The Arc Lexington is an innovative organization that constantly monitors the services it provides to find possible gaps in programming, or areas in need of improvement.

Gina Warsaw, Senior Director and one of The Arc Lexington staff members integral to the creation of the program said, “We developed the Engaged and Empowered program in 2013 because we saw a need for better health outcomes for the people we support, while also looking to transform our day habilitation model into something that was more meaningful for people. In doing so, a wellness program made perfect sense and once we decided on that direction, we felt that it was important to build a program that was dynamic and evidence-based.”

People participating in the Engaged and Empowered program, about 650 people per week, are offered wellness activities on a daily basis, that encompass seven different dimensions of wellness: Physical, Social, Spiritual, Intellectual, Occupational, Emotional and Environmental. All activities can be modified for people with the sensory needs of autism, as well as for people with physical challenges. Activity examples include book club, music appreciation, poetry readings, and spirituality. An adaptive sports club, L3 (Living Life Without Limits), is part of The Arc Lexington’s Engaged and Empowered program that offers participation in adaptive activities such as: water skiing, sailing, downhill skiing, ice skating, zip lining, fishing, archery, roller skating and many other exciting and challenging sports activities.

Anchoring the Engaged and Empowered program was multiplelevel wellness training of The Arc Lexington staff members, by Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic worked with these staff members to teach motivational techniques that helps them have the greatest impact on the wellness goals of the people they support. Three staff members were certified as Wellness Coaches by Mayo Clinic and they continue to lead the Engaged and Empowered Program.

When looking for evidence- and research-based health, and wellness programs for people with I/DD, The Arc Lexington found the University of Illinois' HealthMatters™ and HealthMessages™ curricula. The authors of this program from the University of Illinois' Department of Disability and Human Development provided staff members at The Arc Lexington hands-on training, in its techniques and curriculum to engage participants in actively learning about their health. This program was specifically written to be used with individuals with developmental disabilities and covers a large spectrum of wellness-based topics. HealthMessages™ is a program in which people with I/DD become peer coaches and lead groups.

Both HealthMatters™ and HealthMessages™ are offered to everyone supported at The Arc Lexington. Participants with the most challenging health risks such as diabetes, obesity and heart conditions, are offered this program in a support-group format called Wellness Confidential, with skilled clinicians who are wellness coaches. Wellness Confidential is based on the principles of positive psychology that focus on positive experiences rather than on dysfunction, helping people become happier and achieve their full potential.

People who participate in the Engaged and Empowered program at The Arc Lexington complete a personalized health assessment and interest survey and develop an individualized wellness plan with the members of their team. The Arc Lexington collects data on wellness goals and looks at this data and people’s wellness plans every six months, to assess any possible needs for adjustments, as well as to celebrate wellness successes, large and small. In addition, every six months it collects biometric data on program participants to help steer the program.

Now in its tenth year, Engaged and Empowered has helped many people at The Arc Lexington, achieve their personal wellness goals and become healthier, which leads to not only physical and mental wellness, but also success in other areas of their lives. A selection of examples of how Engaged and Empowered has affected the lives of participants includes the following success stories.

NEWFOUND STRENGTH: Since participating in program classes, activities and more, Allison Patnode has found great success in her relationships, career and overall happiness.

Allison Patnode joined the Engaged and Empowered Program at its inception in 2013. When she started the program, she was exhibiting severe diabetic symptoms, with multiple trips to emergency rooms, with high blood glucose numbers. These frequent ER visits and her ill health caused her to be depressed and experience social isolation. Since participating in program classes, activities and more, Allison has found great success, not only with her health and wellness goals, but also in her relationships, career and overall happiness. With the full support of her team at The Arc Lexington, she has been working on exercise goals, choosing healthy foods, and balancing her interests with her goals. She has taken control of her diabetes, and has experienced weight loss, and a reduction of ER visits related to her health complications. She sets her own goals and takes responsibility for achieving them, but also welcomes the supports she receives from many people at many levels at The Arc Lexington.