Dash and Scout’s Dave’s Place FAQs

What is Dave’s Place?

Dave's Place is a transformative independent living weekend retreat (you spend 2 nights) aimed at improving essential life skills for individuals with Down syndrome in a supportive and immersive environment.  Attendees will be empowered to enhance personal skills such as time management, social event planning, leisure activity exploration, and the development of individual interests and hobbies.

Each Dave's Place weekend will begin at 3pm on Friday and culminate at 3pm on Sunday.  Transportation to and from the facility will be the responsibilities of the participant.  This experience will consist of a variety of daily living activities that promote independent thinking and problem-solving skills development. These activities will be based on the self-assessment provided to our staff by the families, individual goals determined in each applicant’s pre-admission interview and the needs of other participants who will be attending the same weekend.

Where is Dave’s Place located?

Until our own house is ready Dave’s Place will be held at various locations around Virginia.  We will explore all types of houses and locations, which will be very exciting.  Yes, it’s like a weekend vacation with friends!

Is there an application process?

Yes.  Applications are available upon request to families who have an adult with Down syndrome or similar intellectual disability.  Visit www.dashandscout.org/contact to request an application.

Once the application is complete we will schedule a phone call to get the process started. Next, you will receive a self-assessment form that will help our staff better understand the current level of independence and the needs of the participant.  You get to tell us what you a good at and things you want to learn.

The final step is to schedule a personal interview in person. We will work with the family to find a time that works for both our staff and your family.

Who can attend Dave’s Place?

You must be at least 18 years old. Priority is given to applicants who have exited high school.

Are there any requirements to attend?

Yes.  Participants must be able to:

Administer their own medications (they may use timers or other reminders as needed)

Manage their own personal hygiene such as showering, toileting, teeth brushing and female menstrual cycle.

Feed themselves

Handle their own wheelchair transfers

Refrain from any behaviors that are harmful to themselves/others or disrupt the learning environment.

Who will be teaching and staying each weekend?

Our Dave's Place staff consists of highly qualified Educators, Speech and Occupational Therapists and Program Specialists.

What will a participant learn at Dave’s Place?

Personal life skills

Social/Interpersonal skills

House cleaning and basic maintenance skills

Kitchen management

Free time planning and management

Emergency/Home safety

Nutrition/Dietary planning and management

Laundry management

Decision making and problem-solving skills

Can someone attend more than once?

Absolutely!  Each time a participant attends they will learn new skills and build more self-confidence.

We also will have self-advocate mentors who may be working during each weekend session to help mentor program participants as part of the Leadership Development Program.  This Leadership Development Program is reserved for past Dave’s Place participants.

Are women and men attending at the same time?

No.  Dash and Scout will provide weekend opportunities for both women and men but not at the same time.

Do you have to have Down syndrome to attend?

No.  We do accept adults with other intellectual disabilities as long as they meet the requirements.

What is the cost to attend?

The cost to attend is based on location and staffing needs. We will be working to create financial partnerships to assist participants who are unable to pay the full cost.  The estimated weekend cost is between $300 and $500.

Can participants bring their cell phones or other electronic devices?

Yes.  We will provide designated times that cell phones can be used to call home if needed.  Other electronic devices can be used during free time.

Important:  If medical and behavioral support needs are beyond our applicant criteria and those needs are not fully disclosed during the application process, this could result in immediate dismissal from our programming, should the applicant be accepted, without full disclosure.