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.
Understanding Compassions Fatigue & Burnout
Date & Time
Description
May 6, 2025 01:00PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Does compassion cause suffering? When does it go too far and how can you protect your own wellbeing? Learn the warning signs, who is at risk, and how to restore your emotional energy in this one-hour seminar sponsored by United Way of Central Iowa
Boundary IQ
Date & Time
Description
Work Stress and Burnout Webinars & Events
Date & Time
Description
May 7, 2025 at 1:00PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Creating and maintaining healthy boundaries can be a challenging task. Some people grew up in environments where setting boundaries was not emphasized or valued, resulting in struggles to establish boundaries in adulthood Fear of conflict, a tendency to prioritize others' approval, or past experiences of invalidation or disrespect can also contribute to difficulties in setting and maintaining boundaries. Discuss the role of boundaries in relationships and learn how to implement healthy boundaries in this one-hour seminar sponsored by Polk County, Iowa.
May 13, 2025 1:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Stress is something we all experience in our personal and professional lives. But when stress is severe or prolonged (or both), it can impact our physical and mental health in major ways. Learn practical tips to manage distress to avoid career burnout and discuss effective ways to cope in this one-hour seminar sponsored by United Way of Central Iowa
Understanding Anxiety
Date & Time
Description
May 20, 2025 at 1:00PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
OccasionalOccasional anxiety is an expected part of life. But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry. An accessible guide to understanding what causes anxiety disorders and the types of anxiety, their symptoms, common misconceptions, and how relationships are impacted. Discuss co-occurring disorders, treatment options, and learn practical tips for managing symptoms and helping others in this onehour seminar sponsored by United Way of Central Iowa.
Creating a Low-Stress Environment and Minimizing Crises
Date & Time
Description
May 27, 2025 1:00PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
People are susceptible to strain from a number of sources including work and school obligations, illness, finances, interpersonal conflict, and more Learn strategies to create and maintain a low-stress environment, identify & respond to ‘red flags’, and communicate in times of crisis in this one-hour seminar sponsored by United Way of Central Iowa.
Self-Care and Wellbeing: A Hands-On Approach for Better Health
Date & Time
May 28, 2025 11:00AM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Description It’s normal to experience anxiety, fear, anger, and grief during times of uncertainty. Now, more than ever, it’s important to recognize these feelings and allow time to recharge – but too often we feel guilty for taking time to meet our basic needs. Explore what self-care is, why it’s so important, and practical tips for incorporating self-care into your daily life in this one-hour seminar sponsored by Polk County, Iowa.
OurCoreBelief: All people have the
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 ”
Please Note: Prior to attending any recreation activities, registration and an intake is required.
Please Note: Prior to attending any recreation activities, registration and an intake is required.
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.
This class is about getting together with our peers and having an open discussion about life’s challenging subjects Dating has been a popular request. This is a great time to brush up on important reminders.
Families and fans of all ages, throw on your favorite Star Wars costume and join us at Wildwood Park for a morning of Star Wars themed fun! There will be characters, a Millennium Falcon inflatable and lightsaber training. (Preregistration is required for the lightsaber training!)
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VISIT WITH CALVIN THE THERAPY DOG - CHELMSFORD, MA
Saturday, May 17 10-11 AM
Come to the Children's Room and meet Calvin the therapy dog! He loves to hang out with people of all ages, likes getting gentle pats, and is an all-around good boy
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, Andrew Hartigan.
Your Human Rights include:
Dignity: To be treated with respect, including respect for ethnic and cultural diversity.
Have Questions or Concerns?
Please contact our Human Rights Officer:
Andrew Hartigan Program Coordinator
Guided Personal Supports (GPS) (978) 924 - 5872
ahartigan@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.
Northeast Arc’s Community Resource Center connects individuals and families with valuable resources and events in their local 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 belonging and inclusion.
Merrie Rothstein mrothstein@ne-arc.org
Christopher Marchese cmarchese@ne-arc.org
Eva Mostoufi emostoufi@ne-arc.org Holly Keane hkeane@ne-arc.org
GPSTeam
AboutUs
The Guided Personal Supports (GPS) program focuses on preparing individuals to acquire skills in different aspects of their lives. By promoting independence, community integration, skill building, and navigating the challenges of life, we believe that the individuals we support will find success in their day to day lives.
OurServices
The GPS program offers a a wide range of services which include:
In Home Supports
Autism Coaching/Pre-Engagement
College Navigation Agency with Choice
Assistive Technology
Social Group
A Weekend to Remember: Respite Program
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT https://tinyurl.com/GPSprogram
FamilyContact
978-924-5872
ahartigan@ne-arc.org
KristyAparo
Director of GPS and CRC
Oversees all aspects of the Guided Personal Supports (GPS) and Community Resource Center.
MatthewAtaya
Program Director
Manages general operations of the GPS program. Supervises our autism coaches and college navigators
Staffing Coordinator
Supervises and manages per-diem staff, ensuring quality support
Program Coordinator
Serves as the primary liaison between the program, families, and individuals we support.
Family Services
Project Coordinator
Oversees and directs the weekly social group and collaborates with programs under Family Services.
