Frequently Asked Questions
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What is The Arc Gateway and what do they do?
The Arc Gateway works to ensure children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities enjoy productive lives and have the support that they need to reach their goals. Through programs that promote choice and independence, a wide array of community based services are offered across the life span from infancy to the retirement years.
Children’s services include early intervention developmental therapy and pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapy where parents learn strategies to use in their children’s daily routines.
For our adult population, in addition to community residential homes, Arc Gateway offers work activities, job training, independent living supports, life skills development courses, a transition educational program, and a ‘retirement’ program.
How do I get my family member approved for services?
Children are referred for early intervention services through the Early Steps program at the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart. Parents can self-refer by calling 850-416-7656. The goal of Early Steps is to connect families and caregivers with services to enhance their child’s development so that children will be ready to succeed when they enter school. These services are provided at no cost to the family. Families are assigned a Service Coordinator to help them navigate the process of evaluation to actually obtaining services like those provided by Pearl Nelson Center.
A child can be referred directly to Pearl Nelson Center for speech, physical or occupational therapy services through a prescription from their primary care physician. An evaluation and recommendations for treatment will be provided to the family and physician. Pearl Nelson Center’s pediatric therapy services include a specialty feeding program for problem feeders and vision rehabilitation for school age children to help with vision problems not correctable with glasses. Vision rehab addresses vision problems affecting academic performance as well as the visual complaints following concussion. We accept most insurance plans and Medicaid as well as a private payment plan.
Most adults served by The Arc Gateway are referred through the Agency for Person with Disabilities (APD). APD works in partnership with local communities and private providers to assist people who have developmental disabilities and their families. APD also provides assistance in identifying the needs of people with developmental disabilities for supports and services. Please visit apd.myflorida.com for more information or to apply for services.
The Arc Gateway also accepts private pay for services. Please contact The Arc Gateway for more information.
Adults seeking competitive employment should register with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Florida Department of Education. More information can be obtained at rehabworks.org
Are transportation services available?
The Arc Gateway works to ensure children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities enjoy productive lives and have the support that they need to reach their goals. Through programs that promote choice and independence, a wide array of community based services are offered across the life span from infancy to the retirement years.
Children’s services include early intervention developmental therapy and pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapy where parents learn strategies to use in their children’s daily routines.
For our adult population, in addition to community residential homes, Arc Gateway offers work activities, job training, independent living supports, life skills development courses, a transition educational program, and a ‘retirement’ program.
I am moving to the Pensacola area. How do we start getting services for an adult with developmental disabilities?
The Arc Gateway works to ensure children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities enjoy productive lives and have the support that they need to reach their goals. Through programs that promote choice and independence, a wide array of community based services are offered across the life span from infancy to the retirement years.
Children’s services include early intervention developmental therapy and pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapy where parents learn strategies to use in their children’s daily routines.
For our adult population, in addition to community residential homes, Arc Gateway offers work activities, job training, independent living supports, life skills development courses, a transition educational program, and a ‘retirement’ program.
Do you have programs for summer school?
The Arc Gateway works to ensure children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities enjoy productive lives and have the support that they need to reach their goals. Through programs that promote choice and independence, a wide array of community based services are offered across the life span from infancy to the retirement years.
Children’s services include early intervention developmental therapy and pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapy where parents learn strategies to use in their children’s daily routines.
For our adult population, in addition to community residential homes, Arc Gateway offers work activities, job training, independent living supports, life skills development courses, a transition educational program, and a ‘retirement’ program.
Can people change from one day program to another? For example, can someone move from the work floor to a job in the community?
The Arc Gateway works to ensure children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities enjoy productive lives and have the support that they need to reach their goals. Through programs that promote choice and independence, a wide array of community based services are offered across the life span from infancy to the retirement years.
Children’s services include early intervention developmental therapy and pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapy where parents learn strategies to use in their children’s daily routines.
For our adult population, in addition to community residential homes, Arc Gateway offers work activities, job training, independent living supports, life skills development courses, a transition educational program, and a ‘retirement’ program.