Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Joyce Ryan retires from Arc of Chester County
Preschool teacher leaves 31- year legacy
WEST CHESTER » Joyce Ryan, a veteran preschool teacher at The Arc of Chester County, is retiring after leaving a 31- year legacy there.
At the Arc, she has been a leader, teacher, friend, and advocate, beloved by preschool students and staff alike.
On her last day at The Arc, Ryan returned her classroomkeys and made her way to the parking lot. A surprise parade of vehicles began circling the lot in her honor. Staff, fellow- teachers, and students, both past and present,
honked, cheered, and held signs expressing gratitude and goodbyes. Nina, 23, one of Ryan’s former students, was part of the motorcade. Ryan’s role expanded to natural support for Nina and her family over the past 12 years.
Many preschool families remain connected to The Arc following graduation. The Arc of Chester County’s mission is to provide advocacy, services, and resources from birth through a participant’s lifetime.
“Parents still need help when they leave our preschool program,” said Ryan. “We take good care of our families and when their children transition away it can be a real eye opener. This is when the work of advocacy really kicks in.”
Ryan speaks from personal experience and her own journey. She is the mother of three daughters and her eldest, Jessica, has multiple disabilities.
Ryan and her family moved to Pennsylvania when Jessica was one year old. Jessica experienced debilitating seizures at an early age, becoming medically fragile with multiple disabilities. Ryan was introduced to The Arc of Chester County through a trusted neurologist and home- based services. Prior to The Arc location on Lawrence Drive, services were offered at multiple
centers, including First Step where Jessica received care.
Ryan became involved with The Arc in multiple roles. Initially as a parent, then a Board Member and ultimately adding teacher to her repertoire.
“I’ve enjoyed being a liaison between the board and staff and being able to give perspective from all my roles: parent, fundraiser, committee member, board member and teacher,” she said.
Ryan continued teaching at The Arc while caring for Jessica at home, with assistance from the Coatesville Child
Development Center ( The IU). As the years progressed, Jessica’s disabilities would require round- the- clock care and residential placement. Ryan cites Barbara Beck, former Arc honoree, as her lifeline to aparent support group of children with multiple disabilities. This network helped her through the difficult years ahead.
“I tried to continue caring for Jess myself, but it was a delicate balance between family, work, and self- care,” Ryan said. “Iwas exhausted, depleted, and couldn’t physically manage
by myself anymore.”
Jessica was welcomed into St. Edmunds Home for Children run by the archdiocese but aged out at 21. Finding full- time adult care proved evenmore daunting.
Government waivers limit the number of fulltime care options; most services are geared toward inhome supports. Advocacy and a strong network helped Ryan and Jessica finally find an optimal solution.
“It took a village and people in our corner to find Jessica’s home in Nottingham,” she said. “A bed had opened but our fight didn’t end there. The facility advocated on our behalf and helped with red tape and even a trial run to secure Jessica’s place.”
Today, Jessica is 40 years old and has been a happy, well cared- for resident for 17 years.
Ryan brought the same heart, resiliency, and dedication to her role as teacher at The Arc preschool. Empathy and understanding fueled her commitment as she knew the challenges Arc families faced, first- hand. Her determination and passion were a constant for decades.
Ryan’s contribution was recognized by The Arc with the distinguished Founder’s Award for Lifetime Achievement, at the Arc of Chester County Donor Awards Celebration, last week. The award represents over 4 decades of Joyce’s achievement and dedicated service, following in the footsteps of The Arc founders.