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Success Stories

Tracey D.



Due to her aging parents’ inability to care for her due to their health struggles, moved in with her sister’s family. Struggling to adjust to her new living arrangements, and disruption of her everyday routine, TD became socially withdrawn, would not leave her room or the house for days, and exhibited declining personal hygiene habits. As she had always been cared for in the home by her parents after graduating high school, TD’s parents never applied for any assistance or funding through the Medwaiver. Forced to navigate limited available community services and options without the benefit of funding from The Medwaiver Program, TD’s sister and legal guardian contacted the ARC looking for guidance and assistance. Through the generosity of the United Way Grant, TD began attending The ABLE Adult Day Training program 3 days a week. This allowed her to reestablish a routine, engage with peers and nondisabled persons while integrating within the community. Since attending program, according to her sister eagerly completes daily hygiene tasks so as to not be late for program and looks forward to opportunities to explore her new community by volunteering at The Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels Program and Happy Place Ranch. Recently, TD increased her program attendance to 5 days a week to allow further community engagement, participation in activities such as crafting, cooking and socialization with peers. According to her guardian, she is ecstactic with the positive change, interest, excitement and hopeful outlook with which TD starts her day. She is optimistic about TD’s future and is grateful for the opportunity for her to build friendships, to explore and become a part of her new community.

Gary G.

Gary G started our program after being released from his daycare program due to aggressive behaviors and non-compliance. Teachers stated that he would not follow directions, would hit other students, refuse to come back in off the playground, skip in line, push students in line, and not stay seated in his seat. Mom stated that she was always being called to come pick him up from daycare during her workday. Just before summer break was to begin, GG was diagnosed with ASD and mom presented this information to the daycare and was able to GG ABA services to work with him at the daycare. Within 2 weeks of this diagnosis, the Daycare informed Mom that GG would no longer be allowed at their center due to his behavior. Mom being a home health physical therapist was lost and did not know what to do.

Mom contacted me and we spoke about GG and I suggested that she bring him in to tour our facility. They came in and we discussed that he would be able to begin services right away. GG began and he was a delight, and the transition went well with an adjustment period. GG learned our routine and he was able to fit in with the other students quickly. After a few weeks, I spoke with Mom, letting her know we saw such an improvement, we didn't believe GG needed to have ABA services here at our Center. Mom was so grateful. She also commented that he is sleeping better at home. They are able to have fun without behaviors and he is laughing more. He wakes up on his own at home and is asking to come to the ARC Camp wanting to stay later to play with his friends.

Once school started in August we noticed that GG is more eager to learn and is answering questions during circle time. He participated during Golf Lessons and did very well. He even has completed all of his sight words for VPK as of 9/30/2024 (25 words). GG has come a really long way compared to the boy that was described to me on the phone in June of 2024.