Friday Newsletter
Hispanic Heritage Month
Staff Reminders
Arc Email: Please be checking your ne-arc email regularly. We recommend that you download the Outlook app on your smartphone
Zoom Phone: Please make sure you are utilizing your Zoom phone associated with your Northeast Arc account. If you do not have a Zoom phone, please reach out to the Staffing Coordinator.
Progress Notes: All Progress Notes are due in Netsmart by Monday at 9:00 am
Remember to e-sign your progress notes. If you are unable to submit your progress notes on time, please notify the Staffing Coordinator immediately
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 to honor the cultures, contributions, and history of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This observance recognizes the profound impact of Hispanic heritage on our nation's diversity and strength.
It's important to appreciate how Hispanic culture enriches our community. This month offers an opportunity to learn about Hispanic perspectives on disability, family dynamics, and support systems. By embracing diverse cultural backgrounds, we can provide more inclusive and culturally sensitive care to all the individuals we serve.
Let's take this time to celebrate the Hispanic members of our staff, the families we work with, and the broader Hispanic community's invaluable contributions to our field and society as a whole.
Important Links
HOWTO PUNCHIN& PUNCHOUT
ACCESS YOUR ZOOM PHONE
Once the Zoom app is opened, click the Phone button, then click the keypad button.
CALLING KRONOS
In order to punch in, you need to call the time and attendance line. The number is 978-226-4865.
You will be asked to enter your employee ID, then press #.
This will punch you in.
To punch out, repeat this process.
REMEMBER YOUR PUNCH IN/OUT TIME
It is important to remember what time you punched in and out.
The start and end time on your progress note should match your punch in and out time.
When you arrive for your scheduled shift, you need to punch in. To punch in, open the Zoom app on your mobile device.
A Weekend To Remember: Respite Program
Join Northeast Arc for an opportunity to unwind, recharge, and discover your potential! We are excited to announce a first-of-its-kind respite program for young adults with disabilities looking to gain independent living skills. Each weekend retreat will provide a wide range of hands-on learning activities as well as unique outings in the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet other peers in the community during this shared living experience.
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS
The retreat offers a relaxing respite opportunity for attendees while giving caregivers time to themselves.
Complete with activities such as cooking classes, budgeting workshops, safety seminars, and everything in between!
Young adults will learn valuable social skills while making new friends in a supportive and inclusive environment.
BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM
THE BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM IS AN EFFORT TO EASE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM AND LAW ENFORCEMENT DURING MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR INTERACTIONS.
ThecoreideaoftheBlueEnvelopeisstraightforward yetimpactful Itinvolvesaspeciallydesignedenvelope thatholdsadriver'sessentialdocuments license, registration,andacontactcard However,its significancegoesbeyondjustastoragesolution The envelopefeaturescriticalcommunicationguidelineson itsexterior,specificallytailoredtoassistlawenforcement officersinrecognizingandadaptingtheirapproach wheninteractingwithadriverwhohasautism
THIS INITIATIVE ADDRESSES SEVERAL KEY OBJECTIVES:
Enhancing Understanding Reducing Anxiety
Streamlining Communication Encouraging Preparedness
The Blue Envelope is more than just an envelope; it's a symbol of our commitment to inclusivity and understanding. It represents a step forward in ensuring that every driver, regardless of their neurological differences, can experience a sense of safety and respect on the road.
Through this program, we aim to build bridges between law enforcement and the autism community, fostering a culture of awareness and compassion that benefits everyone involved.
For more information, visit: www.mass.gov/info-details/blue-envelope-program
14 Cedar Street #213, Amesbury MA 01913 978.378.4660
www.TEKCollaborative.org info@tekcollaborative.org
OUR MISSION
To provide internet enabled devices to anyone in need. The digital divide is a global problem. Our goal is to form strategic partnerships with businesses, organizations, schools, and government offices to create an ecosystem of device access, internet access, and education.
Provide FREE devices to those most in need EDUCATION
Partnerships and programs that bring technology to people KINDNESS
Offering people a hand up, not a hand out.
MassHire
LEARN
ABOUT YOURSELF
One of the best ways to explore careers is to understand more about yourself.
What is MassHire?
MassHire is a statewide network of career centers in Massachusetts that provide employment and training services to job seekers, including individuals with developmental disabilities.
Career Cluster Inventory Learning Styles Survey
The Career Cluster Inventory helps you think about activities that you like and matches them to the 16 national career clusters. Learning more about your interests and how they fit with clusters is one way to find a career you will enjoy!
Answer a variety of questions that will generate results based on your interests.
Take a short survey to help identify the ways you learn best Knowing more about your learning style will make you a more effective learner. You will also get study tips for your learning style.
Job Search Assistance
MassHire career centers offer personalized job search assistance, including help with creating resumes, practicing interview skills, and identifying job opportunities that match the individual's skills and abilities.
Employer Connections
MassHire works closely with local employers and can help individuals with developmental disabilities connect with companies that are committed to hiring and supporting employees with disabilities.
Training Opportunities
MassHire offers various training programs and workshops that can help individuals with developmental disabilities acquire new skills or enhance existing ones, improving their employability.
Northeast Arc’s Recreation program gives our clients the opportunity to engage with peers and find events they will enjoy. Although you cannot attend recreationwithyourclients,thisisagreatresourcetoshowthemandtoworkon signingupforeventsduringyoursessions.
August 26 to October 19
Please Note: Prior to attending any recreation activities, registration and an intake is required.
August 26 to October 19
Please Note: Prior to attending any recreation activities, registration and an intake is required.
Afewwordscangoalongwayinhelping someonefeelunderstood.Saysomethingas simpleas“Ihearyou”or“Thatmustseem reallyhard,”andyou’relikelytoprovidemore emotionalsupporttothatindividualthanyou realize.Tellyourselfthatyourecognizean innerexperience,andyoucanlikewisebenefit internally.It’saconceptcalledvalidation,and itinvolvestheacknowledgementand acceptanceofthoughtsandfeelingsintheir currentcontext.
OCTOBER 1, 2024
11:00-12:00 PM
JoinusasKathrynBroge,LICSW, sharesthesciencebehindvalidation andwhyitworks,offersexamplesof howtovalidatetheexperiencesof thosewelove,alongwithourown, andanswersquestionsabouthowto practicevalidationinchallenging interactions.
DISORDERED EATINGAND AUTISMOBESITY
Tune in to learn research updates on co-occurring disordered eating and autism, including emerging findings to a higher risk for obesity.
Francesca Solmi, PhD, is a senior epidemiologist serving as a principal research fellow at University College London, with over a decade of experience researching risk factors for adolescent psychiatric disorders
In her research, she uses extensive general population cohort study data, population registers, linked electronic health records, and epidemiological designs for causal inference in observational data She has published scientific papers in high-impact factor journals, informing policy and scientific funding priorities
Peer support
You are not alone! Come join us for a peer led support group.
Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 pm to 3 pm
Scan the QR code or Click here to join
GRATEFUL ASPECTS
young adults peer support group
Mondays 3pm-4pm on Zoom
Scan the QR code
LGBTQ+ Community Gatherings
A space to build a support system, and a sense of chosen family, with your community.
Our community gatherings are peer-led support groups that are non-clinical and led by a collective of individuals with lived experience in the group's topic or community. Each community gathering is unique to the population it serves and is created in a peer-led collaborative group process There is no pressure to share to attend We welcome anyone, anywhere that is 18+.
Community Gatherings
Thefollowingarefree,non-clinical,peer-ledsupportgroupshostedbyPeerSupport SpacetakingplaceinEasternTime(EST).Newfriendsarealwayswelcome. Registrationisrequiredforin-personeventssothatwecankeepourgatheringsunder 10peopleasaCOVIDprecaution. Forourvirtualgroups,pleaseusethezoomlinksonthewebsite(oncomputerorzoom phoneapp)toenter
12PMand6PMEachDay,Monday-Saturday **YoumustemailMary@peersupportspace.orgto receivethepasscodesforthedailycommunal gatherings-thisisasecurityprecautiontoensure thatwearekeepingthespaceassafeaspossible**
For more information, visit https://peersupportspace. org/communitygatherings-1 Daily Communal Gatherings
2024 Topsfield Fair
America's oldest agricultural fair, will return to Topsfield, Massachusetts in early October. It will feature agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, carnival rides, and local food. Signature events like the giant pumpkin contest are expected to return, celebrating the region's agricultural heritage while entertaining visitors of all ages
Sensory Day
October 4 - 14, 2024
Sensory Day is an opportunity for a more sensory sensitive experience to the Topsfield Fair for families who have family members with autism or sensory processing disorders. Vendors will have no flashing lights, music or announcements. Sound for entertainment and stages will be lowered and announcements on the grounds will be limited and turned down as well. This will be held on Monday, October 7.
Monday, October 7
ClinicalDrivingEvaluations,AdaptiveDrivingTraining, andReadinesstoDriveAssessments
OwnedandoperatedbyOccupationalTherapists
WhatWeOffer
ClinicalDriving Evaluations
Thegold-standardevaluationfor medicallycomplexand/orolderadult drivers
Eachevaluationbeginsintheclinic withanassessmentoftheunderlying skillsrequiredfordriving,including physical,cognitive,visual,and perceptualabilities
ThisisconductedbyanOccupational Therapistwhoisskilledintailoringthe evaluationtoeachindividual’sneeds, andtakesabout2hourstocomplete Uponcompletionofthein-clinic assessment,appropriateclientswill thenbescheduledforanin-vehicle evaluation(tooccuratalaterdate) beforeafinalrecommendation regardingdrivingsafetyismade
AdaptiveDriving Evaluations &Training
Evaluationsforthoselookingtodrive withadaptiveequipmentsuchashand controls,spinnerknobs,andleftfoot accelerators
AdaptiveDrivingclientswillbeginby participatinginthein-clinicportionof theComprehensiveClinicalDriving Evaluationtoassessphysical, cognitive,visualandperceptualskills anddetermineiftheclientisagood candidatetolearntodrivewith adaptiveequipment
Fromthere,appropriateclientswill thenparticipateinanin-vehicle assessmenttotrialdifferentoptionsof adaptiveequipment Thisinitial processtakesapproximately2hours Recommendationsforfollow-up trainingwillbemadeattheconclusion oftheappointment
ReadinesstoDrive Evaluations
Specializedevaluationsfor neurodiversenewdrivers
Clientsbeginwithaninitial OccupationalTherapyevaluationto determinetheirlearningstyleand assessthecoordination,motor planning,executivefunction,and visual-perceptualabilitiesthatare requiredforsafedriving Theywillthengoontoparticipatein anin-carpassengerassessmentfor theopportunitytoobservehowthe clientattendstoandprocessescritical informationinthedrivingenvironment Recommendationsregardingdriving readinessandnextstepswillbe discusseduponcompletion
Healthy Eating Tips & Recipes
For more information about this recipe, visit https://www myplate gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/banana-walnut-oatmeal
For more information about this recipe, visit https://www myplate gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/anytime-pizza
Exploretheselocations/hobbiesfor yournextsessionwithyourclient!
Cost-Free
LocalParks
PublicLibraries
CommunityGardens
HikingTrails
PublicArtGalleriesorExhibitions
Farmer’Markets
UniversityCampuses(outdoor areas)
HistoricalLandmarksorMonuments
ScenicViewpointsorOverlooks
PublicSquaresorPlazas
BotanicalGardens(somemaybe free)
NatureReserves
WaterfrontAreasorRiverfronts
PublicSportsFacilities(basketball courts,tenniscourts)
BirdWatchingAreas
FreeMuseumDays
OutdoorFitnessParks
DogParks
GeocachingLocations
FreeconcertsinParks
Low-Cost NewHobbies
Localmuseums
Mini-golfcourses
BowlingAlleys
ArtClasses
LocalTheatreProductions
Farmer’sMarketCooking
Classes
PotteryPaintingStudio
EscapeRooms
YogaClasses
LocalSportsEvents
MovieTheatre
Restaurants
LocalMusicEvents
GardeningorIndoorPlantCare
ModelBuilding(trains,planes, ships)
JigsawPuzzles
DigitalPhotography
CodingorWebDevelopment
Collecting(stamps,coins,rocks)
DrawingorPainting
Origami
Birdwatching
Writing(journaling,fiction,poetry)
Knittingorcrocheting
Playingamusicalinstrument
CookingorBaking
AquariumKeeping
LegoBuilding
Scrapbooking
September 2024 Community Events
FALL FRIDAYS ON THE FARMAMESBURY MA
Every Friday | Click Here
Grab food from guest food trucks, apple cider, pumpkins and apples from the farm store or just enjoy fall on the farm with free live music Each date weather dependent
THE NETWORK: A SOCIAL NETWORKING PROGRAM - LOWELL
Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month | Click Here
TheNetworkisasocialnetworkingprogramfor neurodiverseadolescentsandyoungadultsaged between16-30years.Thegoalistoprovidean opportunitytomeetothersandhopefullymake connections $75annualfeetoparticipate
FALLIDAY FUN VENDOR AND CRAFT FAIR - DANVERS MA
Saturday, October 5 | Click Here
ComegetyourFallon.25+vendorsandcraftersreadyto serveallyourfallneeds.Decor,Candles,Jewelry, Macrame,Wine,SkinCare,andmore!
CORNHOLETHURSDAYS-SALEMMA
Every Thursday | Click Here
Welcome to Cornhole Thursdays at Rivalry! Join us for an evening of fun and competition, where you can put your cornhole skills to the test in a lively atmosphere. Best of all, there's no entry fee, so gather your friends and come on down!
MUSICALBINGOATHORSESHOEGRILL| NORTHREADINGMA
Every Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 pm | Click Here
Come have some fun with us tonight!! Great Prizes and so much fun! Everyone loves music! Everyone loves bingo Cross off 5 Songs in a row to win a prize
In Home Supports
Matthew Ataya Autism Coaching
Matthew Ataya College Navigation
Matthew Ataya Agency with Choice
Matthew Ataya Social Group
Kailey Taggart A Weekend to Remember: Respite Program
Kailey Taggart
As a valued member of our team, we want to make sure you have the best support in your role. It is important to know who your point of contact is for your program. Below you will find each program under Guided Personal Supports (GPS). The name of your supervisor will be next to your program. To ensure efficient communication, please reach out to your designated program supervisor. If it is urgent and your supervisor is unavailable, contact the Program Director or Program Coordinator.
ne-arc.org
