An Even Playing Field—Recreation Programs for People with Developmental Disabilities

Deborah Davies, Ph.D

Deborah Davies, Ph.D., is the Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Atlantic County and has served in this capacity since 1983. She holds a Ph.D. in mental retardation and cognitive development from Vanderbilt’s Peabody College. As CEO of The Arc of Atlantic County, Davies has led the agency from a small, grass roots organization with an annual budget of $400,000, to a diversified social service corporation with a $9 million budget.

During Davies’ twenty-four years at The Arc, she and the agency have become industry leaders in integrating people with developmental disabilities into Atlantic County communities, and advocating for their human rights.

Among many other volunteer roles, Davies was appointed a charter member of the Atlantic County Advisory Commission on Women, is a charter member of The Women’s Leadership Initiative in Atlantic County and has been a member of Soroptimist International of Atlantic City since 1986 serving as their president from 1991 to 1993. In 2005, Davies was inducted into the Atlantic County Women’s Hall of Fame.

www.arcatlantic.org

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The Arc of Atlantic County’s recreation program is our most popular among the people who receive our services. It is completely funded through the generosity of community members, local businesses, organizations and foundations. Community support has enabled us to maintain and grow this program that serves over 300 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities each year in Atlantic County and the surrounding areas.

The Arc’s Recreation Department provides a wide array of recreational activities which include team and individual sports, arts and crafts, field trips, dances, adult evening classes on a wide array of topics and Special Olympics competition.

One of the newest and most innovative recreation activities available is The Arc’s Performing Arts Club. Through theater games and various improvisational workshops, performers gain the confidence and skills to realize the full potential of their creative abilities. In June 2007 the club held its first talent show at the Jewish Community Center which included singing, dancing and dramatic monologues. This April performers presented their second annual talent show and will present a play in the fall.

Another program that has brought out the creative abilities of a number of people is the result of a partnership between The Arc of Atlantic County and The Ocean City Fine Arts League. Jim Penland, director and president of the League, along with a talented group of volunteers, teaches adults with developmental disabilities the basics of drawing, painting and other media. Many handle a paint brush for the first time. Learning how to create builds confidence and allows individuals to expand their imaginations. Arc artists have been featured at local shows and several have sold their pieces. This spring the group created the background scenery for the Performing Arts Club’s talent show.

Everyone loves sports and The Arc’s athletic programs are very popular. Teams include basketball, softball, floor hockey, volleyball, bowling, skiing, snowboarding, soccer, power lifting, golf and bocce ball. Many participants go on to compete in the Special Olympics. The Summer Games were just held in early June at the College of New Jersey in Trenton. The Arc had over 25 athletes representing two areas of competition—bocce and softball. The many sports activities help participants improve their level of fitness, experience being part of a team, make new friends and improve confidence and social skills. Some athletes, like The Arc’s power lifters, are able to compete in open competitions--and win.

There are many other activities under the umbrella of the Arc’s Recreation Program all designed to offer participants opportunities to try new activities, see new sights, learn new skills and make new friends.

Just as funding for the program comes from the community, so do the people who make it possible. The Arc’s Recreation Program relies on the time and talents of a large cadre of volunteers who participate as coaches, team mates, instructors, chaperones and supporters.