The Arc of the Capital Area Virtual Education Program
The Arc of the Capital Area (The Arc) provides services for more than 1,000 clients and their families with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) offering services in: education, employment, independent living, transition and educational advocacy, and dog therapy. The term I/DD includes more than 100 I/DD diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and Down syndrome. Those served by The Arc of the Capital Area are one of the most vulnerable and often forgotten groups of people during the COVID-19 crisis. We all have very little control right now, and the unknown is scary; but for those served by The Arc, they have even less control, autonomy or ways to connect with others and need The Arc now more than ever.
Despite its physical office being closed to clients and the public since March 13th, The Arc has not missed a beat in providing all of its programs and services to clients to keep them involved, engaged, and active both mentally and physically. On March 23rd The Arc’s dedicated staff developed, implemented, and launched its vital virtual Arts & Education Program to existing clients.
The Arc of the Capital Area follows Austin ISD protocol regarding closings. Since Austin ISD announced on April 3rd an indefinite closure of all campuses due to the coronavirus pandemic, The Arc is being proactive in its program initiatives. While the AISD’s announcement means the educational setting will continue to look different for the weeks come, The Arc wants to share its newly developed program with those who have I/DD in the community and are in need of continued education and social interaction. Starting Monday April 6, 2020, The Arc of the Capital Area will be opening enrollment to its virtual daytime Arts & Education classes to any individuals who experience I/DD. For details, see the attached flyer or visit www.arcaustin.org/virtual where registration is also available.
The impact during the first week has been outstanding, as attested to by the parent of a client:
To Whom It May Concern:
As a parent of an adult/child with Asperger Syndrome on the Autism Spectrum, I wanted to share just a few words of feeling with you. From birth through high school, there are numerous resources to help shape and include special needs children. They are able to attend school and either participate in special education or mainstream classes, walking, talking, and sharing with others similar and also different than themselves.
Then adulthood (at least the age part) arrives. Reality sets in for the adult/child with the special needs. There are no longer easy places to fit in. Imagine how very excited this family was to find The Arc of the Capital Area. Day Hab classes have been a Godsend. My daughter has been attending classes there for several years. She is high-functioning and relishes participating in classes and community challenges offered by The Arc.
If you are not familiar with Asperger Syndrome, please let me enlighten you. CHANGE is the enemy. I mean change of any kind. This is a day-to-day challenge for my daughter and thus for her family, friends, and resource providers. Until recently, we were coping fairly well, balancing needs for our middle-aged child, client, friend. Although, as an aging parent, I have begun to feel the overall changes were becoming more difficult to master and the stress levels harder to balance.
Then COVID-19 entered the picture. My daughter felt as if her whole world had ended. She was no longer able to see her friends, attend church, or choir, or bowling. She could not attend classes at The Arc. Even though she is able to do many things, she lacks the capacity to understand the level of quarantine imposed upon the nation. Then the challenge of keeping her alert and interested reared an ugly head in working through this shelter-at-home dilemma. She was managing, but I could see the daily decline of interest and the spark of hope “that this too shall pass” dim.
I must say that a miracle happened when The Arc advised they had received a scholarship and donation of computers. This scholarship allows my daughter to use a computer and participate as if she were still in class with her friends and her teachers. Actually, I have to share that the computer classes provided thus far have made her happier than she has been in a while. She looks forward to joining in the classes and being able to actually see familiar faces – beyond descriptive words, uplifting her to participate.
What has been made possible for someone such as my daughter and others in her situation is priceless. There are not enough words of gratitude to thank those responsible. As a parent, retired even before the COVID-19, and always on limited income, the blessings provided by this recent grant have literally shed light in darkness and brought hope to a family previously struggling alone to keep the sparks of education and imagination alive and well. It is my prayer this miracle will continue. Thank you.
CEO Dr. Mary Van Haneghan remarked, “In more than 70 years as an organization and movement, The Arc of the Capital Area has weathered countless storms together. No matter what the coming days hold, we want to make one thing very clear: we will continue to do our best to lead and provide the critical and vital services needed by people with I/DD and their families. This is an unprecedented time for everyone, and "everyone" includes people with disabilities and their families. Our work must and will continue.”
@thearcofthecapitalarea @thearcaustin #thearcaustin #TexansHelpingTexans
Details
April 13, 2020
The Arc of the Capital Area
Name: Amber Nelson
Phone: 7379003918
Email: anelson@arcofthecapitalarea.org