HINGHAM, WEYMOUTH, MA, ISSUED JULY 25, 2024…The Arc of the South Shore, a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals, today announced that its contract with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for its First Early Intervention program has been renewed, allowing the agency to provide early intervention services for another ten years.
The First Early Intervention (EI) program is an integrated developmental service, offering both evaluation and therapeutic services to children from birth to three years of age who have developmental concerns due to biological, medical, or environmental factors. EI is a family centered program in which parents and caregivers actively participate and is offered within the communities of Braintree, Cohasset, Hingham, Hull, Norwell, Scituate, and Weymouth.
Services are provided in everyday natural settings, including the home, childcare centers, the home of a family member or childcare provider, in small integrated groups at The Arc, and in a range of other community settings. This team-based, collaborative model allows the child, family, caregivers, and EI professionals to work together to create increased opportunities for learning. A variety of parent support, educational services, and resource referrals are also provided.
The Arc of the South Shore has offered EI for nearly fifty years, and in the last year alone served 858 families. The EI team is comprised of 42 staff members, including development specialists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, social service staff, administrative support staff, physical therapists, and a registered nurse.
“We are thrilled that our First Early Intervention program contract has been renewed by the Department of Public Health,” said Abigail Parrilla, CEO of The Arc of the South Shore, noting that it is the only local agency serving people with disabilities throughout the lifespan. “The importance of this program cannot be overstated as it provides assistance and support to ensure that all children have an equal opportunity for a bright future.”
About The Arc of the South Shore, Inc.
The Arc of the South Shore (The Arc) was founded in 1951 when a group of individuals created a school for children with disabilities. Then, in 1967, The Arc was deeded property at Webb State Park in Weymouth; the space gave the agency a permanent home and the opportunity to expand. By the end of the 1980s, The Arc became a multi-service agency. Today, The Arc is a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities.
The Arc of the South Shore (The Arc) was founded in 1951 when a group of individuals created a school for children with disabilities. Then, in 1967, The Arc was deeded property at Webb State Park in Weymouth; the space gave the agency a permanent home and the opportunity to expand. By the end of the 1980s, The Arc became a multi-service agency. Today, The Arc is a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities.
These services include an Autism Resource Center, early intervention program, community supports, employment services, day supports and habilitation programs, in-home care, and residential services. All of their programs are based on their six core values of people first, community, transparency, self-determination, diversity, and respect. The Arc serves participants from communities throughout the South Shore, including Abington, Milton, Quincy, Randolph, Braintree, Weymouth, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, and Norwell. Through their 73-year history, they have helped more than 100,000 people.
