THE ARC MIDDLESEX COUNTY

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES:FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS PROVIDE SERVICES FOR A FAMILY MEMBER WHO HAS A DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY LIVING AT HOME. THIS PROGRAM OFFERS A NETWORK OF SERVICES THAT INCLUDES RESPITE, ADVOCACY, OUTREACH AND RECREATION. STAFF MEMBERS RECEIVE ONGOING TRAINING TO PROVIDE INFORMATION THAT WILL ASSIST FAMILIES IN EVALUATING APPROPRIATE SERVICES FOR THEIR NEEDS.RESPITE SERVICES: FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALISTS ARE HIRED TO PROVIDE A SHORT-TERM BREAK FOR FAMILY MEMBERS RECEIVING REGULAR RESPITE. THE STAFF PERSON PROVIDES COMPANIONSHIP AND WORKS TOWARD MUTUAL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES WITHIN VARIOUS AREAS SUCH AS SOCIALIZATION, DAILY LIVING SKILLS AND COMMUNITY INTEGRATION. THE CASH OPTION/VOUCHER PROGRAM OFFERS FAMILIES THE FLEXIBILITY TO HIRE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE FAMILY MEMBERS, NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS TO PROVIDE SUPPORTS IN THEIR HOMES. THE RESPITE WORKER IS EMPLOYED BY THE FAMILY AND IS NOT CONSIDERED AN EMPLOYEE OF THE ARC MIDDLESEX.MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY RESPITE: THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF OUR SATURDAY RESPITE PROGRAM GEARED FOR YOUNG ADULTS. THE PROGRAM WORKS IN CONJUNCTION WITH SEVERAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS ENCOURAGING INDIVIDUAL GROWTH THROUGH EACH CHILD'S INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLAN AND THEIR INDIVIDUAL SERVICE PLAN. THE PROGRAM IS OPEN FROM 3:00 P.M. TO 6 P.M. AGE APPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES ARE INTEGRATED INTO THEIR INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMMING.SATURDAY RESPITE IS A SUPERVISED PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WHO HAVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. THIS IS A STRUCTURED PROGRAM OF SOCIALIZATION AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY WHICH EMPHASIZES INDIVIDUAL GROWTH AND SOCIALIZATION. THE PROGRAM MEETS WEEKLY.OUTREACH SERVICES AND RESOURCES: THE ARC MIDDLESEX REACHES OUT TO FAMILIES WHO HAVE CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN NUMEROUS WAYS.SUPPORT MEETINGS ARE HELD THROUGHOUT MIDDLESEX COUNTY IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE ALL FAMILIES WHO ARE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING EDUCATION AND INFORMATIVE MEETINGS. THERE ARE AN ARRAY OF TOPICS THAT ARE COVERED BY PROFESSIONAL SPEAKERS SUCH AS: TRANSITIONING, GUARDIANSHIP AND ESTATE PLANNING, NUTRITION, PUBLIC INFORMATION SHARING, JUST TO NAME A FEW. FAMILIES ARE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER AND EXCHANGE INFORMATION AND IDEAS. AS A RESULT, FRIENDSHIPS AND STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEMS OCCUR.WE OFFER RESPITE TRAINING TO FAMILIES AND RESPITE WORKERS FREE OF CHARGE WHO CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.THE ARC MIDDLESEX WELCOMES DIVERSE GROUPS. AN INTERPRETER IS AVAILABLE AT MEETINGS FOR SPANISH SPEAKING FAMILIES.