Outcome Measures

The Arc of Jefferson County provides day services in four facilities as well as in the community with 6 training without walls groups who volunteer at various human service agencies throughout the county. Of the 257 consumers enrolled in day services, 228 individuals have a secondary diagnosis to mental retardation or an additional challenge such as a significant medical condition.

A recent consumer satisfaction survey indicated that consumers were overwhelming positive with the services they receive. 93% of the individuals interviewed expressed satisfaction in identified areas of community inclusion such as, opportunities for sports and exercise activities, church attendance, shopping, eating out, entertainment venues and maintaining relationships with friends and families. Consumers said they were able to purchase items they wanted, where they wanted, eat at their favorite restaurants, visit with family and friends and were getting assistance to achieve their dreams for their future. Due to implementation of person centered supports, the completion rate for objectives (designed to achieve stated outcomes) continues to exceed program goals.

Residential Services offers four service components: Semi-independent Living, Supervised Community Living, Group Homes and Retirement Homes. There are a total of 62 homes for 204 consumers throughout Jefferson and Blount Counties and the program continues to expand. An outcome for all four programs is to assist consumers to be as independent as possible by encouraging individuals to make choices and voice their dreams for the future.

Parents/relatives comment that they can have "peace of mind" because their relatives are happy, involved in lots of activities and are able to go on great vacations. Family members appreciate the flexibility for family (home) visits and staying in touch by phone whenever they feel the need to talk.

The Employment Services has three program components: Work Activity Centers, Arc-Way Industries and the Supported Employment Program. These programs, designed to move consumers toward competitive employment, serve a total of 139 consumers. A recent consumer survey determined that consumer satisfaction exceeded program goals. Consumers indicated that working and earning money was the best! The Employment and Workshop Specialists attended Job Coach training earlier this year and learned techniques to assist consumers to find and maintain jobs in the community.

The Children's Services Program at the Arc of Jefferson County provides an inclusive daycare and the HOPE Early Intervention Program. The HOPE Program served 87 infants and toddlers several of whom made such progress that they no longer presented with a delay and were no longer eligible for services. Several others, when referred to the local school system did not meet the eligibility criteria to receive special services because their delays were not significant enough to quality for special education services when they left the HOPE Program.

The Children's Services Program at the Arc of Jefferson County provides an inclusive daycare and the HOPE Early Intervention Program. The HOPE Program served 87 infants and toddlers several of whom made such progress that they no longer presented with a delay and were no longer eligible for services. Several others, when referred to the local school system did not meet the eligibility criteria to receive special services because their delays were not significant enough to quality for special education services when they left the HOPE Program.