Recreation & Respite Services
The Arc Westchester’s Recreational Services provides a wide variety of leisure and learning activities designed to help participants enhance social skills and build lifelong friendships. We hope you will take part in many of the fun and educational activities we have to offer!
Meet our Director of Recreation and Respite Services, and learn more about Summer Enrichment!
Required Forms for Participation
Respite House
Our Respite House offers parents an opportunity to take some time off from caring for their family member with a disability. Families who use respite services can run errands, spend time with their other children, take trips out of town, or simply take a much-needed break. The Respite House provides planned day and overnight visits for adolescents and adults. The cozy home, located in a quiet neighborhood in Thornwood, has accommodations for up to six individuals. A respite visit can range from one night to a full week, with longer stays possible if necessary and available.
The Arc Westchester’s Respite House is open 7 days a week, year-round. The experienced staff are trained in first aid, CPR, behavior management, medication administration, use of adaptive equipment, and fire safety, among other topics. Recreational activities are planned according to the interests and abilities of our guests, who also have opportunities to learn new independent living skills. Families often use our respite care services as a way of helping both the individual and the caregiver prepare for future residential opportunities. Services for The Arc Westchester’s Respite House are funded by Medicaid.
Eligibility Criteria
Individuals must be eligible for OPWDD services (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) and be authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO) for Respite Services. Individuals may or may not necessarily have OPWDD Waiver approval and therefore, Medicaid is not required. An intake application and interview along with various supporting documents are required before respite services can be scheduled.
For further information or to request Respite Services, visit our contact page. Someone will get back to you in a timely manner.
