Living life to the fullest can mean very different things to each of us. For some of us, basic needs being met is a luxury and aspiration. For others, it may mean extraordinary opportunities and adventure. Regardless of your definition of living life to the fullest, one common component that must be met to feel and experience joy is the right to as much autonomy and free will as possible. Historically, and unfortunately currently, these freedoms are still lacking for many -especially for those in minority groups and of different abilities or conditions.
You don’t have to look too far back in the past to see that these human rights and access to dignity-enriching inclusion and care was particularly denied to those of different abilities and disabilities. A young child with say, what we now know is Autism, was incorrectly diagnosed, incorrectly treated, and often unnecessarily institutionalized and ostracized. Liz Sandblom, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of the South Shore Chapter, explains, “Before rights for individuals with disabilities were even considered, people usually ended up putting their children in institutions where there was little to no oversight or monitoring of the conditions or welfare for the people kept there.” Without medical advancement or social programs in place to provide support and/or educate caregivers on how to care for those with disabilities, there was a reluctantly accepted and medically promoted mentality of shutting people away in these often-traumatic places and kind of forgetting about them.
Of course, many family members desperately wanted to include their children or family with disabilities in their daily lives and one such group of Weymouth parents did just that. Tired of seeing their loved ones and precious children with different abilities denied opportunities and enjoyment in life, they began the first parent advocacy group in the state in 1951 and almost immediately, The Arc of the South Shore began to change lives. Its mission: To be a family oriented, community-based, non-profit located in Hingham that offers information, referrals, and a range of community programs. The Arc strives to empower families and individuals of all ages with disabilities to reach their fullest potential by providing high-quality, individualized services and opportunities that foster independence, community inclusion, and advocacy.
In the state of Massachusetts, one must fall below a certain IQ or have underlying learning or physical disabilities to legally be considered disabled. This leaves a broad spectrum of what can be managed as a disability and for this reason The Arc has had to develop into a multi-faceted, inclusive, and accommodating organization to reach as many people as possible that are in need of support, opportunity, and education. With 17 independently operating, non-profit chapters, and care provided for over 100,000 individuals since 1951, The Arc is one of the foremost driving forces in the country for advocacy and pushing for legislation for the disabled and differently-abled community. “The biggest functional pillar of our organization is working towards legislation to protect and provide for people who need support to be included in the community, and to help these individuals live life to their fullest capacity,” Sandblom points out.
The Arc of the South Shore currently provides Adult Foster Care, an Autism Resource Center, Community-Based Day Services, Day Habilitation, First Early Intervention, and Personal Care Management as well as Residential Supports. To take a deeper look at the support and services that The Arc provides to the local disabled community and their family, caregivers, and friends, Sandblom explains that the level, intensity, and nature of support varies greatly for each person. “Some need full-time, daily, in-home care and others may only need help with transportation or finding employment. We customize care to the individual and what their support system is capable of offering as well -if they have one in place.”
In addition to offering support systems, The Arc of the South Shore also has a focus on providing caregiver support and education. “We want to make sure that anyone in the lives of the people we are working with is equipped with the knowledge and resources to ensure a healthy, safe, and loving environment and interactions,” says Sandblom. “One thing we like to do is provide enriching entertainment that is sensitive to the needs of the people we work with,” says Sandblom, “for example, we have movie nights where the sounds and sights are calming and not loud or overwhelming -they are sensory friendly events so that everyone can enjoy a normal experience that many of us would not see as problematic or difficult to endure in terms of being over-stimulated.”
One of the most substantial support systems in place with The Arc of the South Shore is the Group Home Program. The Adult Family Care (AFC) program helps individuals with medical, physical, or developmental disabilities receive the daily support they need while living at home. It is an alternative to nursing homes, assisted living placements, or residential care. Caregivers assist with everyday activities such as dressing, bathing, preparing healthy meals, and managing medications, allowing individuals to remain comfortable and supported in familiar surroundings. Being part of a loving family and connected to their community helps individuals maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life.
“We have 10 group homes here in Hingham and 6-7 group homes in the Plymouth Chapter,” Sandblom notes, “Each home has 4-5 individuals that receive daily care ranging from full-time, daily-attending staff that provides care specific to the needs of the individuals living there.” Each home requires a great deal of funding and a focus on safety and comfort to ensure the dignity and enjoyment of the residents. One new endeavor The Arc is undertaking is adding cutting-edge technology to these group homes to provide further, increasingly comprehensive care and comfort for residents.
Sandblom explains, “We are focusing on integrative, in-house technology for things like thermostat control, door cameras so residents do not answer the door unless it’s an approved guest or caretaker, assistance with laundry services, scheduling reminders for medications and routines, starting and turning off appliances on a set schedule -things that might present a challenge or difficulty for the people in the home. We can’t have staff there all the time, but if you have, say, an Alexa who takes on the ‘nagging mom’ mode of ‘brush your teeth’ or can turn the heat up when it gets too cold, it is an assurance that they are comfortable and safe and it also increases their ability to be a bit more independent.”
Of course, providing these kinds of accommodations and services as well as employing about 200 people across all The Arc chapters requires immense funding and financial support. “We are funded in three main ways,” Sandblom says, “By the state through the Department of Developmental Services, by medical insurances such as Mass Health and the Department of Developmental Services Early Intervention Program, and lastly grants, sponsorships, and community support via donations and fundraisers.”
To celebrate The Arc of the South Shore’s 75th Anniversary, there are several upcoming public events that will help raise awareness in the community and also provide fundraising opportunities. “We have annual events like the Bunny Bash at Derby Street Shops with an Easter bunny, face painting, and other family activities,” Sandblom says, “We also have a Summer Soiree/75th Anniversary Celebration in June with raffles and donation opportunities -all of which support The Arc and our mission to provide care, opportunities, and enhanced quality of life to disabled and differently abled people.”
One of the recipients of services recently suggested a food drive and that event was carried out with great success as was an event that made wheelchair maintenance enjoyable. Sandblom explains, “We had local volunteers help us run a car-wash-style event where we washed and serviced people’s wheelchairs. It was so much fun.” Sandblom assures that volunteers are always needed and greatly appreciated. “We need volunteers for a variety of things -from helping us maintain and repair the playground, gardens, and even things like painting jobs in the buildings and helping run events -we can use support anywhere it is offered.” As for donations, The Arc is often looking for raffle items, giveaways, and partnership opportunities in the community.
In spite of the worthy, noble, and crucial mission The Arc of the South Shore works toward every day, there are still many challenges and unmet needs to operate at full capacity and potential. “We always struggle with federal and state policy and funding,” Sandblom explains, “And our biggest challenge is employment. Covid was a huge setback that we still have not recovered from. We struggle to find enough employees who can provide the level of care needed without the ability to pay a lot of money. There are so many people in need who are waiting for services because we simply can’t provide enough for everyone.”
Still, people like Sandblom are relentless in their dedication and drive to do right by some of the most vulnerable and innocent in our community -much like those parents in Weymouth who just wanted their children to experience joy and freedom in life like anyone else. “I have been doing this for 30 years,” Sandblom says, “and it is really amazing to see how far things have come in terms of what is offered and available now and it gives me hope that things will continue to fall into place and that we will be able to reach and help more people in need. We need the support and involvement of the community and it really is the most rewarding, worth-while work.”
Perhaps this year, if you feel so compelled, to look for a meaningful place or cause to spend your time, focus, and money, look no further than your local The Arc chapter and rest assured that you will be contributing to the lives of others in a beautiful way -and in doing so, you will find that YOU are also living life to the fullest.
Here are The Arc of the South Shore’s Upcoming Community Events:
-Bunny Bash at Derby Street Shops, Friday, April 3 10:00 and 11:00
-Summer Soiree/75th Anniversary Celebration, Thursday, June 18
The Arc of the South Shore, 371 River Street, Weymouth
Please Visit: https://arcofsouthshore.networkforgood.com/events/97223-2026-bunny-bash
Please Visit: https://arcsouthshore.org for information on volunteering, partnership, services, legislation, and upcoming events.