RIDGE AREA ARC - ADMINISTRATION, ADULT DAY TRAINING CENTER

Ridge Area Arc servs individuals with developmental and other disabilities since 1957. Mission Statement: Serving and advocating for individuals with developmental and other disabilities so they may have the opportunity to choose and realize their goals. Vision Statement: The vision of the Ridge Area Arc is to be the best consumer-focused provider of services for individuals with developmental and other disabilities in Highlands and the surrounding counties. The value statements of the Ridge Area Arc will provide guidance as we pursue our mission. These values are: Treat everyone with respect. Treat every person as an individual. Respect and honor opinions and choices. Encourage independence and inclusion. Always act with integrity.

Adult Day Training (ADT) services support the participation of individuals in daily, valued routines of the community. ADT services stress training in the activities of daily living, self-advocacy, adaptive and social skills. ADT is provided Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 3 PM. Training is provided on a one-on-one basis and in small groups. A variety of classes are offered such as academic, computer, cooking, hygiene and grooming, safety, sewing, and many others. Instructors from South Florida Community College also provide Adult Basic Education classes on site. Activities in the community are also offered. These include trips to the library, health clubs, and volunteer opportunities at nursing homes and animal shelters. For those who are interested, vocational training is offered in work-like settings. Ridge Area Arc provides ADT services at three sites: The Training Center, the Avon Park Resale Store and the Wauchula Resale Store. Instructors from South Florida Community College also provide Adult Basic Education classes on site. The Arc’s Training Center has a vocational training component known as Ridge Industries and Mobile Lawn Crew. Individuals train to improve skills, behaviors, productivity, and work quality. Individuals receive pay based on their productivity. Eligibility requirements: 16 years of age and over. Refer to Enrollment and Eligibility.