THE ARC COMMUNITY CONNECTION

 Research has consistently found that people with disabilities often report having few friends and spend a great deal of their time in social isolation.  In addition, because of the lack of activity and exposure to positive role models there is a tendency toward poor diet, obesity, substance abuse, family dysfunction and diabetes.   The resulting emotional climate is often one of depression, loneliness, and poor self esteem.  The impact on family dynamics and stability can be devastating.  In The Arc of Greater Tarrant County five county target area the census estimates there are 285,000 people with disabilities, including as many as 100,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.   Estimates suggest that as many as 25% of the homeless fall in this population.  Many more are affected as family members.  The problem is huge. 

As a result, The Arc of Greater Tarrant County offers a program of outreach, services and supports to attack this terrible problem in the Greater Tarrant County area.  In addition to the people who are in services and who come to this activity, an ongoing effort is made to locate and attract people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are not involved in any specific programs or activities and who spend the majority of their lives in isolation, sleeping, eating and/or watching TV.  We provide them with the opportunity to become involved in self-development classes, health awareness and education programs, training in self-advocacy and self-determination, prevocational training and readiness, and health improvement activities such as walking, dancing, bowling, exercise, & yoga.   

The Arc’s Community Connection is one element of that effort and is a community-wide opportunity for people in general, and certainly The Arc’s stakeholders particularly, to join together on a regular and scheduled basis to meet several important needs.  Its purposes include: 

1.      Provide an activity that attracts participation by people who typically leave their homes for few reasons, resulting in isolation and separateness from the community at-large.

2.      Offer an event that has an accepting and non-critical atmosphere which counters stigma and attacks the depression and anxiety that comes from isolation and loneliness.

3.      Involve people in two hours of almost constant exercise and activity which contributes to increased stamina, burned calories, and a positive influence on weight control.

4.      Model a drug, alcohol, and tobacco free activity which can have a positive effect on attitudes and behavior.

5.      Allow for the opportunity for basic social skills training in a real-life setting in such areas as patience, communication, problem solving, anger control, relationships, respecting self and others, and managing stress.

6.      Provide self-advocates the opportunity as volunteers to learn skills directly applicable to employment (handling registration of participants, managing the complementary snack bar, janitorial duties during the event, preparation and planning, etc.).

7.      Participants improve in their coordination and physical skills through dancing and managing themselves in a comfortably large crowd of people.  Some are involved in exercise classes, PT and OT activities, and dance lessons at other times during the month and often their therapists insist that they attend Community Connection as an applied and extended element of their programs. 

The Community Connection typically is attended by 300 to 400 participants each month, many of whom are present for 2 ˝ hours.  For many this is the only event or activity they participate in during the month and may be in fact the only time they leave their homes or apartments.   At the Community Connection, participants learn about other resources and activities in the community, including educational and training opportunities, social events, sporting activities, and health & human services resources.   They develop “community connections” with people and resources which contributes to a stronger capacity for self-direction, inclusion and integration into the community.  Community organizations are invited to participate in this activity by presenting booths to publicize their services in a “health fair” format.  Feedback has been 98% positive.
 

Location:  The Resource Connection
                 2300 Circle Drive
                 Ft. Worth, TX
   
Telephone: (817)531-7663