2006 DDSD Statewide Awards
The Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD) honored the following people and agencies for demonstrating excellence in Supported Employment and Meaningful Day services.  Awards were given in the categories of Best Employer, Individual Accomplishment, Professional Achievement, Provider Excellence, and Best Community Organization.

ARCA of Albuquerque

2006 ddsd statewide directors meeting award winners

PROVIDER EXCELLENCE AWARD IN SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
This honor is awarded to ARCA of Albuquerque, New Mexico, for consistently providing community outings and meaningful activities for individuals with developmental disabilities and for leadership in providing services to individuals to access integrated community venues of their choosing.

In 1957, ARCA was founded by six families who had children with developmental disabilities. At that time, there were few options for adults and children with developmental disabilities. Those families felt that their children really needed and deserved to be a part of their community, so the families formed a co-op called the Albuquerque Association for Retarded Children or “ARCA.” In 1959 ARCA held their first fundraiser and the feeling of commitment to the families then was the same as it is today. According to Abby Ouimet, an ARCA employee, “We work really hard to make dreams come true. We help people to get up and go and do what they really want to do in the community.” ARCA’s vision statement is to be the role model of excellence in lifelong services for people with developmental disabilities.

ARCA is the largest non-profit organization in the state providing direct services to New Mexicans with developmental disabilities. They are currently celebrating their 50th Anniversary of operating in New Mexico. “We have longevity.” Abby said, “One of the major reasons for our success is because of our staff. They are in the homes, working for individuals they serve. They really care for the people they serve and have taken a personal interest in them. Everyone is really invested in helping individuals to be a part of the community.”

Many direct service staff working for ARCA have been with the organization for over twenty years and the commitment they have shows in their longevity. Individuals being served can rely on seeing the same people helping them with their needs. One ARCA employee said that she was most passionate about the quality of life of the individuals she serves. She focuses on ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible. She feels it is vitally important for individuals with developmental disabilities to have the opportunities to do things that they enjoy, whether it is running day-to-day errands, going to work, going to the adult literacy center or going on vacations. All the employees at ARCA agree that it is most important that individuals with developmental disabilities are treated with dignity and respect at all times.

ARCA invests a lot in training its staff. They go to great lengths to ensure employees receive thorough training and help make learning a continuing service in the best interest of the individuals served and staff. ARCA also has the only literacy center for adults with developmental disabilities in the state. ARCA’s focus is on opening doors for people with developmental disabilities and to overcome barriers, no matter how big or small.

October-2007 - Dave Farbrook

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