LARC begins reopening for day service programming

TORRINGTON — LARC is beginning a phased reopening of the agency’s Vocational and Day Services programs over the next several weeks.

The agency, which closed March 20 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, formed a reopening committee in May to begin planning for a strategic phased-in reopening, according to a statement.

“Under guidelines issued by the State of Connecticut, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the CT Department of Developmental Services (DDS), LARC will proceed slowly, gradually opening various programs starting on or about July 15,” according to the statement.

Since the pandemic closed the agencies around the state, LARC’s residential program, which includes six group homes, has been at full capacity with round-theclock staff ensuring the residents were safe, members said.

To date, LARC has not had a single case of COVID-19 among its staff or individuals. “This track record is due in large part to the stringent policies and procedures in place in the group homes and active worksites,” according to the statement. “This adherence by LARC staff to the guidelines issued by the CDC, DDS and the State of Connecticut will be the driving force behind all reopening plans.

Full opening of the agency will take place with careful planning over several months. This will necessarily depend upon the situation of individuals who wish to return to the programs, guidance from the state, and as community worksites become operational.

In the statement, LARC emphasized that reopened programs will not look or operate the same way. A strict protocol, which has been practiced during the past several months in preparation for reopening, will be implemented, including increased cleaning and safety procedures for every aspect of the agency including programming, transportation, personal care, activities, and meals.

Among other protocols, all staff and individuals participating in a program will have daily temperature checks and symptom monitoring, wear of a face mask at all times, practice social distancing, and follow frequent handwashing rules, encouraged through signage and weekly updates.

“Staff have been reaching out to individuals over the last four months to maintain contact and keep them engaged. Concerned that individuals who were no longer attending a day program or job, might feel isolated, a number of the LARC staff took advantage of available new technology to provide virtual programming,” members said. “Thanks to funding through Torrington Savings Bank’s rapid response grant program, LARC was able to purchase Chromebooks that allowed staff to innovate with technology and offer virtual services remotely.

“LARC has communicated initial reopening plans directly with individuals, families and guardians, and will be meeting with them over the next few weeks to discuss what programs will be available and to make sure everyone understands what to expect,” according to the statement.

The agency will continue to update the community as phases of the reopening plan roll out. Additional updates and information will be made available on LARC’s website https://www.litchfieldarc.org, as well as CT Department of Developmental Services (DDS), https:// portal.ct.gov/dds; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), https:// www.cdc.gov/