At TLC, community outings for adults with disabilities are more than a change of scenery. They are an extension of the programs that participants take part in every day, giving them opportunities to explore their interests, build skills and experience what they are learning in new settings.
Each destination is intentionally chosen around what participants are currently studying and genuinely interested in, from theater and music to science and gardening. Staff plan outings in small groups, giving every participant more one-on-one time and more room to engage with the subjects that excite them most.
Taking Learning Into the Community
A recent visit to the Gene Autry Western Museum shows how this works in practice. Cast members preparing for TLC’s upcoming production of A Christmas Carol got a first-hand look at Gold Rush-era clothing, tools and transportation, right down to a virtual stagecoach ride that let participants feel what an 1800s journey might have been like. Those details are already making their way back into set design and costuming.
Accessible Experiences, Greater Independence
Accessibility shapes every stop on the calendar. At Winnetka Bowl, bumpers and ball ramps help participants bowl alongside their sighted teammates while building confidence and independence
The Getty Museum’s mix of indoor galleries and outdoor gardens offers rich sensory experiences, and staff noted that two visually impaired participants especially enjoyed exploring the art and gardens. At the Skirball Cultural Center, an interactive Noah’s Ark exhibit invites participants to walk through the story rather than only view it from behind glass.
Learning That Extends Beyond the Campus
Not every outing focuses on the arts. The California Science Center gives participants hands-on exposure to science and nature concepts they may not encounter elsewhere in the program, while a rehearsal visit to the Hollywood Bowl lets TLC’s music students hear a full orchestra warm up before an evening performance, an experience many had never had. At Huntington Gardens, participants interested in gardening design gather ideas they later bring home to TLC’s residential properties, shaping the outdoor spaces where more than 80 adults live in the Reseda community.
What’s Next for TLC Outings
TLC staff are already scouting new destinations, including the Natural History Museum, the Hammer Museum, the Aquarium of the Pacific, the UCLA Mathias Botanical Gardens, the Griffith Observatory and the Motion Picture Museum.
With new destinations already being planned, TLC’s community outings will continue giving participants opportunities to follow their interests, try new things and bring what they discover back to their programs and homes. Whether it’s a museum, a garden or a live performance, each outing opens the door to a new experience and another way to learn.
Community outings are just one part of the experiences available at TLC. Learn more about our Residential Program and Creative Arts Program and how they give participants opportunities to learn, create, connect and experience life in the community.