“There was a need for opportunities for people with disabilities that live in Coronado,” said Melanie McCoy, Area Director for The Arc of San Diego. “Previously, people with disabilities had to leave the island to participate in the community. Recently, parents came together with the Coronado School District to create recreational and vocational opportunities for their children with special needs. The Arc was able to step in and fill this need with our Community Based Program’ that provides recreational and vocational opportunities right here in Coronado.”
Eva Murphy, transition teacher at Coronado Unified School District said, “Working with The Arc of San Diego has been such a blessing to my students and the Coronado Community. I am thankful to have an amazing program that my students can transition to during their last year with the Coronado Unified School District. The Arc has been very collaborative and proactive, and the students love being in their community, the activities they do, and their job coach.”
The Community Based Program in Coronado is The Arc’s first such program, that allows program participants to be 100 percent integrated in the community, rather than attending a day program somewhere off the island or remaining at home all day.
Those in the program spend several hours each week volunteering in Coronado. They help at the Coronado Royale Retirement Center, organizing books in the reading room. At BBMAC Pool, participants help clean and manage the recycling. They also beautify the Coronado Beaches through Adopt-a-Beach. At Christ Church Thrift Shop, they fold clothes and organize donations. Individuals also volunteer at the Coronado Fire Department folding towels and cleaning the kitchen. This allows them the ability to gain vocational skills while giving back to their community.
“We appreciate the partnership we’ve developed with these organizations that recognize the skills and abilities of our program participants,” said Melanie McCoy. “They’ve helped make a difference in the lives of these people who are now able to more fully participate in their community.”
The Arc of San Diego is the largest, most comprehensive service provider for people with disabilities in San Diego County and serves over 2,500 children and adults with disabilities such as mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome each year.
For more information on The Arc of San Diego, please visit http://www.arc-sd.com.
