Record last updated 2025/12/09 Comment on this info .Update this info

Narrative

Berkshire County Arc helps people with developmental disabilities (DD) and/or acquired brain injuries (ABI) in Berkshire and Hampden counties. 

Central & Southern Berkshire County Family Support Center

BCArc’s DDS Family Support Center offers a wide variety of services throughout central and southern Berkshire County, including:

• Information and referrals to a broad range of resources and service providers in Berkshire County.
• Service navigation or case management for families through the closed referral service, Service is accessible through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
• A library where families can browse or borrow resources on a wide range of topics, including (but not limited to):
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
  • Down Syndrome
  • Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
  • nutrition (healthy eating)
  • assistive technology
• Educational advocacy is provided by trained advocates. They will work with family members to review Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and discuss implementation meetings. Educational Advocates can attend up to two IEP meetings per year. They give help to help family members advocate for their children.
• Family networking and training events are scheduled year-round on topics of interest to our families. 
• Social and rec opportunities include annual events such as:
  • Buddy Walk
  • Sprout Film Festival
  • Family Support Spring Break Camp
  • monthly “Chance to Dance” community dance
  • regular parties and social events

Respite Services

Available to qualified people through our planned respite house and individualized supports. Respite services are meant to give a break to family members. They can enhance community opportunities for a family member with a disability.

Service Types

• Case Management
• Community Based Day Program
• Cooperative Apartments
• Day Activity
• Disability Awareness
• Family Rights And Guardianship
• Family Support
• Financial Assistance
• Group Homes
• Job Counseling
• Job Placement
• Job Skills
• Job Support
• Job Training
• Nursing
• Rehabilitation
• Relationship/Friendship Support
• Relationship/Friendship Trainings
• Self-Advocacy
• Self-Advocacy - Health and Safety
• Self-Advocacy - Leadership
• Self-Advocacy - Life Skills
• Self-Advocacy - Recreation and Leisure
• Self-Advocacy - Workshop
• Skills Training
• Socialization Activities
• Travel

Program Type

• Adult Foster Care
• Advocacy
• Arc
• Case Management
• Counseling
• Day/Work Activity
• Housing
• Independent Living
• Information/Referral
• Jobs
• Legal
• Personal Care
• Recreation/Arts/Social and Leisure
• Respite
• Support Groups
• Vocational

Populations Served

• Autism Spectrum
• Developmental Disability
• Dual Diagnosis - ID/MI
• Elderly Person with disabilities
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Multiple Disability

Ages Served

• Birth to 3
• 3 - 4
• 5 - 8
• 9 - 13
• 14 - 18
• 19 - 22
• 23 – 59
• 60 +

Languages Spoken

• Spanish

Accessibility Features

• Accessible Parking
• Accessible Restrooms
• Medical Needs
• Near Public Transportation
• Services at Home
• Wheelchair Ramps

Additional Information

• Accredited By: CARF
• Fees: MassHealth, Personal Funds
• Licensed By: DDS MRC,DMA