Connect

Connect is an inclusive therapeutic resource and activity center designed to enhance social skill and communication development for individuals from birth to 25 years of age. Connect is for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their family members.

The wide variety of activities at Connect will include art, music, swimming, nutrition, cooking, daily living skills, as well as gross and fine motor skills and speech development. All of these activities take place on site, at Connect.

Connect Center Update

Dear Families,

I’d like to take the opportunity to thank you for your support, and update you on the development status of Connect, Arc’s new Inclusive Activity and Resource Center for individuals with autism. This exciting new service will offer family-based activities such as swimming, dance, art, and music in a setting that supports the needs of the individual. Activities will be guided by trained professionals such as PTs, OTs, Speech/Language Pathologists and Certified Recreation Therapists. Parents, siblings, and peers will be welcome and encouraged to participate. Fifty-five families from Onondaga County have expressed interest in participating in the program thus far.
 
The first step of the development process was gathering survey data from families. Thank you for sending them in! The next step was to develop a program based on the needs of each family, and submit a formal program proposal to NYS for approval. The Connect proposal was submitted in early January, 2007. It’s currently in fiscal review and we hope to learn more in the upcoming months. Once approval is in place, Arc will pursue a building site for the center. Then a parent focus group will be held to further define program schedules and activities.

In the meantime, I have other exciting news. Arc has secured over $20,000 in grant funding for equipment and supplies. This money will be used to purchase items such as vestibular swings, gym equipment, computers and communication software.

I will keep you informed as the Connect center moves forward. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at 476-7441 X170, or rfragale@arcon.org.

Sincerely,
 
Renee Fragale, L.M.S.W.
Director of Horizons Clinic
Arc of Onondaga