Day Services Fill Important Needs

Helping people with disabilities live full and authentic lives means taking care of more than just their physical needs. They also need to feel loved and accepted, and to have the opportunity to make choices and reach personal goals.

Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc., offers community-based day services to individuals with disabilities to help them pursue their interests. We help each person develop the skills they need to grow their self-confidence and independence with one-on-one coaching and support.

Day services, tailored to an individual’s needs, usually take place in the community and could include going to a museum or a movie, working or volunteering, taking a class, recreational activities, or even visiting with family. Individuals can choose goals that stretch who they are as people, and find ways to make their voices heard.

During the coronavirus pandemic, many day services had to be curtailed. The intensity with which programs were missed serves as a good reminder of how essential they are to members of the Nonotuck community. The day services not only provide a routine, but can also provide a sense of accomplishment and social connections.

Sandy Deare-Robinson, assistant program director for Nonotuck’s day services, says they’ve gotten creative to find ways to keep Nonotuck clients involved. Because services were offered one-on-one, they were still able to cooking activities, as well as activities focused on fitness and healthy living. Providers have also organized socially distant visits for those who were missing friends. Other activities started to take place virtually.

One participant in Nonotuck’s day services program was developing a cookbook before the pandemic. Nonotuck was able to provide a stay-at-home arrangement that allows her to continue to work on her goal even while she stays at home. Another Nonotuck day services participant who was extremely active in his community through various volunteer positions has transitioned to learning German through virtual events.

Nonotuck’s day services encourage people with disabilities to interact in the community and to pursue life on their own terms. It’s just one more way we help people with disabilities live full and authentic lives.