Helping those in need for more than 55 years

By DANIELLE LYNCH

WEST GOSHEN — For more than 55 years, the Arc of Chester County has provided programs for those with special needs, including those with physical and cognitive disabilities and in particular those with mental retardation.
Formerly known as the Association for Retarded Children, the Arc of Chester County is affiliated with the Arc of the United States which was founded in Philadelphia.
Executive Director Diane Carey said the Arc staff works on the strengths and interests of the children to maximize their developmental activities from the age that they are children until they enter the public sector. Children with special needs generally qualify for early intervention between the time they are born until age 3, then they can go to specialized preschool between ages 3 to 5. And then from 5- to 21-years-old special-needs children can attend school, she said.
The First Step Early Intervention Home Program is among one of the Arc’s services in which the staff provides specialized services for the newborns until the age of 3. There’s also the First Step Early Intervention Preschool Program which is for disabled children between ages 3 to 5.
Director of Social Work and Early Intervention Services Anne Bernstein said parents of special-needs children have dreams and visions of their kids when they are younger and then the dreams are constantly refined and revised. In particular, it’s hard for the families at the child’s birthday and holidays, Bernstein said.
“It’s a grief cycle unlike death – it goes on and on,” she said.

Inside the Arc, Bernstein explains that every day for 30 minutes, the children have recess. There’s also a gross motor room for the students. The school day is from 9 a.m. to 1: 45 p.m.
Down the hall, there are two classrooms specifically for children with autism. There is a total of seven classrooms in the building in West Goshen and one off-site classroom, Bernstein said.
“The focus is language and independent skills,” Bernstein said, before stopping at one of student’s desks where she pulled out a Picture Exchange Communication book used to help the child communicate.
At another nearby classroom, a student was braced in a upright structure which allowed him to color on a table. Other students in the classroom were using walkers or wheelchairs - some of which were motorized which helps the kids develop independence, Bernstein said.
Two doors down, there was a classroom that was decorated with bright colors. Carey noted that this room created more stimulation, which some kids need and others do not.
Across the hall, there was an on-site office for a nurse.
“It’s critical for the children to be served,” Carey said.
While visiting the lunchroom, students ate while receiving help from occupational therapists. A younger girl used her bracelet with the words “Yes” and “No” on it to respond to a therapist who asked her if she wanted more food.
Around the corner, there’s a music therapy room to help the children that may process better through music. There’s also a physical therapist and speech pathologist on hand to help other students.
After preschool, there are ways families and their special-needs children can stay in touch with the Arc, Carey said. The Arc provides educational advocacy to parents who may need help finding services or dealing with school districts. In addition, there are several camps and clubs such as Camp Safari, Fun Club and adult activities. Life skills training is available for teenagers, Carey said.
“A lot of Arc kids create strong friendships with each other,” Bernstein said.

For more information about the Arc of Chester County, visit http://www.arcofchestercounty.org/
For a copy of the Arc’s Resource Manual for Families and Advocates of Adults and Children with special needs, click here (PDF).
To receive information monthly by e-mail send your e-mail address to jcaldwell@arcofchestercounty.org.

To contact staff writer Danielle Lynch, send an e-mail to dlynch@dailylocal.com.