[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 109 (Monday, July 20, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE ARC OF GREATER PRINCE WILLIAM/INSIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 20, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
The Arc of Greater Prince William/INSIGHT, Incorporated (The Arc) and 
the support they provide for people with intellectual and developmental 
disabilities.
  The Arc is an affiliate of The Arc of the United States and The Arc 
of Virginia and is a tireless advocate for the rights and full 
participation of all people with intellectual and developmental 
disabilities. The Arc provides support services to residents of the 
community that help to realize the organization's broader mission.
  The assistance provided by The Arc in raising a child with 
disabilities begins early in life with their child care services. 
Children ages 6 weeks to 21 years can seek therapeutic and educational 
activities at the Muriel Humphrey Center in Dale City, Virginia. At the 
Robert Day Child Care Center in Manassas children enjoy recreational 
activities that encourage healthy socialization and friendship. 
Recognizing the added stress and time commitments that accompany 
raising a child with disabilities, The Arc offers ``Parents Night Out'' 
and respite care programs. Prince William families are not alone and 
have a dedicated and capable partner in The Arc of Greater Prince 
William.
  The Arc extends its support beyond high school education with a 
number of programs designed to give adults with intellectual and 
developmental disabilities a well-rounded life experience. In the 
vocational services program individuals are taught ground maintenance, 
lawn care and janitorial skills. At The Arc's ``Spinaweb'' facility in 
the Town of Occoquan, weavers produce fabric for clothing and other 
woven items.
  Young adults are encouraged to continue to develop their social 
skills through bowling leagues and various recreational activities. The 
Arc has nine group homes which allow adults to enjoy an independent and 
less structured living environment. These programs afford individuals 
the opportunity to grow and develop their skills and social networks. 
This is an opportunity that would not be so readily available without 
The Arc.
  This year, The Arc of Greater Prince William celebrates its 45th 
Anniversary. Since 1964, the organization has built a remarkable 
infrastructure of programs and facilities. The residents of Prince 
William are served well by the diverse and comprehensive selection of 
assistance programs offered by The Arc.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in applauding the 
efforts of The Arc of Greater Prince William/INSIGHT, Incorporated on 
behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I 
would like to express my personal gratitude for their work and my 
admiration for the mission they seek to accomplish.

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