Every week, The Arc of Greater Prince William offers an assortment of activities, including a fitness class and bowling program.
Because of the Coronavirus outbreak, programs and events have been canceled.
The non-profit has found a way to keep individuals with developmental disabilities engaged.
A few people — Recreation Director and Training Coordinator Joy Ocetnik, Recreational Assistant Rashawn Webster, Administrative Assistant Kayla McDonald and Sherry Mielnicki, a physical therapist — have teamed up to make videos that are shared on the The Arc’s Facebook page.
At first, the videos sought to inform viewers and provide updates.
Since then, they have transitioned into featuring exercises and activities.
“I feel like we’re doing them just so that our folks have a … break from reality — you know, just a moment to laugh, and to exercise, and to get up and to get moving,” Webster explained.
Wellness isn’t the only focus of the videos. They are also including viewers in other activities, like the planting of The Arc’s pinwheel garden.
The team also plans to do arts and crafts in an upcoming video.
Parents who need someone to talk to can reach out to a staff member, according to Ocetnik, who has begun checking in with program participants.
“It’s just making that connection to help with them at home … and find ways to get themselves moving or get them involved in things is … really important,” Ocetnik said.
