A new day habilitation center, or day hab, at the Easterseals’ building in New Brunswick aims to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in their communities, learn technologies and socialize.

“Day habilitation is an opportunity for individuals who have intellectual disabilities to come into a center where we work with them on goals,” said Cristina Jones, chief program officer for Easterseals New Jersey. “They can be life skills, or it can be social skills, depending on their ability and what they’re looking to accomplish in their life.”

Field trips — to places like movie theaters, bowling alleys, or zoos — are an integral part of the program to help participants feel part of the community.

“We put together a calendar and we take individuals out so they don’t feel that they only can come with each other,” said Jones. “They also belong as part of their community, the New Brunswick area.”