As we step into the vibrant month ofApril, with its promise of renewal and fresh beginnings, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you.
Thank you foryour continued dedication and for consistently delivering outstanding results, even in the face of new challenges. Your hard work and commitment continue to drive our success forward.
We encourage you to keep growing—both personally and professionally—as we embrace new opportunities together.
Let’s make this a month of momentum, innovation, and shared achievement.
“If April showers should come your way, they bring the flowers that bloom in May.”
― Buddy de Sylva
IMPORTANT STAFF INFORMATION AND REMINDERS
IMPORTANT: To access your tax documents, go to: Click page Choose UltiPro Choose Pay U.S. Wage and Tax Documents
GPS Staff SharePoint: Please utilize the GPS SharePoint drive for program materials. We will continue to add relevant material here and updated forms.
Please visit the SharePoint Drive here:
Share Point
Arc Email: Please be checking your ne-arc email regularly.
Zoom Phone: Please make sure you are utilizing your Zoom phone associated with your Northeast Arc account.
Progress Notes: All Progress Notes are due in Netsmart by Monday at 9:00 am.
First Aid/CPR Certification: If you have not already done so, please reach out to your supervisor to schedule your manditory First Aid/ CPR training. If you already have a current certification, please send a copy to your supervisor. Please reach out to us to schedule your training.
We would like to recognize Autism Coach Andrea C! At her client’s recent LifePlan meeting, the client’s father proudly declared that Andrea deserved special accolades — and we couldn’t agree more!
He spoke glowingly about her remarkable patience, steadfast support, and consistently positive attitude. Andrea has been an outstanding role model for her client, empowering him to achieve so much. When he expressed his goal of moving into his own apartment, Andrea jumped right in, working diligently to help him complete housing applications and navigate the process. Thanks to her dedication and hard work, he has now successfully secured his own housing!
Thank you, Andrea, foryour compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to making a real difference in the lives of those you support. You truly embodywhat it means to go above and beyond!
We recognize that you are all doing amazing work that is so meaningful to the clients you serve. Thank you, everyone, for all you do!
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Movie
AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (familyfriendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month
THANKYOU TO
Project Harmony is a series of inclusive, community-based experiential music programs designed to celebrate potential and highlight similarities rather than differences. Through uplifting music events and ongoing series, participants of all ages and abilities experience meaningful social connection, creative self-expression, authentic friendships, personal growth, and a true sense of belonging. These wholesome, nurturing programs provide respite from stress, health challenges, or chronic pain while promoting enhanced well-being for everyone including families, individuals, adults with developmental disabilities, transitionage youth, and aging adults with cognitive challenges. Volunteers and communityminded organizations are also warmly welcome to participate and contribute.
Thank you so much Roman Music Therapies for bringing Project Harmony to our office! We truly appreciate you sharing your talents and creating such a positive, harmonious experience for our team. Your performance brought joy, connection, and beautiful energy to our space today
North Shore | Community Opportunities
Free event will offer time for game crafts and more for children in 6th gr and younger. The event will end with a property-wide egg hunt so don't forget your Easter basket!
Join us April 4th from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
33 Lake St, West Peabody, MA, United States, Massachus
COMMUNITY ZEN
BEVERLY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Every Friday in April 11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Discover the basics of meditation practice and make contact with our own stability and sanity. Sessions will include brief instruction in sitting posture, teachings for well-being and healing, and practices for working with the mind, along with guided meditation for grounding and centering. Led by Zen Center's founder Joan Amaral
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of excitement, camaraderie, and the thrill of the win at Bingo Games! Get your dabbers ready and mark your calendars for an afternoon filled with anticipation and fun!!
This is a 60 minute yoga class with our instructor Michelle Powers Register with a valid email at least an hour prior to class start time to receive the link to join the class. You will receive an email with login information a half hour before the class begins
CHESS CLUB
DROP-IN.
GLASS OFFICE, STONEHAM LIBRARY
Every Thursday in April 7PM-8PM
This drop-in program is for anyone looking to play chess with others. There will not be a staff member leading the meeting Meetings will take place at 7pm on every Thursday of the month in the Marcy Room. While some chess boards will be provided, players are also encouraged to bring their own boards
Ready Player One Games PARLIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY, EVERETT
NortheastArc’s Community Resource Center connects individuals and familieswith valuable resourcesand events in theirlocal communities. By providing access to these resources, the Community Resource Center empowers families and individuals to actively participate in community life, creating a sense of belongingand inclusion.
DDS Northeast Region Community Resource Specialists
Northeast Arc’s Adult Autism Support Center assists adults with Autism ages 18 and older within the Northeast region, enabling them to flourish in their everyday lives. Our Center creates an environment that encourages personal growth, social inclusion, and self-advocacy. Northeast Region Areas & their Adult Autism Specialists
Lowell Area Contact Us: AdultAutism@ne-arc.org or (978) 624 - 2603
Overview
Eleplan is an AI-powered care planning platform transforming the caregiver experience. Inspired by lived caregiving realities, Eleplan transforms care from fragmented and stressful to organized and peaceful, giving families time with their loved ones, not just coordinating their care.
CompetitiveAdvantage
Eleplanis themost secureAIcaregiving platform, exceeding HIPAA requirements with zero LLM data retention. Its user-led design, real-time collaboration, and tailored data extraction differentiate it from generic notes apps or rigid care platforms.
PROBLEM
Family caregivers are overwhelmed managing care with outdated tools and siloed information. Fragmented care leads to burnout, unmanaged burden, and dangerous gaps.
KnowledgeBase
SOLUTION
Eleplan’s AI creates personalized, shareable care plans from user documents and data, streamlining everything from medications to routines, enabling seamless collaboration and peace of mind.
MARKET SIZE
The U.S. caregiving market exceeds $648B annually. Eleplan targets the 53M U.S. family caregivers. B2B expansion includes health plans and community agencies that support families.
Meet Elllie: Your personal care search engine will generate the most relevant and trusted answers to help you navigate care with confidence.
Upload documents and let us do the rest. No more searching endlessly through piles of paper. Eleplan provides searchable data points for care.
Eleplan collects data at the most granular level to make inferences regarding next steps necessary in your planning journey.
Collaborate,CustomizeandShare
Add Members to collaborate, share on-demand data, customized for every situation and person involved in care.
Accessible Chef is a collection of free visual recipes and other resources to help teach cooking skills to individuals with disabilities at home or in a special education.
Check out our website for visual recipes, resources, and our recipe creator!
What kind of resources are available to teach cooking skills?
Visual Recipes
Visual recipes make use of task analysis, which is an evidence-based approach for breaking down a complex task into manageable steps. Each task is separated into discrete skills, and individuals can learn to complete skills in a specific order to learn new tasks. Students may require visual, physical, or verbal prompts to complete each skill, and prompts may be gradually removed as the individual becomes more independent. Visual recipes share similarities with PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) and curricula created with Boardmaker.
Assistive Technologies
Assistive technologies are available in a variety of low and high tech options. Cooking apps can be found in the Apple app store, and include images of cooking supplies, actions, and appliances that can be combined into recipes and viewed on a phone or tablet. Parents and teachers can also produce video or audio-based prompts, which can be played on phones, tablets, computers, or portable DVD players.
Kitchen Equipment
Kitchen equipment can be adapted to make cooking easier and safer for individuals with physical disabilities. Ideas for adapting kitchen equipment can be found in the resources section. Many challenges in the kitchen can be solved with a combination of creativity, adaptation, and practice.
Check out these recipes by clicking the images below.
If you are having a mental health crisis or need emergency assistance, dial 911 or contact local emergency services
7 Cups https://www7cupscom/ This free online text counseling service connects customers to volunteer listeners who offer non-therapeutic advice Anyone can sign up, including teenagers who are looking for other (trained) teenagers Access to licensed therapists is available for $150 per month. 7 Cups does not accept insurance.
Blah Therapy https://blahtherapy.com/ Free 24/7 anonymous peer chat. Subscriptions for unlimited professional therapy cost $60-$90/week. Blah Therapy does not accept insurance.
Bliss by the Centre of Interactive Mental Health Solutions https://cimhs.com/ Free selfguided online cognitive behavior therapy program for depression Bliss does not offer therapy appointments
Doctor on Demand https://doctorondemandcom/ 24/7 access to doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and other medical experts anytime, including weekends, holidays, and late at night. You can also talk to professionals not related to mental health, including urgent care doctors. Doctors on Demand accepts insurance. If you don’t have insurance, a 25-minute session is $129 and a 50-minute session is $179. Initial psychiatrist appointments cost $299, and 15-minute follow-up appointments are $129.
eTherapyPro https://etherapyprocom/ Access therapy services via video call, phone call, or text chat Free 3-day trial session, though a credit card is required After the trial period, the cost is $40/week ($16000/month) eTherapyPro does not accept insurance
Important Considerations for Online Therapy
Confidentiality, Privacy, and Unreliable Technology Confidentiality is just as important for online therapy as it is for in-person therapy Because information is relayed online, privacy leaks & hacking are a concern Technology problems can also make it difficult to access treatment when you need it
Not Appropriate for Severe & Persistent Mental Illness The scope of online therapy can be limited and may not be effective for more complex situations. For people with an addiction or complex symptoms of a mental health condition, online therapy is not to be recommended unless other in-person therapy is also involved in the treatment plan.
Lack of Response to Crisis Situations If a person is experiencing suicidal thoughts it can be difficult or impossible for the therapist to provide direct assistance. If you are having suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 (US & Canada) or 1-800-273- 8255 for support and help from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Ethical and Legal Concerns Online therapy eliminates geographic restraints, making the enforcement of legal and ethical codes difficult. Therapists can treat clients from anywhere in the world, and many states have different licensing requirements and treatment guidelines It is important to confirm your therapist's qualifications and experience before starting the treatment process
A great way to practice letter writing and social skills!
About Us
Our mission is to alleviate social isolation among older adults through handwritten letters and intergenerational connections.
10,000 annual Letter to an Elder Day (Feb 26) participants 27 countries we’ve sent letters
Our Story
We started because of a loving grandpa
“After my grandpa died, I started volunteering with older adults to find a special connection like the one we shared, but I was upset by the chronic loneliness I saw. Some residents would tell me they hadn’t heard from family or friends in months. They didn’t even get something as simple as a letter in the mail. So, in 2013, I wrote a letter. Then another. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to fight a growing loneliness epidemic.”
- JACOB CRAMER
Connect with Jacob →
Would you like to send a letter?
Read this month’s bios and choose which of our elder(s) you’d like to write. New elders are shared on the 1st of every month!
OurCoreBelief: All people
About having different conversations
A different way of thinking
Encouraging high expectations
Having life experiences to move the trajectory in the desired direction
Integrating multiple types of support
Only for professionals to use
Just about the “tools”
A “program”
Designed for just one specific age group
Solely for people with disabilities and their families
Watch Dr Sheli Reynolds share how her experience growing up with a brother with a disability impacted and informed the development of the LifeCourse framework and tools In this 18-minute video you will also learn about each of the principles and why they are important to supporting your “good life ”
Our Vision
To provide a barrier free pathway for individuals of all abilities to discover and achieve their most meaningful purpose in life.
Our Mission
To blend cutting-edge technology with personalized mentorship to empower people of all abilities to discover and achieve their most fulfilling path in life.
Our fitness professionals follow a comprehensive gym program designed to create a safe and beneficial training environment for individuals with ASD.
Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Gym Setting
Understanding the challenges ad considerations specific to individuals with ASD in a gym environment
Adaptive Exercise Techniques
Learning how to modify exercises and workouts to accommodate the sensory and motor needs of individuals with ASD
Visual Supports and Communication Strategies
Implementing visual schedules, social stories, and other communication tools to enhance understanding and participation
Sensory-Friendly Environment
Creating a sensory-friendly gym space by managing noise levels, lighting, and providing sensory tools
Behavior Management in the Gym
Utilizing positive reinforcement strategies and behavior management techniques to promote positive behaviors
Individualized Fitness Plans
Developing personalized fitness plans based on the individual’s strengths, interests, and goals.
Supportive Coaching and Inclusive Practices
Training coaches and staff on inclusive practices and effective communication to provide a supportive and welcoming environment
Collaboration with Families and Caregivers
Engaging families and caregivers in the gym program to ensure continuity of support and progress monitoring.
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.
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
Connecting individuals and families to their communities and creating a sense of belonging through events and resources.
The Importance of Knowing
Human Rights
Understanding your human rights is important. They ensure dignity, respect, and equal opportunities for all. By being aware of your rights can create an environment that encourages independence, personal growth, and full participation in community life. If you would like to learn more about your human rights, reach out to our Human Rights Officer.
Have Questions or Concerns?
Please contact one of our Human Rights Officers:
Jeffrey Boucher
Assistive Technology Coordinator
Family Supports (978) 924 - 5624 jboucher@ne-arc.org
Amanda Spartichino
ASC Coordinator
Your Human Rights include:
Dignity: To be treated with respect, including respect for ethnic and cultural diversity.
Family Support ASC (978) 924- 5830 aspartichino@ne-arc.org
Self-determination: To make meaningful choices and informed decisions about your life, including taking reasonable risks.
Communication: To communicate with others and fully express yourself, with access to necessary assistance and devices.
Relationships: To visit others, receive visitors, and have friendships and intimate relationships.
Privacy: In personal care, communication, visits, your home, and personal information.
Personal Safety: To feel safe and be free from harm or abuse.
Personal Property: To obtain, keep, use, and dispose of personal possessions.
Education, Employment, and Compensation: To have equal access to education and employment opportunities, and fair compensation for work.
Community Membership: To receive services that promote living in the least restrictive and most typical settings, encouraging meaningful community membership.
