By Joanne Plourde and JoAnne Wahl/special to the Herald
Danvers Herald
Posted Dec 05, 2011 @ 06:26 PM

Danvers —
When we think about our children moving out on their own, we are haunted by questions of whether or not they will be safe and happy.  Imagine, being a parent of a child with disabilities.  Parents of children with disabilities often have the greater struggle of having to find a home, job or activities for their child that will provide them with the support and encouragement they need to continue to flourish as members of the community.

We, as part of the Northeast Arc, are pleased to have been recognized by the state Department of Developmental Disabilities for our excellence in providing safe, supportive and educational supports to people with disabilities.  This past summer, the Northeast Arc Residential and Day Services program received phenomenal scoring on our certification process.  Not only was the scoring remarkable, but the Department also recognized many aspects of services offered by the Northeast Arc as ‘best practices.’

Throughout the entire certification process, the Survey Team commended the Northeast Arc on the quality and creativity of the staff working directly with the individuals they support.  Staff education, training and knowledge of the individuals all received the highest levels on the scoring.  Most importantly, the Survey Team commended the staff for their caring, compassion and dedication to the people they support.

The Northeast Arc was also recognized for excellence in several significant areas, including its agency wide focus on health and nutrition, support for people who are Deaf, for those with complex medical needs, and for outstanding use of community and natural supports.  The opening of the ArcWorks Community Art Center in Peabody Square offers integrated art opportunities, an expanded work environment for the Caning Company, and a gallery that provides paid employment opportunities.

The Residential Division was commended on how each of the 24-hour houses had the feel of a real home.  Each home is tastefully decorated and has flexible supports to provide opportunities for people to participate in community activities of their choice.  The standardized assessments and training plans to assist people in continually increasing their home and community safety skills were recognized as some of the best the Survey Team has ever seen.

The Day Services Division was commended on their new facility in Danvers.  The professional office spaces and production areas used for job training and skill development provide a comprehensive learning environment.  The employment component of the Northeast Arc was commended for its development and implementation of innovative person centered assessment tools utilized for assisting with career planning and securing community employment.
Many of the individuals surveyed were supported to maintain a variety of meaningful relationships with family and friends and to engage in social and recreational activities that promoted the development and maintenance of new and existing relationships. We have a long history of providing innovative and effective quality services and are proud of being part of an organization that makes every effort to provide needed services in our communities.

The Northeast Arc is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing lifelong support to children and adults living with disabilities.  We offer programs and services in more than 150 cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts.  Throughout our 58-year history in the Commonwealth, the Northeast Arc has received much recognition for the variety of supports we offer, including those not surveyed in this certification process such as our Autism Support Program, Personal Assistance Program and Early Intervention Programs.

We are pleased to be part of a team that has achieved such positive outcomes for our services that help people living with developmental disabilities. This significant recognition is an indication of our dedication and passion to improve the quality of lives for all of the people and families we serve.