Berkshire County Arc's Introductory Handbook

WELCOME! We are pleased that you have decided to join us at BCArc and hope you will be happy in your new program. If you need help with anything, please don’t hesitate to let any one of us know how we may be of assistance. We will always try our best to listen and follow up on your concerns and requests.

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OUR MISSION Berkshire County Arc is committed to assisting and supporting individuals in their quest to identify and realize their chosen lifestyles.

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OUR CULTURE We are dedicated to creating an environment that embraces the following characteristics:

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At Berkshire County Arc we are committed to person-centered planning, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging civic and community participation, fostering social relationships, and respecting spiritual beliefs.

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Are you moving into a BCArc Residence?

BCArc offers both Brain Injury and DDS funded Residences. If you are moving into one of our programs or community apartments, you will have a Site Manager and staff working with you, and other people available to help as well.

Your Site Manager will tell you about the daily activities and opportunities which occur. All individuals participate in the daily decision-making in the house.

If you are moving into a shared living placement, your shared living provider will work with you to make decisions about your routines, activities, and other opportunities.

In any home supported by BCArc, you can expect to live your life under the influence of these basic principles: Respect/Dignity; Individual Control; Community Membership; Relationships; Personal Growth; Personal WellBeing.

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Day and Work Activities If you want to improve your health, learn new skills, be involved in your community, spend time with friends, or get a job—BCArc can help! We have a range of day and vocational programs you can access that can help you do all of those things and more!

Skill development, volunteering, social/recreational activities, community engagement: • Day Habilitation programs o Social Development Center (SDC) o Center for Development (CFD) o Crossroads • Senior Programs • Brain Injury Day Program (Nu-Opps)

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Day and Work Activities (continued)

Skill development, volunteering, social/recreational activities, community engagement—with an emphasis on skills needed for employment: • Community-Based Day Programs (Transitions and Northview) • Brain Injury Community Center Services for students transitioning out of high school: • Transition Enrichment Program (TEP): For students getting ready to move from school into adult services • School to Career Program Vocational Opportunities: • Employment Services • Supported Work, Pre-Employment Services 8

No matter what program you choose to access, staff will be available to support you, and review the services, daily opportunities and expectations of your program or work site. They will explain the overall purpose and operation of the program and help you to be successful.

You may access more than one day or work service—you could work some days and attend a day habilitation or community-based day services program on other days.

You will make decisions and have choices on all aspects of your program.

Within BCArc’s residential and day services, you will have access to a wide variety of supports designed to meet an array of needs, which may include 24-Hour Nursing, Behavioral Support, Physical & Occupational Therapy Consultation, and Speech Therapy Consultation 9

FAMILY SUPPORT & ADVOCACY If you are coming to BCArc as a community member, we have a wide range of services and supports that you may choose to explore: • Financial Support: o Adult Family Care o Public Benefits/Pooled Trusts • Central & Southern Berkshire County Family Support Center o Educational Advocacy o Service Navigation o Activities and Events • Respite & Volunteer Supports: o Respite House o Individualized Respite Supports (Outreach) o Citizen Advocacy/Mentor Program • Advocacy Support Groups: o Down Syndrome Family Group o Self-Advocacy Groups 10

Community Integration: BCArc offers a wide range of community-integrated activities to foster meaningful social connections. Examples of past activities include dances, parties, volunteer projects, picnics, sporting events, outings, plays, concerts, festivals...

As a member of the BCArc community, we hope you will join in the fun!

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YOUR HUMAN RIGHTS As a citizen you have the same rights as everyone, including:

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Each BCArc program has a staff member called a Human Rights Officer who will be meeting with you individually to discuss these rights in detail. Along with this handbook, you will receive a copy of the BCArc Human Rights Manual and the BCArc Grievance Procedure.

TERMINATION AND RE-ENTRY OF SERVICES Termination of services will take place only upon your request, upon program completion, or upon the inability of BCArc to provide appropriate services. No person will be terminated from services if an alternative program is not available. If you have been terminated from services, and wish to re-enter the program, an Intake Meeting will occur to discuss your current strengths, abilities, needs, and personal preferences.

395 South Street * PO Box 2 * Pittsfield, MA 01202 Phone (TTY): (413) 499-4241 * Fax: (413) 445-7863 * Email: bcarc@bcarc.org*www.bcarc.org

Reviewed: 8/97, 6/01, 6/05, 1/09, 10/11, 1/15, 12/17, 3/22 Revised: 8/97, 6/05, 1/09, 10/11, 1/15, 12/17, 3/22 13