Description
The programs offered by The Elizabeth Richardson Center (ERC) serve individuals with disabilities from six weeks of age through adulthood.
Child Services
ERC provides services to children from six weeks to age 5 with developmental delays and disabilities through our Early Intervention programs and in our Child Development Centers located in Fayetteville, Farmington, Springdale and Siloam Springs.
The Early Intervention Program serves children from six weeks to age three. Home visits or center-based therapies are handled by a certified teacher and developmental specialist to help each child reach developmental goals and to help parents participate in the development of their child. Speech, physical and occupational therapy are provided as prescribed by a physician.
The Child Development Centers serve children from three to five years of age who have developmental delays caused by mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism or seizure disorders. We provide habilitation, speech, physical and occupational therapy within a setting where learning is a daily activity. The mix of children with and without disabilities in a preschool setting prepares all of the children for a life in a community filled with diversity.
Adult Services
ERC provides services to adults ages 18 and over in a wide variety of programs including recreation opportunities, employment options, job training skills and life skills.
The Life Skills program helps adults with severe or multiple disabilities gain skills in the activities of daily living. Training and rehabilitation to promote independence is provided in both classroom and community settings. The training includes such areas as meal preparation, interpersonal relationships, healthy habits, money management and exercise.
Richardson Industries provides opportunities to develop specific work skills through contracts with area businesses. The skills gained include, packaging, labeling, preparation of electronics parts, preparation of parts for the electric power industry, tool assembly, shrink-wrapping and commercial cleaning services.
The School to Work program assists special needs high school students with the transition from school to work. Through partnerships with several local high schools, students learn valuable skills while completing work provided by Richardson Industries under the supervision of their classroom teachers and with support and guidance from Richardson Industries staff.
ERC's Group Homes (ICF) consist of three residential facilities, each housing ten adult residents. These facilities provide a safe, secure living environment for adults in which they are able to learn skills necessary for greater independence.
Supported Living through Medicaid Waiver is a service that provides caregivers to assist adults and children with disabilities as they live in private homes or apartments in the community. The purpose is to allow the individual to be integrated as much as possible into their community and neighborhood.
The Job Placement Services program assists participants in making quality vocational choices that correctly reflect personal interests and skills to achieve a "best fit" situation for the applicant, employer and the workplace mentor.
