November is underway and despite the continued wave of COVID-19 the approaching holiday season reminds us to reflect on all we have to be grateful for. 

And better days are coming…

Speaking of better days, we were thrilled to launch a brand new option for people relative to day services – AWC Individualized Day Support. Please read more below and let us know if you’re interested in additional information. 

We're happy to share that another home built specifically to support people with acquired brain injuries will soon be completed in Sandwich - a major step forward towards expanding our services on Upper Cape Cod. 

Please know that while methods and procedures may change due to the pandemic, our staff are doing all they can to continue safely supporting you including the continuation of our holiday giving programs. Take a look below to hear how we're keeping our Thanksgiving food drive and holiday gift giving programs alive this year.

I hope you are staying well and Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,
Mary Valachovic
Executive Director
Sandwich ABI Home

Our newest home to support people with acquired brain injuries is getting ready to welcome people home! We're so proud of our ABI team and the incredible work they continue to do, even during a pandemic.
Holiday Giving Programs

This year we are so pleased to be providing Thanksgiving meals once again, even if a little differently! Plans are in place to distribute Thanksgiving meals to people and families we support via a drive-through pickup process.

And in a few short weeks, our holiday gift giving program will begin. Rather than using the traditional Giving Trees you are accustomed to seeing in various locations throughout Plymouth, we will be spreading holiday cheer and supporting local families with digital wish lists. Keep your eyes peeled for more info soon.
Events

Free Virtual Workshop - Basic Rights: Evaluation and Eligibility
Friday, November 20th
3:30 - 5:30 PM

Parent & Caregiver Support Group -
Topic: Local Community Resources
Join us for an opportunity to share and learn from other parents and caregivers about local resources. Come join to check in, take a break, connect with others and learn!
Tuesday, November 24th
7:00 PM
Basic Rights: Evaluation and Eligibility - A Free Virtual Workshop for Parents and Professionals

Hosted in Partnership with The Federation for Children with Special Needs

Details
Friday, November 20th
3:30 - 5:30 PM

Our Family Support Center is proud to be offering this free virtual workshop, "Basic Rights: Evaluation and Eligibility." This session will provide an introduction of complex special education laws and procedures.

Workshop Topics
•Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Massachusetts Laws
•Evaluations and Referrals
•The Team Meeting
•Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 Plans
•Effective Progress
•Transition
•Review of Important Timelines
•Strategies for Success and more!
New Virtual Session: Travel Training
Beginning Thursday, November 19 through January 13 

In partnership with GATRA and Certified Travel Trainer, Patti Waitkevich

The Arc is pleased to offer this new series of virtual sessions. Join Patti for a two-month travel training series to learn how to use the GATRA bus line and the new, on-demand GO-GATRA micro-transit service.

Topics will include:
  • How to plan a trip
  • How to get to and from your bus stop
  • How to ride a specific fixed bus route (Freedom & Liberty Route)
  • How to pay bus fares and purchase tickets and passes
  • How to recognize bus numbers, bus stops, and landmarks
  • How to prepare for the “What ifs” and unexpected
  • Phone, emergency and safety skills
  • How to board with a mobility device
  • How to read route maps & bus schedules
COVID-19 Holiday Gatherings & Visitation Guidelines
As we welcome the season for holiday visits and family dinners, it is important that we remain diligent related to the health and safety of our residents, families, and support staff. The Department of Developmental Services is taking a very cautious approach to visitation over the holidays, for both visitation in our residential homes and visitation to the homes of our residents’ families and friends. Given the current surge of COVID-19 cases in congregate living care programs, and also across the state, we would like family members and others to consider the following new information when making plans over the holidays:
  • Areas across the state are experiencing an unprecedented surge in positive COVID-19 cases. As of today, there is a 44% increase in positive cases in the Northeast Region, 17% increase in the Metro Region, and 22% increase in positive cases in the Southeast Region (The Arc’s area of service). Additionally, there is a 25% increase in positive cases related to in-home visitation in group homes across the state. Given this new data, it is undeniable that the entire Commonwealth is experiencing a surge in new cases.
  • The increase in COVID-19 positive cases is now considered intergenerational, therefore the likelihood of transmission is high for all ages. Per Governor Baker’s recent order, the Commonwealth is also now limiting indoor gatherings to 10 or less people.
  • The Commonwealth and CDC recently updated guidance regarding the length of time that is considered an exposure risk from a continuous 15 minutes of contact to an accumulative 15 minutes of contact.
  • The Arc is now conducting testing for all of our residential staff, including support staff such as nursing on a regular basis. In accordance with the state mandated policy, The Arc is testing all of our residential support staff regularly.
  • The Arc will provide full holiday meals and celebrations for our residents in all of our homes on Thanksgiving Day.

Please click the button below to read our full statement and policy.
Launch of Individualized Day Support

Having recognized the challenges posed to our participants and their families by day program closures, the Arc recently launched Phase 1 of in-person AWC Individualized Day Supports (IDS). 

This newly launched service allowed day participants and families the choice of utilizing existing Day Services staff, or a directly-hired support person of their choosing, to support the participants in the family home and/or community. IDS services are uniquely tailored to the individual’s wants, needs, preferences and ISP goals following a collaborative interest assessment with the participant and their family or caregiver. 

The Arc is actively seeking additional, dedicated Community Support Specialists to expand the bandwidth of this endeavor and support more participants and families. 

To learn more, stay tuned for the dates of our upcoming virtual Agency With Choice informational webinars!
Contact Your Senator: Co-Sponsor These Budget Amendments for the Disability Community

The state budget is now being deliberated in the Senate for fiscal year 2021 (ending in June 30, 2021). Your advocacy is needed at this vital step in the budget process!

Organizations like The Arc need additional funding to stabilize the safety net, support disabled individuals and families, and prevent day program closures. By reaching out to your legislators today, we can raise the alarm on how seriously the pandemic is affecting families and our services system and advance some of these line items in the budget.

The Arc of Massachusetts has created a simple tool to quickly contact your Senator to help advocate for funding. Use the button below to send your message now!
End-of-Year Giving

It's unbelievable to say, but 2020 is almost over!

As you make plans to finalize your charitable contributions before year-end, please consider donating to enhance the services that The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod provides to people with disabilities and their families in your community.

With the help of contributions like yours, we've been able to:
  • Help a family modify their van for their son who has cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and vision challenges
  • Provide 701 people with food pantry assistance over the last few months
  • Provide 67 families with young children with emergency financial assistance


The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to organizations with 501(c)(3) status may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor to determine deductibility of this contribution.
The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod appreciates your support!