Day program sets activities for disabled adults

In the late 1980s, there were limited resources for parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the Katy area. Staff from the special education department of Katy ISD informed residents about the national organization known as The Arc, and local parents founded their own chapter in 1990.

"Basically it was a group of parents that got together to address the needs of [IDD] young adults, primarily kids with Down's [Syndrome]," board president Mike Lattal said. "We are focused on providing them with services that are directed at improving their quality of life and allowing them to be valued and contributing members of our community."

According to Lattal, the Arc of Katy picks up where the public school system ends, with a day program for those no longer in the public school system, a summer camp program that also includes those still in school, and social programs that help provide participants with life skills, recreation and community involvement.

Participants in the Arc's day program—generally young adults in their 20s and 30s—perform community service throughout the City of Katy, including maintenance of a flower garden on a plot of land behind Katy City Hall and service with Katy Christian Ministries' food bank. The Arc was recognized in 2011 by the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce as Volunteers of the Year for their exceptional record of service.

"[Community service] helps make life satisfying to our participants, and they enjoy serving albeit in sometimes a limited capacity," Lattal said. "In many cases these are young adults who might otherwise be sitting at home with nothing to do."

The Arc's day program and summer camp benefit from a partnership with the Katy Family YMCA for the use of its facilities, including Camp Cinco. The day program is run by six full-time staff as well as about 75 volunteers to help the approximately 30 young adults enrolled in the program.

Day program activities include traveling to museums, a monthly meal out at a restaurant, visiting the Houston Police Department's mounted police stables and Astros and Sugar Land Skeeters baseball games. In addition, area companies put on workshops covering subjects from arts and crafts to exercise. Volunteers and teachers from KISD are a vital part of the summer program.

As Katy continues to grow, there is an increasing need for the services The Arc provides, Lattal said

"We can only take a little more than 30 participants into our current facilities. We hope to bring in additional money so we can accommodate more people," he said. "One long-term goal is a facility of our own."

Lattal said that helping young adults with IDD is a gratifying experience for volunteers, parents, their children and financial donors.

"They are very loving and caring individuals," he said. "They are very enjoyable to work with, they love the program and it helps make life satisfying."

The Arc of Katy, P.O. Box 6133, Katy, 281-492-8745, www.thearcofkaty.org