For Placement Staff - Blossom Hill Abilities Enrichment Center

For Transition Coordinators:

A Day Program for Adults with DD or IDD

Transitioning students with developmental disabilities from school to adult life is a complex process.
Transition Coordinators, placement specialists, and school staff play a critical role in guiding families through this change. At Blossom Hill’s Abilities Enrichment Center (AEC) in Northeast Ohio, we partner with schools to provide choice-based day programs that empower individuals with either developmental disabilities (DD) or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to achieve independence, social connection, and whole person wellness.

A Meaningful Next Step Beyond High School

At Abilities Enrichment Center, we specialize in providing a safe, expansive, and nurturing environment for adults (18+) with intellectual and developmental disabilities, especially those who are medically fragile. Transitioning from the structured world of high school to adult life can be challenging for individuals and their families. We partner with transition coordinators to ensure this next chapter is filled with opportunities for connection, joy, and personal choice, without compromising medical safety or individualized care.

Abilities Enrichment Center is special and a perfect fit for:

Medically fragile individuals

(full-time nursing supervision provided).

Adults age 18+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Those who benefit from a non employment focused program emphasizing wellness, social connection, and meaningful recreation.

Participants directly following high school graduation or upon completion of district based transition services.

Every day at Abilities offers a full schedule of center-based activities and an engaging community outing, selected to spark personal fulfillment, connection, and growth. Participants and caregivers help choose which activities best suit their needs and interests.

In-Center Activities Include:

Arts and Crafts • Music Therapy • Pet Therapy • Group Games and Cognitive Activities • Fitness and Movement Classes (tailored to ability) • Holistic Therapies (relaxation techniques, mindfulness) • Sensory Room (with calming lights, tactile experiences, and immersive visuals)

Daily Community Outings May Include:

Museum and Park Visits • Accessible Nature Walks • Bowling • Sporting Events and Cultural Events • Greenhouse Visits and Time On Our Private Walking Path

Safety and Support

Abilities Enrichment Center is one of the few programs in the region with full-time nursing supervision, giving families and school teams peace of mind during and after the transition process. We also have a trained direct support staff that is experienced in working with medically fragile populations. Our custom, 25000-square-foot center features adaptive equipment and accessible facilities in including sensory-sensitive spaces and calming environments. Each program is personalized in close communication with families and caregivers.

Person-Centered Programming

Skill Development for Independence

Safe and Supportive Environment

Continuity of Support

Community Integration

A Collaborative Transition

TESTIMONIAL:

The Transition From School

Robin Cermak faced an inevitability that will confront all parents of young adults with developmental disabilities: their child aging out of school.

As her son, Logan, approached his 22nd birthday, Robin began looking for a day program where he would be comfortable, and that she had a good feeling about. She had already decided on a different program when a fortuitous car ride past Abilities Enrichment Center changed everything.

“I saw the sign outside the building. It was a name not familiar to me, so I pulled into the parking lot to have a look. I immediately liked that the entrance was in the back, far away from the busy street. Logan’s not one to wander … but just in case.” It was a weekend, so the Center was empty, but she made a note to arrange a visit.

As it happened, she and Logan were able to attend an open house. “Everyone was so welcoming. It was a large, clean space with so many different rooms and activities. It was all so nicely done.” Logan especially keyed in on the Sensory Room, among the first of its kind in the area. “Logan seemed so comfortable at Abilities and I just felt it was ‘the place.’”

In addition to living with autism, Logan also has epilepsy, so Robin has peace of mind that the Center is near a hospital.

The family gave Abilities a try for a month then met with staff for a progress report. Everyone agreed that Logan was thriving in the environment.

“Logan is a go-with-the-flow kind of person. He enjoys when Abilities takes trips to go bowling or enjoy nature at Rocky River Reservation or Huntington Beach. For indoor activities, he loves music, the movie room, craft projects or just relaxing in one of the recliners.”

“When he’s at Abilities, I know he’s in good hands. They treat him well. I feel safe when he’s there.”

We welcome the opportunity to work closely with transition teams, educators, and IEP coordinators to help ensure each student’s transition is individual-entered and thoughtfully planned to align with their interests, health needs, and post-secondary goals.