Las Trampas’ mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to discover their capabilities and lead full lives in their homes, at work, and in the community.

We have a longstanding, rich history of providing services to people with developmental disabilities and their families. Founded in 1958 as a non-profit residential school by parents, family, and community members, Las Trampas School provided on-site residential and educational services to children with developmental disabilities. The school was named for the creek that runs through the beautiful, two-and-a-half acre property in Lafayette, California. As the children grew into adulthood, along with progressive changes in service necessities, Las Trampas changed its mission to provide direct services to adults with IDD and their families.

We envision a world where:

• People of all abilities feel a sense of belonging, inclusion, and friendship in their communities, and are valued for their contributions.
• All people are empowered to make choices about their own lives and achieve their highest level of independence and potential.
• Las Trampas serves as a leader and model of excellence for innovative person-centered services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

To meet the needs of the very diverse and underserved IDD population, we offer three distinct programs in Contra Costa County:

• Adult Day Program Services (ADP)
• Supported and Independent Living Services (SLS/ILS)
• Licensed Adult Residential Services (ARM)
  

Las Trampas believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are entitled to develop their optimum state of social, physical, and mental well-being and share an integrated lifestyle similar to what neurotypical persons enjoy. Our enduring objective is to provide innovative, up-to-date, evidence-based programming and services that respect the individuality of each participant, prioritize autonomy and choice, create relevant and meaningful opportunities for learning, and promote the greatest self-sufficiency possible.

A person-centered methodology underlies all of Las Trampas’ programming and emphasizes first what a person can do, rather than focusing on their condition or disability. Support concentrates on a person’s priorities and aspirations and is tailored to their needs and unique circumstances. A person-centered approach enables the greatest degree of autonomy possible for participants. Key tenets of a person-centered methodology include:

• Involving the person in making decisions about their life.
• Taking into account the person’s life experience, age, gender identity, culture, heritage, language, beliefs, and identity.
• Providing flexible services that support the person’s wishes and concerns.
• Curriculum and activities that are strengths-based, where a person is acknowledged as the expert in their life.
• Including the person’s support networks as partners.