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A Place to Belong: National Adult Day Services Week is Sept. 20-26

What do adult day services actually do—and why do they matter?

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According to the CDC, nearly 200,000 people in the U.S. rely on Adult Day Services (ADS) for care, support, connection and the opportunity to remain active in their communities.

National Adult Day Services Week, Sept. 20-26 is a good time to talk about what adult day services actually do—and why they matter. 

It is also a great opportunity to recognize the participants, families, caregivers and ADS professionals who make a difference every day.

Why Adult Day Services Matter

For many adults with disabilities, chronic conditions or age-related needs, spending the day at home can mean isolation, limited activities and very few opportunities to interact with other people. 

For their families, providing care around the clock can make it difficult to work, manage a household or simply get through the day.

Two Easterseals participants pose outdoors in front of The Golden Spur sign during a community outing.
An Easterseals staff member stands with two participants inside a program space during a group activity.
An Easterseals participant stands beside a birthday cake celebrating a 104th birthday at an Easterseals Senior Day Services event.

Support for All

Easterseals SoCal’s ADS provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to become active members of the community while building work- and life-related skills through social activities, volunteer work and community service projects.

Individuals have a place to go during the day where they can take part in meaningful activities, community outings, socialization, receive support with daily needs and maintain as much independence as possible. 

Just as important, they have somewhere to be where they are treated as adults—with choices, responsibilities, interests and personalities of their own.

Additionally, their families get something equally important: Time.

  • Time to go to work.
  • Time to take care of appointments and errands.
  • Time to care for other family members.
  • Time to take a break.

Community in Action

Adult Day Services is about helping people remain connected to their communities and families while providing the support they need to live their lives and, in many cases, are what allow families to continue providing care at home.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 NADSA National Conference, themed Learn. Connect. Ignite. —Easterseals’ Person Centered Director and NADSA board member Lendy Ruano and ADS Director Reyna Zavala will both present at the NADSA Conference, Sept. 1-3, 2026, in Rhode Island. 

Learn more about Easterseals Adult Day Services and how we support people with disabilities so they can thrive in their communities. 

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A group of Easterseals participants wearing orange event shirts gathers outside a stadium holding signs in support of Easterseals during a community walk event.
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