EMARC: Offering One-of-a-Kind Programs for People with Developmental Disabilities

Almost 60 years ago a group of parents and relatives of persons with mental retardation began seeking solutions to the lack of services for their children, and their determination bloomed into an agency that is known today as EMARC.

EMARC's mission is to help children and adults with developmental disabilities live, work and play in local communities. This non-profit agency also serves the families of such individuals, and is offering a variety of recreation programs this summer.

"There is such a lack of access for people with disabilities to be engaged and active in their communities, and that is why EMARC Recreation exists," said Chenine Peloquin, CTRS, Director of Recreation.

"We work within our local communities to expand the future possibilities for inclusion and in the meantime provide high quality recreation and social programs that meet people’s unique needs. Everyone has the right to get out and play!" 

EMARC serves over 700 families each year from Melrose, Everett, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Medford, North Reading, Reading, Saugus, Stoneham, Wakefield and surrounding communities.

Some of the programs offered by EMARC this summer include music therepy for children with down syndrome, young adult music therapy, social skills music therapy, expressive movement, softball, Camp S.A.I.L (Summer Adventures In Learning), dances, and family swim at the YMCA. 

"Kids like the opportunity to be active, whether it’s swimming, dancing, or playing a sport," said Peloquin.

"Kids also connect with music in a lot of great ways, and Music Therapy addresses PT, OT, speech, and social goals through a favorite activity. Parents also enjoy the informal networking time while their children or teens are in programs, just chatting with other parents who understand the unique experience of having a child with a disability."

Camp S.A.I.L, which is a leisure education program, gives teens and young adults (ages 13-21) the opportunity to try new recreation activities. Activities may include beach trips, kayaking, and taking the T into Boston.

"Teens with disabilities don’t get a lot of opportunities for structured activities during school vacation weeks, or the camps are entirely cost-prohibitive for families," said Peloquin.

"Camp S.A.I.L offers continued structure and fun in out of school time while allowing parents to work."

Also according to Peloquin, it was Mary Beth Trapeni who started the popular EMARC dances in 2004 to make sure that teens with disabilities had the same opportunities to enjoy a dance just as their typically developing classmates.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in a program check out the "Programming With EMARC" page of Reading Recreation Magazine. 

Also, the agency is always looking for volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please visit EMARC's website.

You can also contact Pat at volunteers@theemarc.org or by calling 781-942-4888 ext. 4032, or complete an application online by clicking here or downloading an application here.