The Arc of Katy today announced it is accepting registration for a pilot online program aimed at providing opportunities for social interaction, friendship with peers, and continued learning for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are not able to participate in The Arc of Katy’s current in-person day program.
Facilitated by an adult instructor experienced in working with teens and adults with I/DD, The Arc of Katy’s new Virtual Interaction Program (VIP) is scheduled to launch Feb. 3, 2021. The program will be held each Wednesday with two online sessions held for participants, the first from 11 to 11:45 a.m., and the second from 2 to 2:45 p.m. A monthly evening social program also will be scheduled for VIP participants.
“The Arc of Katy VIP is aimed at providing new opportunities for social engagement for adults and teens age 16 and older with I/DD who are not able to participate in The Arc of Katy’s current programs and, if successful, will continue and potentially be expanded in the future,” says Amy Campbell, member of the Board of Directors and co-chair of The Arc of Katy Program and Communications committees.
A minimum of seven and maximum of 15 participants will be registered for the pilot program and applications will be accepted on a first come basis. The Arc of Katy VIP registration information is available at https://www.thearcofkaty.org/programs-events/virtual-interaction-program.
The new program builds on experience that The Arc of Katy gained during 2020 as it moved its in-person day programs and socials for teens and adults with I/DD to online platforms in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Campbell says.
“The Arc of Katy is now operating a combination of in-person and online day programs for our participants while we are at limited capacity due to Covid-19 physical distancing precautions; however, there are some individuals who, because of their physical disabilities, transportation or other limitations, have not been able to participate in our programs in the past,” Campbell explains. “The Arc’s mission is to create opportunities for people with I/DD to be included as active members of the community throughout their lifetime. We realized this past year that by providing online programs we can engage and create opportunities for more people.”
The fee for VIP participation is $30 per day to cover costs of staff and supplies. Participants will be billed monthly. Participants also need to be enrolled as members of The Arc of Katy; annual membership dues for individuals and families are $75.
For more information on program registration, contact The Arc of Katy Administrative Assistant Ann Ferner at 832.754.9802 or send an email to info@thearcofkaty.org.