Arc of Camden County

The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and serving them and their families. We work tirelessly to uphold our vision that every individual and family living with I/DD in the United States has access to the information, advocacy, and skills they need to support their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

The Occupational Training Center

The Occupational Training Center (OTC), lo­cated in Berlin, is a vocational rehabilitation facil­ity and employment  center for  people with disabilities. The OTC provides services to over 150 people on an individualized basis to assist each person to develop their fullest voca­tional and economic potential. The primary ob­jective is to assist individuals secure employment by identifying and developing existing abilities while nurturing an interest in acquiring new skills. 

Supported Employment

The Supported Employment program provides individualized placement, training and support services for people with disabilities, enabling them to work in community based competitive employment. Supports include any assistance required in order to secure the right job, including preparation tor interviews, travel training and application assis­tance. Supports are available to both the employer and individual for the entire length of employment.

Adult Training Services

Seven centers provide services to over 200 people throughout Camden County who live in the community. This program allows people with significant disabilities to develop personal, social, and work skills, and to further their capacity for self-determination and decision making. Each program emphasizes ac­quisition of skills through individualized program­ming in three curriculum areas: Habilitation, Per­sonal Awareness, and Practical Arts. Various activities provide opportunities for integration and socialization.

Residential Services

The Residential Department offers a variety of pro­grams that provide a continuum of services:

Group homes throughout Camden County give residents a comfortable, safe home in the community. Program staff assist each individual to live as independently as possible. Guidance and supervision are given in many areas including self care, social interaction and activities of daily living.

Supervised Apartment Programs allow individuals to reside in an apartment setting while receiving 24-hour super­vision. People live in their own apartments with a roommate, and each person has their own room. In­dividuals receive instruction in areas such as bank­ing, transportation and other activities of daily living.

The Supportive Living Program allows indi­viduals to live independently in the community. Although 24-hour supervision is not required, a staff member is available at any time in emergencies. Each person is assigned a coun­selor to assist them with their goals, as well as challenges they may face while living in the community, such as banking, budgeting, transportation and socialization. A recreation program offers activities on a weekly basis.