Adaptations is a dynamic program at Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living, designed for young adults with disabilities in their 20s and 30s. Our mission is to empower participants by offering meaningful opportunities to connect with their community, develop essential life skills, and build lasting friendships.
Through a variety of engaging social and recreational activities, participants can explore their interests and enjoy inclusive experiences. Additionally, monthly workshops such as cooking, dating, job readiness, and money management, provide practical tools to foster independence and personal growth.
At Adaptations, members take the lead in shaping their experience by helping to decide on activities. Whether hosting or participating in community events, Adaptations ensures every gathering is inclusive and enriching. Join us to discover new experiences, grow your independence, and connect with a supportive and vibrant community!
Connect with us on Facebook, checkout our calendar, contact us, or donate today. We look forward to getting to know you!
Our Purpose
Our Team
Amanda joined LVCIL in 2019 as the Program Manager of Adaptations. Amanda started her career as a high school life skills teacher, empowering her students to be self-determined and independent. Wanting to make a bigger impact in the field of special education, she decided to get her doctorate in Special Education at Lehigh University. During her experience at Lehigh, she was involved in several research studies, where her responsibilities included developing intervention programs, leading trainings, organizing program operations and writing manuscripts. Dr. Thomas programs and facilitates events decided on by the members.
Yesenia has been working as the Program Coordinator for Adaptations at LVCIL since 2024. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business with a concentration in Management and Marketing from Penn State University. She is also a local Small Business owner who enjoys hosting hands on craft activities. Known for her creativity and passion for working with others, Yesenia is committed to bringing innovative ideas to the program and delivering meaningful and enriching activities for the LVCIL community.
Here’s what Adaptation members are saying:
Jason
Program Recipient
I enjoy adaptations and have met some very nice and friendly people. We do a lot of fun activities and it’s great we are able to connect virtually and in person. My favorite is when both the Lehigh Valley and NYC adaptations groups get together for speed friending.
Nick
Program Recipient
I really like being in the group virtually and in-person. I really have fun and enjoy the group. I really appreciate Amanda, Jacqueline and Liz for everything.
Lauren
Program Recipient
Hi my name is Lauren and this is my first year being in Adaptations. Adaptations helps me to be independent and make new friends and see old friends. Adaptations helps me to live on my own and working on my money skills and my cooking skills
Our Founder – Marsha
“A number of years ago I was trying to find a social group for my son Ari that would allow him to meet new friends, participate in interesting activities and most importantly find a community of his own. After some intensive searching online, I came across a link to Adaptations (Adaptations | Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan). They were located in New York City. I contacted their executive director, Allison Kleinman and set up a meeting for Ari and me. Ten minutes into that meeting, I knew I had found a gem. Allison described a group that welcomed and served independent adults with special needs who wanted a better social life. The programs offered by Adaptations were very varied (sports, dining, art, music, theater, games, job readiness, etc.) realizing the different interests of their members.
Ari and I started to attend programs. Ari learned to navigate the way to Adaptations (bus from Allentown, subway to Adaptations) and started to attend programs on his own. It occurred to me that while Ari was willing and able to make the commute, other people may not be comfortable doing so.
One of the things that Allison said to me in our original meetings was that she saw Adaptations as a program that could be replicated in other communities. Two years later, I decided it was time. I approached Allison; she and her team were ready to support the idea of a satellite Adaptations in the Lehigh Valley. They have allowed us to use their name and provided countless hours of counseling and support for our directors. Our relationship/partnership has proved to be extremely valuable and beneficial to those of us in the Lehigh Valley as well as those in NYC.