Participants paddleboard during an event hosted by Northeast Arc and the Swampscott Recreation Department
For recreation to truly be inclusive, Northeast Arc understands that programs, facilities and services should accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of all community members. That’s where the area’s local recreation departments come in.
Northeast Arc has been partnering with a number of different departments to create varied programs and welcoming social environments for a wide spectrum of individuals.
Dayna Rybicki, Northeast Arc’s director of recreation, says the partnerships are symbiotic, in that the recreation departments are able to offer facility space, and sometimes staff and funding, and Northeast Arc provides resources, knowledge and staff. Families, who are often new to both organizations, are exposed to the ongoing opportunities available to them.
“We want to build a stronger community within the geographic region, and expand and create new opportunities,” said Rybicki. “There’s such a high need for recreation and creating the most fun for everybody, and we want to create a safe space to do so.”
In the spring, the Danvers Recreation Department partnered with Northeast Arc to offer a seven-week sports program for youth with disabilities, ages 11-16. They played pickleball, soccer, basketball and more.
“It was about exposing them to sports and new skills, and creating a connection between the Rec and Northeast Arc,” said Rybicki.
In July, Northeast Arc partnered with Salem Park, Recreation and Community Services to host a summer bash at the Community Life Center. Participants did a craft, danced and enjoyed pizza.
Dayna Rybicki, Northeast Arc’s director of recreation assists a participant during the Spring Fling event
“Everyone had time to mingle and chat,” said Kathleen McCarthy, the Salem department’s program manager. “We don’t have adaptive recreation, so it’s nice to partner with someone who does. By working with people who are trained and it’s their expertise, it’s just adding another layer of what we can offer the community.”
“It was a nice collaboration,” McCarthy added. “We’ve already been talking about a potential second event. The Northeast Arc staff was incredible. It was the first time we’ve worked with Arc and we’d love to work with them again.”
In August, Northeast Arc partnered with the Swampscott Recreation Department to offer stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) for families. The program, called SUP Together, paired each participant with a Northeast Arc staff member and a Swampscott Recreation SUP instructor. The combined staffing allowed participants to learn at their own pace, feel safe on the water and have the most fun. In addition to learning the basic skills of paddleboarding, participants also enjoyed activities on the beach and created new social connections.
The two organizations had previously partnered for a Spring Fling event at the former Clarke School, which helped introduce Northeast Arc and its services to the community.
“We’re still looking at different expansion opportunities and more partnerships,” said Rybicki. “We’re really leaning in on the community to see how we can best support those with disabilities. We want to be present for these families as they’re navigating next steps.”