In March of 2020, The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham had to suspend in person programming for the intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) community. But they were determined to continue to provide services to program participants and their caregivers. Today, they provide two Zoom sessions a day, five days a week with curriculum shaped by participants. Heartfelt thanks to Appeal Production for their support in making this video.
In March of 2020, everything changed for us. In response to the pandemic, The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham organized a donation drive to provide free activity kits to those with Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in their area. Thanks to Appeal Production for helping to bring this video to life.
As a child, Becky was told she would be “a vegetable” for the rest of her life. She now lives independently with the help of supportive services like The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham. Becky’s story, although one of seemingly “normal” successes such as living alone, is actually one of great resiliency. She’s not only proved her former doctors wrong but she’s provided a powerful example of how people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) can overcome societal biases to live their best lives.
Meet Steven. Steven lives with a developmental disability and prior to the pandemic, visited The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham 5 days a week. This provided valuable time for Steven to live more independently while offering respite to his parents who he lives with. But due to the pandemic, his parents suddenly found themselves responsible for Steven 24/7 after in person programming was suspended causing new stressors for all.
The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. Through Community Engagement Teams, One-on-One Coaching, Respite Services, and other supportive programming, they provide crucial services that allow those with DD to live a more independent and full life.
A special thank you video to all the DSP’s working at The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham. For the patience, care, and love you extend everyday in order to help us make a more inclusive community here in the Shenandoah Valley.
Arctoberfest is an annual German Beer Festival hosted by The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham that celebrates the coming of fall with live music, contests, prizes, games, performers, food trucks, and locally brewed beer. Former bands have included The Judy Chops, The Hackens Boys, and The Massanutten Brass Band with beer from Brother’s Brewing, Restless Moon’s, The Friendly Fermenter, and Pale Fire. Find info about our 2021 Arctoberfest here!
