregon Zoo, and more!

NEW Washington County Community Inclusion Program

In January of 2020, Full Life launched our west side community inclusion program (in Beaverton, Oregon). This exciting new program offers bowling, martial arts, movies, ceramics and so much more. If you are interested in enrolling or have questions please email Rachel Bloom at rachelbloom@fulllife.com. We are actively recruiting for this program.