About the Nonprofit
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Rainbow Center for Communicative Disorders was incorporated in 1977 under the name of Blue Springs Learning Center. In 1983 the name was changed to Rainbow Center for Communicative Disorders. Originally started to provide an intensive therapeutic intervention for speech and language delayed children, the program has grown to serve a variety of developmental disabilities and disorders in children and adults. A major expansion occurred in June 1996 when Rainbow Options opened its doors to serve adults who cannot function within any kind of supported employment including sheltered workshop. In 2001, the Board purchased for Rainbow Center day school a larger facility at 900 NW Woods Chapel Road. A second facility expansion was opened for the adult program in March 2002 in the former Rainbow Center building at 3420 NW Kingsridge Drive owned by the Developmental Disabilities Services of Jackson County (EITAS). Rainbow Options I moved in 2009 to the upper level of the Rainbow Center building at 900 NW Woods Chapel Road.
Programming offered includes:
DAY SCHOOL - Rainbow Center provides an intensive therapeutic intervention within an academic setting for children ages 3 - 21 with Autism, intellectual disabilities, behavior disorder and a variety of multi categorical learning and communication disorders. The program features a small teacher pupil ratio (1:3) with an emphasis on self-esteem and Gentle Teaching techniques. Certified teachers and therapists provide an individualized program for children of varying disabilities and skill levels. Rainbow Center offers a six-hour day school program.
EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR – Rainbow Center students who attend may be eligible for up to 8 weeks of extended school year in the summer. This program enables students to maintain their skill levels and reduce regression. Extended school year must be approved by the IEP team based on eligibility through data collection throughout the school year. ESY typically is offered for 3 hours per day for up to 8 weeks in mid summer.
DAY HABILITATION - Adults with disabilities may be qualified to receive day habilitation services including On Site Day Hab Group or Individual and Community Integration Group or Individual. Programming and curriculum will be provided within these areas: life skills training, social, recreational, leisure, health and fitness, Community Access, job awareness and career exploration. Rainbow Options features a 1:3 staff/client ratio. Programming is offered for up to 6 hours per day on weekdays.
RESPITE CARE (BEYOND THE RAINBOW BtR) - Before and after programming care is offered for short term daycare assistance to families. Facility services are available from 7:00AM to 8:45AM and 3:15PM to 6:00PM. These services are also available to persons with disabilities in the community who do not attend Rainbow Center or Rainbow Options day programming. DMH and private pay are two funding resources.
