Thank you to our staff for navigating the current weather challenges and continuing to show up for your clients. We recognize that, due to the weather and everchanging circumstances, time with clients may look different—and that’s okay. Connection and progress can take many forms: a calm check-in, a shared activity, practicing routines, or simply having someone listen and take them seriously can make a world of difference.
Please remember that we are always here to be a resource for you. Our goal is to share updates, resources, and ideas that support independence, dignity, and community.
IMPORTANT STAFF
Please don’t forget to fill out Employee Engagement survey whenever you have the chance you can find the link here - Click here to take survey
Don’t forget the office will be closed Monday, February 16 for Presidents day!
ARC EMAIL: PLEASE BE CHECKING YOUR NE-ARC EMAIL REGULARLY.
ZOOM PHONE: PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE UTILIZING YOUR ZOOM PHONE ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR NORTHEAST ARC ACCOUNT.
PROGRESS NOTES: ALL PROGRESS NOTES ARE DUE IN NETSMART BY MONDAY AT 9:00 AM.
STAFF SHOUTOUT
Rebecca S
This week, we would like to give a special shoutout to Rebecca S.! Recently, one of Rebecca’s clients expressed an interest in a particular game. Rebecca went above and beyond by helping her client create a cleaning schedule that corresponded with different aspects of that game, supporting her client in achieving one of her personal goals. Rebecca truly dedicates herself to the clients that she supports and constantly goes above and beyond to provide creative solutions and meaningful support in any way she can. Thank you for all that you do, Rebecca!
North Shore | Community Opportunities
Vintage Board Game Night 117 Cabot Street, Beverly Thursday, February 19th | 5:00-7:00pm
Explore a curated selection of vintage editions of beloved board games, along with one or two rare and out-of-print titles that showcase the design, artwork, and play styles of earlier eras. From familiar favorites to forgotten oddities, Vintage Board Game Night offers a relaxed, hands-on chance to roll the dice, move the pieces, and enjoy games that have entertained generations. Snacks will be provided.
Salem's So Sweet - Saturday Night Ice
Sculpture Illumination
Saturday February 6 @ 6:00pm th
Come view the beautiful ice sculptures as they transform downtown Salem into an after-hours winter wonderland! Viewing of the sculptures is free! Prime recommended viewing hours - 6 pm to 8 pm
Skate with Nancy Kerrigan Lynnfield Market Street
Thursday, February 12th | 6:00-8:00pm
The event offers a unique opportunity for attendees to skate alongside one of the most celebrated figures in U.S. figure skating history, while enjoying a festive winter night out. Free skating and skate rentals are provided with advance registration. Walk-ups are welcome as space allows.
It’s a fun and interactive experience where you can sing along while connecting over your favorite songs, artists, singers, and bands! Everyone gets a different bingo card with songs in the squares.
Free Friday Flicks
Haverhill Public Library Friday, February 13 | 10:00am—12:30pm
In February, we're watching biopics about Black musicians! Today we watch I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022)
Metro North | Community Opportunities
Chess Club for Adults Stoneham Library
Thursday, February 12 | 7:00-8:00pm th
Join us for an exciting card show featuring vendors, collectors, and enthusiasts. This event welcomes participants of all experience levels and offers a great opportunity to grow your collection, trade with fellow collectors, and discover rare finds.
3 Annual Countryfest rd
Park 9, Everett MA
Saturday January 31 | 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Join us for our third annual honky-tonk. The mechanical bull returns along with live country music and more. Get your boots and hat ready to join us on Saturday, January 31st for good music, good food, and all the hoedown showdown fun you could want.
17 Lunar New Year Celbration th Malden High School
Saturday, February 7 at 1:00PM
Celebrate Lunar New Year with food, crafts, lion dances, performances, and the USPS stamp unveiling at Malden’s 17th Annual festival!
Central Middlesex | Community Opportunities
Valentine's Day Watercolor Postcards (Adult) Community Center - Lexington, MA Monday, February 2nd | 1:30—3:00 pm
It's the season of sending warmth to your loved ones, so join us for this art session to paint watercolor postcards for Valentine's Day cards. This is a self-guided session, where participants will be given watercolor paints and 4 postcards each to paint as they desire.
Free Open Gym
65 Main Street, Westford MA
Every Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday @ 1:00pm
Come to Roudenbush for an exciting time of running, jumping, and playing in our gymnastics space! This is the perfect opportunity s to explore, burn energy, and have fun in a safe and active environment. Registration Required.
S’Mores & More
Concord, MA - Nashoba Brooks School
Saturday, January 31 | 10:00 - 11:30 am
Join in the fun for all ages — crafts, creating and community as you experiment with snowflake art, math with Magna-Tiles, marshmallow towers, animal tracking, obstacle courses, and more! Bring the whole family to this indoor escape from winter, and enjoy s’mores by the fire!
Lowell Area | Community Opportunities
DOWNTOWN LOWELL FARMERS MARKET
11:00am – 2:00pm
Every Sunday at The Hive Public Market!
Winterfest 2026
Downtown Lowell, MA
Saturday, February 28th | 12:00 - 10:00pm
The City of Lowell is delighted to announce the return of WinterFest, set to take place on Saturday, February 28 in the heart of Downtown Lowell. This year, the event falls just shy of Lowell’s official incorporation date, March 1, 1826. To celebrate, the City is planning an action-packed, one-day WinterFest event Saturday, February 28, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM. This free, familyfriendly, cold weather classic celebrates music, art, and community while shaking off the winter blues.
Brunch and Board Games
Tewksbury Public Library
Saturday, February 14th | 10:30am-1:30pm
Join Tewksbury Public Library on Saturday morning for a light brunch and fun board games in the meeting room! All board games will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own if you'd like to share! Coffee and tea will be available as well as breakfast snacks.
Peer Support
You are not alone! Come join us for a peer led support group.
Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 2PM to 3PM
GRATEFUL ASPECTS
Young Adults Peer Support Group
Mondays 3pm-4pm on Zoom
Scan the QR code
Scan the QR code
Meet new people Build community Social connection Promote health Well-being
Mondays 10am-12pm 1 Market St, Ste 203 Lynn, MA
Community Gatherings
A space to build a support system, and a sense of chosen family, with your community. 12PM and 6PM Each Day, Monday-Saturday
**You must email Mary@peersupportspace.org to receive the passcodes for the daily communal gatherings - this is a security precaution to ensure that we are keeping the space as safe as possible
ASD Adaptive Training Program
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.
978-741-0077 |
Disability Resource Center (DRC) is a cross-disability organization providing service to any person, regardless of age, who identifies as living with a disability.
Serving Communities Across the North Shore & Beyond Including Beverly, Danvers, Lynn, Peabody, Salem, Wakefield, and more.
Free Services Offered
Information & Referral: Housing, transportation, benefits, legal rights, veterans services, and more.
Independent Living Support: Peer mentoring, assistive technology, selfadvocacy, financial management.
Transition Services: Options Counseling: Support for staying or returning to community living
Transition to Adulthood Program (TAP): For youth (14?21) with IEP/504 plans.
If you are having a mental health crisis or need emergency assistance, dial 911 or contact local emergency services
7 Cups https://www7cupscom/ This free online text counseling service connects customers to volunteer listeners who offer non-therapeutic advice Anyone can sign up, including teenagers who are looking for other (trained) teenagers Access to licensed therapists is available for $150 per month. 7 Cups does not accept insurance.
Blah Therapy https://blahtherapy.com/ Free 24/7 anonymous peer chat. Subscriptions for unlimited professional therapy cost $60-$90/week. Blah Therapy does not accept insurance.
Bliss by the Centre of Interactive Mental Health Solutions https://cimhs.com/ Free selfguided online cognitive behavior therapy program for depression Bliss does not offer therapy appointments
Doctor on Demand https://doctorondemandcom/ 24/7 access to doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and other medical experts anytime, including weekends, holidays, and late at night. You can also talk to professionals not related to mental health, including urgent care doctors. Doctors on Demand accepts insurance. If you don’t have insurance, a 25-minute session is $129 and a 50-minute session is $179. Initial psychiatrist appointments cost $299, and 15-minute follow-up appointments are $129.
eTherapyPro https://etherapyprocom/ Access therapy services via video call, phone call, or text chat Free 3-day trial session, though a credit card is required After the trial period, the cost is $40/week ($16000/month) eTherapyPro does not accept insurance
Important Considerations for Online Therapy
Confidentiality, Privacy, and Unreliable Technology Confidentiality is just as important for online therapy as it is for in-person therapy Because information is relayed online, privacy leaks & hacking are a concern Technology problems can also make it difficult to access treatment when you need it
Not Appropriate for Severe & Persistent Mental Illness The scope of online therapy can be limited and may not be effective for more complex situations. For people with an addiction or complex symptoms of a mental health condition, online therapy is not to be recommended unless other in-person therapy is also involved in the treatment plan.
Lack of Response to Crisis Situations If a person is experiencing suicidal thoughts it can be difficult or impossible for the therapist to provide direct assistance. If you are having suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 (US & Canada) or 1-800-273- 8255 for support and help from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Ethical and Legal Concerns Online therapy eliminates geographic restraints, making the enforcement of legal and ethical codes difficult. Therapists can treat clients from anywhere in the world, and many states have different licensing requirements and treatment guidelines It is important to confirm your therapist's qualifications and experience before starting the treatment process
Overview
Eleplan is an AI-powered care planning platform transforming the caregiver experience. Inspired by lived caregiving realities, Eleplan transforms care from fragmented and stressful to organized and peaceful, giving families time with their loved ones, not just coordinating their care.
CompetitiveAdvantage
Eleplanis themost secureAIcaregiving platform, exceeding HIPAA requirements with zero LLM data retention. Its user-led design, real-time collaboration, and tailored data extraction differentiate it from generic notes apps or rigid care platforms.
PROBLEM
Family caregivers are overwhelmed managing care with outdated tools and siloed information. Fragmented care leads to burnout, unmanaged burden, and dangerous gaps.
KnowledgeBase
SOLUTION
Eleplan’s AI creates personalized, shareable care plans from user documents and data, streamlining everything from medications to routines, enabling seamless collaboration and peace of mind.
MARKET SIZE
The U.S. caregiving market exceeds $648B annually. Eleplan targets the 53M U.S. family caregivers. B2B expansion includes health plans and community agencies that support families.
Meet Elllie: Your personal care search engine will generate the most relevant and trusted answers to help you navigate care with confidence.
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.
Candied Yams
MORE RECIPES
RECIPE CREATOR RESOURCES
Gnocchi with sausage and Pumpkin Crunch Cake
Gnocchi with sausage and broccoli Brownies
Accessible Spaces
All Abilities Activities
Connecting individuals and families to their communities and creating a sense of belonging through events and resources.
COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
NortheastArc’s Community Resource Center connects individuals and familieswith valuable resourcesand events in theirlocal 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 belongingand inclusion.
DDS Northeast Region Community Resource Specialists
YourPoint ofContact
Matthew Ataya is the Director of GPS & CRC. He oversees the general operations of the GPS program and the Community Resource Center (CRC). You can reach out to Matthew if you have any questions about filing a DPPC or Mandated Reporting.
Vikki Kusumoto is the Program Director for the GPS program. She manages day to day operations of all GPS programs and is the supervisor for our Autism Coaches and College Navigators.
Sara Callahan is the Staffing Coordinator for the GPS program. She assists with staffing our programs, onboarding new staff, and is the supervisor for our Community Support Coaches under Inhome Supports, Agency with Choice, and MCB.
Andrew Hartigan is the Program Coordinator for the GPS program. He communicates with the clients and families that we support. If you are unable to reach Vikki or Matthew, Andrew will be your next point of contact.
SaraCallahan
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 one of our Human Rights Officers, Andrew Hartigan, Jeff Boucher, or Amanda Your Human Rights include:
Dignity: To be treated with respect, including respect for ethnic and cultural diversity.
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.
Have Questions or Concerns?
Please contact of of our Human Rights Officers:
Andrew Hartigan Program Coordinator Guided Personal Supports (GPS) (978) 924 - 5872
ahartigan@ne-arc.org
Jeff Boucher Assistive Technology Coordinator Family Support Program (978) 924 - 5624
