HARC TO OPEN NEW INTEGRATED SENSORY-REHABILITATION CENTER FOR PEOPLE WITH MULTIPLE DISABILITIES

The Greater Hartford Association for Retarded Citizens (HARC) today announced that it officially open its new state of the art rehabilitation program for adults with severe multiple physical and developmental disabilities - The Louise and Ardè Bulova Center - on Thursday, May 8th at its 900 Asylum Street, Hartford headquarters. Opening activities included: a pre-advance press conference, unveiling of The Louise and Ardè Bulova Center plaque, presentation of Governor Rowlands Proclamation by Department of Mental Retardation Commissioner Peter OMeara, interactive media tour, and Fox Family Funds presentation of a $100,000 check to HARC by Susan Christensen, Fox News at Ten anchor.

HARTFORD, CT (PRWEB) May 24, 2003 -- The Greater Hartford Association for Retarded Citizens (HARC) today announced that it officially open its new state of the art rehabilitation program for adults with severe multiple physical and developmental disabilities - The Louise and Ardè Bulova Center - on Thursday, May 8th at its 900 Asylum Street, Hartford headquarters. Opening activities included: a pre-advance press conference, unveiling of The Louise and Ardè Bulova Center plaque, presentation of Governor Rowlands Proclamation by Department of Mental Retardation Commissioner Peter OMeara, interactive media tour, and Fox Family Funds presentation of a $100,000 check to HARC by Susan Christensen, Fox News at Ten anchor.

We are very excited about this program because it addresses the needs of individuals who have been largely overlooked in our society. Up until recently, these individuals were almost always living in large institutions, away from their families and friends," said Dr. Stephen Becker, president of HARC. Our innovative rehabilitation center will provide opportunities to engage in wellness activities in conjunction with a broad array of community activities that includes vocational development."

The Louise and Ardè Bulova Center combines traditional interventions, such as speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy with New Age Eastern treatments, such as massage, shiatsu, facials, beauty treatments, aromatherapy, sensory activities, art and music and movement.

Specifically, HARCs new center features three large distinct suites, including:
 a therapeutic sensory suite equipped with massage rooms, a beauty salon, and other sensory integration equipment.
 an occupational therapy/physical therapy/communication suite, where participants will receive regular and complete physical and occupational therapies according to their individual needs. An emphasis on speech therapy
and personalized communications systems through the use of assisted technologies, such as switches and other devices, will be utilized.

 an activity suite, consisting of a variety of recreational rooms to enhance the mental and physical functioning of the participants.

The entire suite has been designed to accommodate people who use specialized equipment including large wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment. Properly scaled restrooms and changing rooms accommodate people who require assistance with their personal needs.

What weve essentially done here is create an integrated caring community for our participants," added Becker. Given bodies that dont work well, severely disabled people have fewer opportunities to experience a sense of physical well-being and comfort. This program offers stimulation through all the senses, and we are proud that we can offer these experiences through our supportive programs at HARC."

HARC named The Louise and Ardè Bulova Center in appreciation of the Louise and Ardè Bulova Fund, whose start-up grant made the new program possible. Mr. Bulova had a keen interest in the plight of World War II veterans, many of whom returned home paralyzed and disabled. He founded The Joseph Bulova School that trained disabled veterans to become watchmakers.

Founded in 1951, HARC's mission is to help people with mental retardation and their families enjoy lives of quality, inclusion, and dignity by providing support, education, and advocacy. HARC is a non-profit organization and agency of the United Way of the Capital Area, serving the Greater Hartford community.