Upper Cape Access Center

At our Upper Cape Access Center, our highly trained, caring and compassionate staff work to meet the needs of the members we serve. We do this through a variety of program offerings, both in-house and in the community. Programming is centered around building skill development for personal independence in areas such as communication, self-help, independent living and sensorimotor development, self-advocacy, and meaningful social relationships.

Some of the exciting activities we offer to encourage independence include nutrition, creating healthy recipes, shopping, safety in the kitchen, food prep and cooking. We responsibly recycle and repurpose some items in our creative groups.

Other activities and opportunities include:

• Communication – is key and is facilited through use of ASL (American Sign Language), AAC devices and communication boards, which are individualized for each person.
• Technology – is not only used for communication but is woven into service delivery with the use of smartboards, iPads, computers and other assistive devices used for learning.
• Social Skills Development – includes group discussions, teamwork, critical thinking and conflict resolution through games, projects and fun activities like Karaoke, dances, movie nights, and talent shows, to name a few.
• Fitness is fun and is individualized for each person. Group exercises are also offered such as chair yoga, weightlifint, Cardio dance, Zumba, volleyball, bowling and swimming. We also have a varitey of fitness machines/equipment that promote personal fitness through Physical Therapist approved routines.
• Popular Wellness Activities – are our guided meditation groups, and yoga that includes aromatherpy and calming music. All are welcome to take advantage of these relaxing sessions.

Members choose their favorite artistic and expressive groups such as:

• Music/rhythm/instrumental/vocal activities
• Creative writing
• Art with various media (sculpture, painting, decopage, paper embossing)
• Photography
• Repurposing and recycling of items
• Flower arranging
• Sewing. We sew items such a creating blankets for the homeless or for other community charities, as well as we sew for fun!

Community – is important to our members. Based on member feedback, these activities are adjusted.

Current volunteer opportunities are: trail maintenance at Waquoit Bay; local farms where we help set up, plant, and grow food in greenhouses, and interaction with horses and other farm animals; reading to preschool children (which is enjoyed by all!); gardening on site including a farm-to-table cooking group; landscaping; kayaking, and walks along the Cape Cod Canal and/or hiking

We have formed working relationships with local school collaboratives to help support individuals who will be transitioning from the school system to adult services when they turn 22 years of age.

We are open Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm, although services may be provided outside of those hours if requested and available.