'Bigger than words': Program helps disabled clients be social, mobile

A day-habilitation center that focuses on clients staying stimulat­ed in movement is helping adults at the Children's Center Adult Pro­gram become more mobile, inde­pendent and expressive.

In the past four months that eight adults between the ages of 21 to 25 have been at the center, they've become more social and ambulatory. They are men and women with mild to severe physi­cal and mental disabilities. One cli­ent is blind, and some have autistic-like characteristics, said Cynthia McCaghren, the center's executive director.

"A lot of what is done at the center is 'hand over hand' -- my job is to keep them stimulated," she said. "They are at such a level that the only other facility in the city that caters to people with disabilities would not suit them."

With a $97,000 operating budget -- $15,000 is raised through contributions and fundraisers -- the center counts pennies to care for the adults, who