Maura's Bright Future - The Greater Richmond ARC

When Maura was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, her mother Kathleen said, The Greater Richmond ARC made her and her husband feel a part of a community.

An ARC team from their Infant and Child Development Services (ICDS) program visited their home weekly providing physical, occupational, speech (and later educational) therapies for Maura, and their "calm, measured and smart" demeanors helped them as much as it did their daughter. "I felt like through that initial time the therapists were there for me and the rest of my family as much as they were there for Maura".

While Kathleen has a Master's in Special Education, she still needed help and information after Maura's diagnosis and ARC made the process "less overwhelming." ICDS provided her with suggestions about books and products that would benefit her daughter and information about community-based activities like the Special Olympics young athlete's program.

ARC's home-based visits also had real advantages-- the therapists taught Maura how to practice climbing her own stairs and worked with her while she played with her own toys and books. The therapists were also unflappable which came in handy, Kathleen said, when her five other children were home.

The ARC therapists were such a part of the family's life and overall well-being that it was "really emotional" when Maura graduated from the ICDS program, adding that the therapists "really extended themselves" to ensure a smooth transition. They helped by "making recommendations going forward. They are aware that parents get attached."

Maura graduated from ICDS at the end of 2010, but still receives speech therapy at ARCenter, the organization's headquarters, twice a month. Maura and her family see a bright future and are grateful for the help they’ve received from ARC.

Want to help?

You can give by designating The Greater Richmond ARC, CVC #7297 when you make your pledge for 2011.

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