The Arc of the South Shore

The Arc of the South Shore delivers comprehensive, person-centered services and community advocacy for more than 4,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and developmental delays across Norfolk, Plymouth, and Barnstable counties. Founded in 1951 by visionary local parents who united to demand community resources and inclusive opportunities for their children, the organization has expanded over more than seven decades into one of southeastern Massachusetts' most trusted and comprehensive human services agencies, celebrating 75 years of continuous service.

The organization provides a foundational continuum of pediatric therapies and early childhood supports through its state-certified First Step Early Intervention program. Pediatric specialists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists deliver individualized home-based and center-based developmental assessments, therapeutic interventions, and caregiver coaching for infants and toddlers during critical formative years. Dedicated clinical teams work in close partnership with families to nurture early milestone development, adaptive physical movement, sensory processing, and effective childhood communication strategies.

In addition, the agency's specialized Autism Supports Department provides applied behavior analysis therapies, clinical consultations, sensory integration activities, evidence-based social skills groups, and educational navigation tailored specifically for children, adolescents, and teens on the autism spectrum. Clinicians conduct comprehensive behavioral assessments, design individualized positive behavior support plans, and host sensory-friendly community gatherings where young people build confidence and form meaningful peer friendships in supportive environments.

For transition-age youth and adults, The Arc of the South Shore operates vibrant day habilitation and community-based day services designed around personal preferences and individualized development goals. Program participants take part in daily living skills instruction, expressive arts, functional communication therapies, physical wellness routines, and civic volunteer initiatives with regional community partners. Through vocational exploration and community integration, adults build meaningful self-reliance while developing valuable social connections across their hometown neighborhoods.

The agency's residential continuum provides person-centered living choices across accessible group homes, shared living host family arrangements, and adult family care placements throughout South Shore neighborhoods. Compassionate, highly trained residential staff provide 24-hour healthcare monitoring, dietary support, medication administration, and community recreation coordination, ensuring every resident enjoys a dignified, safe, and socially fulfilling home life. Under the Adult Family Care program, qualified in-home caregivers receive essential financial stipends and ongoing clinical case management from licensed social workers and nurses.

Family support centers offer vital navigation and assistance for caregivers, providing flexible respite funding, transition planning from school to adult life, individualized educational advocacy, assistive technology lending, and specialized support groups. The organization also hosts widely anticipated inclusive community events, including the annual Autism Rocks celebration, Fall Fest, and specialized yoga and dance classes. Through pioneering clinical excellence, dedicated family partnerships, and relentless community advocacy, The Arc of the South Shore continues to create a welcoming world where people with disabilities are valued, empowered, and fully included.