🚨 Save the Date! 🚨
🍽️ Join us for a delicious night out at The Mandarin!
📅 Friday, November 8th | ⏰ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 296 Salem Street, Reading

Bring your appetite and our flyer, and 20% of your meal will be donated to support Communitas Recreation! 🙌 Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, you can make a difference while enjoying some tasty food! 🍜🥡

Don’t miss out—let’s eat for a cause! 😋

#DineForACause #CommunitySupport #CommunitasRecreation #SaveTheDate

Engagement, fitness, fun

Athletic activities, recreation, friendship and fun pave the way for a full and healthy life. Our barrier-free recreation program improves self-esteem and strengthens emotional and social skills through recreation sports, outdoor programs and social activities.

Vital physical, motor skills and patterns are enhanced with invigorating group activities that build confidence while providing the key benefits of exercise. From indoor and outdoor activities to community outings, it’s a favorite part of the day for the people we serve

Learn more about our Recreation Programs by clicking here!

Hello Human Rights Committee – these are the policies that reflect the agency’s Human Rights approach. They will be reviewed at our next meeting on 6/5/24. Thank you for taking the time to review these policies! Please reach out to Kathy at if you have any questions.

S:\Agency Policy\Communitas Policy Manual – Table of Contents	Notes
1.0.03 Code of Ethics	Reviewed; no changes made
1.0.04 Cultural Competency and Diversity	Reviewed; no changes made
1.0.14 Mandated Reporting – Abuse or Neglect	Minor grammatical corrections, no material changes made.
6.0.08 Emergency Intervention	Reviewed; no changes made
6.0.18 Complaint Process for People Supported in Communitas Programs	Reviewed; no changes made
6.0.19 Confidentiality and Protection of Privacy – Individuals	added stipulation to explanations when documents not generated by agency
6.0.21 Informed Consent	Minor grammatical corrections, no material changes made.
6.0.22 HRC Review of Health-Related Supports with Restrictions	Changes related to revised HRC reviews per 115 CMR 5.12
6.0.23 Release or Publication of Photograph, Video or Image of Individual	Reviewed; no changes made
6.0.24 Review of Individual’s Confidential Records	Reviewed; no changes made
6.0.27 Request and Consent to Secure Electronic Device Policy	Reviewed; no changes made
6.0.29 Levels of Support Needed to Manage Funds	Significant change to IV. B) 1) b) $20 changes to $50
6.0.33 Behavior Program Development for Adults Supported in Communitas Programs	Reviewed; no changes made
6.0.44 Human Rights Policy	Changes related to revised HRC reviews per 115 CMR 5.12
6.0.55 Relationship and Sexuality Guidelines	Reviewed; no changes made
6.2.0.07 Volunteer Activities in Day Services	Reviewed; no changes made
6.2.1.02 Unpaid Work Experience for Exploration, Assessment and Training	Noncritical; fixed 1 typo and 2 formatting issues
6.3.2.02 Rep-Payee Policy for People in Independent Home Supports Program	Reviewed; no changes made
6.6.0.10 Responsibilities of Human Rights Coordinator	Changes related to revised HRC reviews per 115 CMR 5.12
6.6.0.11 Responsibilities of Human Rights Officers	Changes related to revised HRC reviews per 115 CMR 5.12
6.6.0.14 Human Rights Committee	Changes related to revised HRC reviews per 115 CMR 5.12

2024 Local Farmers Market list

Shopping at your local farmers market offers an unparalleled experience of flavor and freshness straight from the farm to your table. Unlike produce found in supermarkets, which is often picked prematurely, fruits and vegetables at farmers markets are allowed to ripen fully on the vine, ensuring peak taste and nutrition. Check out this list of 2024 local farmers markets below and embark on a journey of culinary discovery.

Eat fresh and delicious!

At a farmers market, you’re not just buying produce; you’re investing in quality and taste. Delight in fruits and vegetables that have been nurtured to perfection, bursting with flavor and vitality. Experience the joy of biting into a ripe tomato or savoring the sweetness of freshly picked strawberries. With each purchase, you support local farmers who take pride in delivering the freshest offerings straight from their fields to your basket.

Try something new!

Farmers markets are not just places to shop; they’re hubs of culinary creativity and community engagement. Strike up a conversation with local farmers eager to share their knowledge and passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients. Discover new recipes and cooking techniques that elevate the humblest of vegetables into gourmet delights. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, the farmers market is your playground for culinary experimentation and exploration.

Strengthening community!

Beyond the delicious produce and culinary delights, farmers markets play a vital role in fostering community connections. By supporting local farmers and businesses, you become a catalyst for economic growth and sustainability in your community. Forge meaningful relationships with growers and artisans who are dedicated to preserving the traditions of small-scale agriculture. Join in the vibrant tapestry of community life as you mingle with neighbors, sample local fare, and celebrate the abundance of the harvest season.

However, if you’re looking for something in a different town, you can also use this USDA Farmers Market search tool!

Communitas is committed to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities – and their families – in the community.

Founded in 1954, Communitas has a long track record of advocating passionately while compassionately delivering services for people with disabilities that expand opportunities, empower people, support independence and enrich lives.

By eliminating barriers, expanding opportunities and supporting independence, we empower our people to lead full and meaningful lives. Whether you have a child, a transitioning adult, or older adult; we provide a safe environment with services that meet individual needs, whatever they are and however they change, while inspiring dreams.

Updated 5/24/24

We’re so excited to invite you to the 7th Annual CommUNITY Walk at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield! The CommUNITY Walk is an inclusive and accessible celebration of community. As a valued member of our community, we would love for you to join us and this family-friendly and pet-friendly event.  You can help to support Communitas while enjoying a fun-filled day!

The details

Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Lake Quannapowitt, Wakefield (at the Bandstand right across from the Upper Common)

Registration, Donation, or Sponsorship

Registration is free! Your generous donation will help cover event costs. Your sponsorship will support Communitas in continuing to provide services and programing to families and people with Developmental Disabilities. Every contribution makes a difference. Check out some photos from our 2023 CommUNITY Walk!

• Family-friendly and pet-friendly atmosphere
• Fun activities for all ages
• Connect with your community while supporting a great cause
• Make an Impact
• Your participation and support enable us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can create positive change and strengthen our community.

Spread the Word

Help us spread the word by sharing this event with your friends and family on social media. Let’s make this year’s CommUNITY Walk the best one yet!  Join us as we come together to celebrate unity and make a lasting impact. We can’t wait to see you there!

A long history of empowering people

Communitas was founded in 1954 (formerly known as EMARC) and has a long track record of advocating passionately while compassionately delivering services for people with disabilities that expand opportunities, empower people, support independence and enrich lives. Communitas welcomes, values, respects and supports people of all abilities. Our mission is to meet individual needs – whatever they are and however they change – while inspiring dreams. We advocate passionately while compassionately delivering services and programs that expand opportunities, empower people, support independence and enrich lives.

Values we live by

Communitas is dedicated to delivering individualized, family-centered support, programs and services for people with disabilities, across their lifespan and in their communities. We are inspired by and committed to our people as we meet their changing needs and create new pathways for growth.

We offer Family Support, Residential Services, Day Services, and Recreational Programs, as well as employment and volunteering opportunities, for more than 1,000 families from Everett, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Saugus, Stoneham, Wakefield and surrounding communities.  By eliminating barriers, expanding opportunities and supporting independence, we empower our people to lead full and meaningful lives. Whether you have a child, a transitioning adult, or older adult; we provide a safe environment with services that meet individual needs, whatever they are and however they change, while inspiring dreams

The CommUNITY Walk is back on! Please join us on September 23, 2023, same times, same location, same great fun planned! And this time we’ve got a back-up plan in case of rain! DJ Kevin Sullivan will be joining us again for a Dance Party, and we’re still planning on the Pet Parade with DogWatch, Prosper Solutions will have a water table set up, and Zaika Indian Bistro will be serving lunch! We look foward to seeing you all in the fall!

We’re asking folks to re-register so that we can get an accurate headcount. If you’ve already registered, and you met the deadline to reserve a t-shirt, please click the appopriate box on the registration form.

1. Folks who ALREADY reserve a t-shirt can can stop by the Admin Office between 10 am through 2 pm on August 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or the week of August 7th – 11th to pick up their pre-ordered shirt.
2. If you didn’t get to reserve a shirt in the spring, or if you’re a new registation, please check the appropriate boxes on the new registration form.

• Saturday, September 23, 2023
• Lake Quannapowitt, Wakefield
• 10 am – 1 pm
• Rain or Shine!

What are we doing?	When does it start?
Registration & T-shirt pickup	10:00 a.m.
Opening Ceremony	10:30 a.m.
Pet Parade sponsored by DogWatch	10:35 a.m.
Short Stroll or the Full 5 K	At your leisure, starting at 10:45 a.m.
Games, Arts and Crafts	At your leisure, starting at 10:45 a.m.
Dance Party with DJ Kevin Sullivan	11:00 a.m.
Zaika Indian Bistro Lunch	11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Closing Ceremony	12:15 p.m.

#WeAreCommunitas #BetterTogether #SeeYouInTheFall

Thank you to our sponsors!

Hi friends, we are really sorry to say that we’ve had to make the difficult decision to cancel the CommUNITY Walk.  Current forecasts show a slightly lower chance of rain, but because it appears that it will begin to rain about 3 a.m., even if it stops raining by the time the Walk was going to start, the ground would be soaked and very muddy.  We’re committed to rescheduling this event (or something similar) in the fall, but we needed to take into account the number of people who were attending that utilize wheelchairs and walkers, or that would have difficulty navigating the wet terrain.

It was a very difficult decision for us to make, as we were really looking forward to seeing everyone.  Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns, but we really hope to see you once we’re able to reschedule. #DarnWeather #WeAreCommunitas #BetterTogether

What began in 2016 as EMARC Walks With You is now the CommUNITY Walk, and we’re coming back better than ever. We’re excited to celebrate our 6th Annual CommUNITY Walk with you at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield! Our CommUNITY WALK will raise awareness about Communitas and raise funds for our organization’s mission. As a valued member of our community, we would love for you to join us for this event. Registration is free, but your $25 registration donation will help us cover the costs of organizing and promoting the CommUNITY WALK, as well as enable us to make a greater impact in the lives of those we serve. We hope you’ll join us for this family-friendly and pet-friendly event!  

When and where?

• Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, at the Bandstand (right across from the Upper Common)
• Saturday, June 24, 2023
• From 10a-1p

Schedule of Events

Event	Start
Registration & T-shirt pickup	10:00 a.m.
Opening Ceremony	10:30 a.m.
Pet Parade	10:40 a.m.
Full 5 K	At your leisure
Short Stroll	At your leisure
Dance Party	11:00 a.m.
Zaika Indian Bistro Lunch	11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Closing Ceremony	12:15 p.m.

Thank you to our sponsors!

How can I get involved?

• Register yourself, your family and friends to join us!
• Become a CommUNITY Walk Sponsor
• Make a donation (suggested registration donation of $25)
• Tell your friends!

Prefer the paper forms?

• Download the flier
• Download the Sponsorship Form
• Sponsorship Levels

Communitas welcomes, values, respects and supports people of all abilities. Our mission is to meet individual needs – whatever they are and however they change – while inspiring dreams. We advocate passionately while compassionately delivering services and programs that expand opportunities, empower people, support independence and enrich lives.

Communitas is dedicated to delivering individualized, family-centered services, programs and support for people of all abilities, across their lifespan and in their communities. We are inspired by and committed to our people as we meet their changing needs and create new pathways for growth. By eliminating barriers, expanding opportunities and supporting independence, we empower our people to lead full and meaningful lives. Communitas has a long track record of advocating passionately while compassionately delivering services for people with disabilities that expand opportunities, empower people, support independence and enrich lives.

Johanne Pino, Project Coordinator at Massachusetts Advocates for Children, will be joining Communitas, The Arc of Greater Haverhill Newburyport, Bridgewell, & The Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association for a virtual Transition Training Workshop. 

This Transition Training Workshop will address transition planning and services required for youth with disabilities ages 14-22 and will focus on the transition special education services needed to prepare youth for employment, independent living, and further education. This training will also address compensatory services still available, and how to ensure districts fully address students’ transition needs.

Using case examples, parents and professionals will learn strategies that can help ensure students receive important transition services required by special education law. The workshop will also provide information about the transition to the adult human service system, including Chapter 688, the state law that helps plan for youth with disabilities after they leave school.

Date: September 27th 

Time: 6pm

Who: Families with loved ones from 14-24

To register: Please email Becky Mann at  for the Zoom link

2022 Local Farmers Market list

Shopping at your local Farmers Market is a great way to get delicious fruits and vegetables, fresh from the farm! Frequently, fruits and veggies sold in super markets have to be picked before they’ve fully ripened, sometimes 1-4 weeks before you buy them. Check out our 2022 local farmers market list below.

Eat fresh and delicious!

At a farmers market, you’re getting produce that has had time to fully ripen on the vine (or bush, or tree), when it will taste its very best. Farmers markets feature produce at the peak of season, so you can often find your favorites.

Try something new!

This is also a great way to try something new! Farmers love to share their favorite recipes, and they love to share the best ways to prepare the foods they are selling.

Strengthening community!

Visiting your local farmers market is also a fantastic way to stay engaged and connected to your community. By supporting local businesses and farmers, you are strengthening your community in a fun way!

However, if you’re looking for something in a different town, you can also use this USDA Farmers Market search tool!

Communitas is committed to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities – and their families – in the community.

Founded in 1954, Communitas has a long track record of advocating passionately while compassionately delivering services for people with disabilities that expand opportunities, empower people, support independence and enrich lives.

By eliminating barriers, expanding opportunities and supporting independence, we empower our people to lead full and meaningful lives. Whether you have a child, a transitioning adult, or older adult; we provide a safe environment with services that meet individual needs, whatever they are and however they change, while inspiring dreams.

The LifeSaver Award Program is part of the Employee Appreciation Committee’s efforts to recognize and highlight people who work for, or are affiliated with, Communitas. Any employee, volunteer, individual we support, family member, vendor or any other person or organization affiliated with or doing business with Communitas can be nominated for the LifeSaver Awards.  Basically, anyone who is part of our Communitas family is eligible for nomination! And anyone can send in a nomination!

You may wish to nominate a co-worker who has been creative in working through an issue, or exceptionally helpful in some area.  Or you may wish to nominate an individual who has been working hard toward a personal goal.  Perhaps a family, vendor or other stakeholder has show exceptional commitment during a difficult time, or who has taken on an additional task.  All of these would be excellent reasons to nominate someone for the LifeSaver Awards.

Congratulations to the first quarter 2022 LifeSaver award winners!  Congrats and thanks for all you do!

Carline Leone, Direct Support Professional, Relief – Submitted by an Individual living at Hopkins Street. “She is a very nice staff; she makes good food. That I love. She treats me kindly. She’s very helpful. She reminds me to take my medications.”

Angela Chery, Direct Support Professional, Haven Street – Angela is great at all she does! She helps everybody and is willing to assist the staff in whatever they may not know or maybe have forgotten. Angela is friendly and always knows what to do!

Nicole Boudrow, Director, Wakefield Day Services (nominated twice!) – Nicole is a positive and passionate person to work for and makes our workplace feel more like a home. She inspires us to be creative as employees and as a program. She’s a supportive and honest Director that is empathetic to her team. Her motivation and strive for excellence are contagious and makes everyone else want to work just as hard. I can truly think of no better role model as a leader than Nicole Boudrow. When she recently headed up all of Wakefield Day Services, we were all grateful for her leadership!

Anna Cerminara, Lead Skills Instructor, Woburn Day Services – Anna has been a lifesaver for Woburn. She runs 3 zoom sessions a day for remote participants, which keeps them engaged members of our Program. She has gone above and beyond with training staff the ins and outs of how to run remote sessions as well!

Toniea Coleman & Hadijah Adam, Assistant Program Directors, Main Street – Rockstars!!! These ladies have been a huge asset to Main Street, especially in the absence of the Program Director. They have stepped up, running the program while it had COVID, as well as no heat, fire alarms going off and everyone remaining home from program. They tackled everything that was thrown at them and did it with smiles and laughs. Both being Assistant Directors, they acted as the PD and made sure all the things that needed to get done got done as well as organizing, cleaning and getting ready for QE. Thank you for everything you do for the program and the individuals in it! The program is lucky to have you!

Laura Monahan & Draga Djordjevic-Gilroy, Nurses, Woburn Day Services – Submitted by a Woburn Participant. “thank you Woburn Communitas help all health and safe Laura Monahan great nurses keep all health and safe thank you” and “Woburn Communitas nurses do great work Laura and Draga great nurses help me all my friends Woburn Communitas thank you Woburn Communitas nurses for your hard work”

ReAnnah Morrison, Assistant Program Director, Water Street – Thank you ReAnnah for all your help! ReAnnah had stepped up to the plate as the Haven APD and floated to Village and Water throughout the past months to help fill shifts and assist with things needing to get done. She has been a huge asset to residential, especially when certain programs needed staff. All the ladies and other staff have loved working with her! Thank you for your help and positivity!!!

Michelle Jones, Skills Instructor, Woburn Day Services – How does one do a good job? Be willing to lead any group and do any task! What is a great way to become part of the team? Team build! Michelle surprised her new peers one morning with a feast!! Food brings people together! Michelle has demonstrated that she is a hard worker and eager to work with the participants. Her meal demonstrates she is not just here to do a job but to stand out and to connect!!

Adam Jackson, Assistant Director, Woburn Day Services – Adam is enthusiastic about his work. He is responsible for much of the administrative work to keep the program running, but can often be found walking around the program checking in with individuals and staff. He cares deeply that all are cared for fairly and that the work environment is a positive place to be and makes attempts to improve moral daily. How? One way is playing [good spirited] practical jokes and good spirited teasing “ there will be no fun happening today!” He makes participants laugh every time!! Participants that may typically be quiet and docile perk up at the sight of Adam, wondering what he is going to say or do next!! How does he boost the morale of staff? Why with bacon of course… bags of bacon and donuts. But seriously, he also boosts morale by always having time for everyone, a listening ear, and willingness to jump in and lend a hand!!

Joanna Torres, Program Director, Haven Street – Joanna not only runs her program but is always willing to lend a hand with anything else to be done. She will put herself into ratio at her program to float other staff to programs who need them. Joanna will run around helping other programs get tested, pick things up from programs and deliver to items to the office, whatever is needed she is there to help! Thank you, Joanna, for all you do for Haven and residential as a whole!

Tim Foley, Job Developer, Career Services – Nicknamed “Papa Tim”, he has the aura of a fatherly figure at the program. He always has tools in his desk or car to fix anything in a second! He is amazing with the individuals and helping them learn the skills they need to be successful. Tim has been a necessity to Career Services, and we are so appreciative of him!

Do you want to nominate someone for the LifeSaver Awards?

Attention all hard-working bunnies! Details on the upcoming 7th Annual Peep Diorama Contest! Come join us for the exciting and fun-filled display of delicious creativity! Anyone can participate, whether you’re making your own Peeps diorama or simply cheering others on! Welcome spring in with this spectacularly fun event!

Guidelines:

1. Peeps display must contain at least one marshmallow Peep candy
2. Entries can be submitted by dropping them off at 60-D Audubon Road, Wakefield, MA or by emailing a photo to
3. Dioramas are welcome from individuals, groups, classrooms, community homes, friends and families, all are welcome!
4. Please provide a name for your display and individual or group/program team information, this is needed for voting
5. Prizes will be awarded to the winner with the most votes, and the prize is a secret!
6. Voting will begin Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Deadline for entries is 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12, 2022

For ideas and history of the Peeps Diorama look here!

The Communitas Peep Contest 2021 is a yearly Communitas event; when Easter season comes around, people and groups create displays featuring Peeps (the Easter Candy).

Featured below are a number of submissions from program participants, staff and friends and family of Communitas. Each year, the Communitas community gathers together to participate in our in-house Peep Contest. Peep Contest 2021 was significant, because of the large amount of submissions and voters – there are many wonderful Peep Displays located below, but this years winner was The Peep King, made by Woburn Day Program’s Case Managers.

Thank you to all who participated in this year’s Peep Contest!

Want to see larger pictures of our Peeps? Check out this link on our Facebook page.

Thank you for participating! Please continue to stay tuned to our website for more happenings at Communitas!

This Remote Learning Protocol offers guidance for staff within the day program and recreational departments to help manage potentially challenging situations during online remote sessions (Zoom classes) that impinge on the respect, dignity, and safety of those participating

Each potentially challenging scenario can vary greatly; this depends on frequency and intensity of behaviors. As a result, assessment of each situation (per the Remote Learning Protocol below) as it occurs will require some level of assessment to perform best action and may cause overlap between the recommended steps below.

Planning Stages

It is important for staff to prepare early to minimize the risk of class disruption

• Preparation for curriculum will be pre-planned.
• Directors must have an overall awareness and knowledge of the curriculum being presented via Zoom.
• Video & audio recording of Zoom sessions are not permitted by any individual or staff persons without prior authorization from Director of Day Services.
• Any approval given for promotional or marketing purposes must be discussed with the Senior Leadership team first and guardian consent must be requested.
• To help minimize disruption to classroom activities, staff may need to build-in short breaks to allow social interactions between peers. In some instances where a break is not possible, staff may assist or recommend an alternative online or social media. setting for peers and friends to communicate outside of Communitas classes.
• Each class will begin with a review of the rules and expectations of each online class as well as an introduction to the curriculum set for that session.
• Documentation on attendance, including day, time and duration of the class will be taken to allow for appropriate billing purposes.
• During remote sessions staff will continually assess and make recommendations towards individual DHSP and ISP goals and document appropriately according to MassHealth and DDS regulations.

Assisting individuals to participate

• Anyone assisting or helping individuals to participate in online classes (such as family members, guardians, friends, outside agency workers etc.) should not verbally or physically engage with the class unless speaking on behalf of that individual, if that individual cannot communicate what they want to relay themselves. 
• Interactions should be appropriate, on topic, and relevant to the activity being facilitated.
• Instances where the helper’s communication is unrelated to the current activity, staff should provide one immediate prompt to redirect the helper to address their issues or concerns separately by calling or emailing the program supervisor once the class has ended.
• In instances where the helper is persistent and not following the request, staff may disconnect them from the class and follow up once the session has ended.
• Instances where the helper engages in inappropriate behavior immediately as class begins, staff may forgo the prompt and disconnect them immediately.

During each remote session staff will continually assess and monitor for in appropriate engagement. When a behavior occurs that is deemed inappropriate for Zoom classes, staff should use the following guidelines of the Remote Learning Protocol to assist in the management of situations.

Low intensity

 “Low intensity behavior” may include:

• Arguing between individuals
• Mild usage of inappropriate language
• Shouting out loud or at others
• Name calling
• Participants distracting others by speaking over people or wanting to chat with others during the class time.
• Any other behaviors known to be or identified as attention seeking

When these behaviors are displayed by either a family member or participant during a zoom class the following actions may be implemented:

• Staff may offer an initial reminder to stop that behavior
• If behavior is ignored or persists, staff may offer one additional reminder to comply with the request
• Compliance is still not obtained, staff may mute that person from being heard.
• Behavior escalates or staff feel that they have offered sufficient number of reminders to stop, they may disconnect them from group.
• The individual may be suspended for the rest of the duration of the class but will be allowed to resume remote services on the next available class offered

Medium intensity

 “medium intensity behavior” may include.

• engaging in alcohol, drug, or substance abuse
• disrobing
• appearing fully or partially undressed or nude
• using the bathroom on screen

In the event of these behaviors being presented, there are 3 scenario options available to follow

1. staff should switch off the video screen immediately and determine if it is appropriate to leave the audio on to verbally warn individual to correct their behavior.
2.  immediately switch off video and warn that person to correct behavior by audio or instant message.
3. to disconnect them from Zoom class and follow up with a phone call to correct behavior. (This may sometimes be viable only after zoom session has ended.)

In each of these cases an incident report should be made, and participants should not return to Zoom classes until a plan to correct behavior has been agreed up.

High Intensity

 “high intensity behavior” may include

• Arguments between an individuals and family member that cause distraction to the class 
• Using extreme profane language or swearing
• Overall and continual disruption of class via noncompliance of rules presented
• Inappropriately consistent verbal or visual gestures/signs
• Engaging in sexual inuendo or sexually explicit behavior
• Verbal abuse towards staff, individual or agency by family member/ guardian during a class session

In each of these cases participants should be immediately removed and disconnected from the Zoom class.

• Staff must follow up with an incident report and inform their supervisor.
• The program Director/supervisor must follow up with a call to the family to discuss any concerns or issues relating to non-compliance of remote services rules.
• A documented agreement will be developed between Communitas and the individual/family member before they can resume to remote services.
• This agreement this must be approved by the Director of Day Service before reinstatement.

For other Day Services protocols, click here.

The following Day Service Protocols are in place to maintain safety in Day Programming amidst Covid-19.

Last Updated 7/24/2020

Before returning to program, it is important that parents and guardians are aware of the new procedures in Day Services during Covid-19. Please read these documents by clicking on the PDF format or Download the protocols listed below. For additional questions or concerns please speak to your Day Program Director.

Acknowledgement of Risk: Covid-19 Novel Coronavirus

Before returning to Day Program, Participants / Guardians must read and sign this Acknowledgement of Risk form. This form is an acknowledgement of the risks and responsibilities of each individual and guardian upon returning to Day Programming. This form includes an agreement to monitor health on a daily basis and follow guidelines for safe practices recommended by the CDC.

If you have not received a copy of this form from your Day Program, please fill out the provided form below and return to your Day Program Director.

(For mobile and tablet viewers, click on the left “Day Services Acknowledgement of Risk Form” to view this form in PDF Format. If you would like to download this form, click the “Download” button below.)

Participant Protocol and Reopening Plan

Detailed in this Day Service protocol are procedures necessary to provide a safe environment for program participants who are interested in returning to Day Program. These detailed procedures include specifics on Program Arrival, routine temperature checks and cleaning procedures.

(For mobile and tablet viewers, click on the left “Day Services Participant Protocol and Reopening Plan” to view this form in PDF Format. If you would like to download this form, click the “Download” button below.)

Plan for Identifying and Addressing Risk

Communitas is taking extra precaution to protect the health and wellbeing of both staff and individuals. These precautions include, but are not limited to; daily screening checks, location of screening activities, staff responsible for screening, and anticipated barriers to the accomplishment of screening.

(For mobile and tablet viewers, click on the left “Day Services Plan for Identifying and Addressing Risk” to view this form in PDF Format. If you would like to download this form, click the “Download” button below.)

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting Guidelines

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting Guidelines are intended to structure daily cleaning regiment for Day Program staff to provide optimal sanitization of facilities. Staff and personnel will follow these guidelines set forth for all cleaning practices. Inside this document includes proper usage for cleaning both indoor and outdoor areas. This document also includes resources, supplies needed to disinfect and additional considerations (from guidelines such as OSHA standard’s on Bloodborne Pathogens and CDC Infection Control Guidelines.)

(For mobile and tablet viewers, click on the left “Day Services Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting Guidelines” to view this form in PDF Format. If you would like to download this form, click the “Download” button below.)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Face-masks / Face Coverings

Upon re-opening Day Program, it is necessary that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) be worn by employees and program participants. This is as long as program participants can safely and appropriately wear, remove and handle face-masks. These guidelines also include when to use gloves and emergency access to PPE.

(For mobile and tablet viewers, click on the left “Day Services Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Face-masks / Face Coverings” to view this form in PDF Format. If you would like to download this form, click the “Download” button below.)

Diagnosis, Symptoms or Contact Policy for All Employees

These guidelines state the responsibility of employees to understand the signs, symptoms and information on Covid-19.

(For mobile and tablet viewers, click on the left “Day Services Diagnosis, Symptoms or Contact Policy for All Employees” to view this form in PDF Format. If you would like to download this form, click the “Download” button below.)

Day Service Protocols for Administration of Medication Including Treatment of Individuals with Asthma and Other Chronic Illness

This protocol regards participants with moderate to severe asthma; symptoms of people with asthma and Covid-19 may overlap. Further, this protocol touches on the procedures of administration of medication during Covid-19 pandemic.

(For mobile and tablet viewers, click on the left “Day Services Protocol for Administration of Medication Including Treatment of Individuals with Asthma and Other Chronic Illness ” to view this form in PDF Format. If you would like to download this form, click the “Download” button below.)

Policy for Symptomatic Staff or Participants

Prior to arriving at program, families or residential staff will need to self-assess the health status of individuals. Individuals should not plan to attend program if there are any signs of sickness. This includes high temperature and other Covid symptoms (coughing, sneezing, runny nose, etc.)

(For mobile and tablet viewers, click on the left “Day Services Policy for Symptomatic Staff or Participants ” to view this form in PDF Format. If you would like to download this form, click the “Download” button below.)

Transportation Services Policy

This policy covers the procedures necessary for Transportation Services to operate during Covid-19. Included are safety requirements essential for each Communitas van, and precautionary protocol mandatory by drivers of each Communitas van.

(For mobile and tablet viewers, click on the left “Day Services Transportation Services Policy” to view this form in PDF Format. If you would like to download this form, click the “Download” button below.)

Day Service Protocols for Program Re-closure Due to Covid-19

The Day Service Protocols for Program Re-Closure Due to Covid-19 will be followed in the instance that Communitas Day Programs must close due to Covid-19 exposure.

(For mobile and tablet viewers, click on the left “Day Protocol for Program Re-closure Due to Covid-19” to view this form in PDF Format. If you would like to download this form, click the “Download” button below.)

What is our online day programming?

As we continue to navigate solutions during this Covid-19 pandemic, one of Communitas’ efforts is to concentrate on continuity of program operations moving forward. While we are unable to provide site-based programming, we have a solution via online day programming.

Communitas will offer online day programming learning lessons via the online meeting interface Zoom. Program participants will be able to engage in organized daily programs and activities; including morning and afternoon meetings, fitness, social skills, and the continuation of developing life skills.

Lessons will be open to all in program and accessible by email invitation. Participants do not need an account to be in a Zoom session; recipients are able to join Zoom lobbies by opening an active link that will be provided in advance.

If you are interested in Zoom sessions, contact your program participant’s Day Program Director. Invitations to these sessions will be sent privately via email.

Wakefield Programming

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
9:30 am	Morning Meeting	Morning Meeting	Morning Meeting	Morning Meeting	Morning Meeting
12:30 pm	Health & Wellness	Health & Wellness	Health & Wellness	Health & Wellness	Health & Wellness
2:30 pm	Afternoon Review	Afternoon Review	Afternoon Review	Afternoon Review	Afternoon Review

Woburn & Beverly Programming

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
10:00 am	Morning Announcements & Morning Meeting	Morning Announcements & Morning Meeting	Morning Announcements & Morning Meeting	Morning Announcements & Morning Meeting	Morning Announcements & Morning Meeting
12:30 pm	Motivation Monday	Money Skills	Workout Wednesday	Behavior Skills “Millionaire”	Music & Movement: Name That Tune!
1:30 pm	Career Services: Money Skills	Career Services: Occupation Hangman	Career Services: Communication at Work	Career Services: Kitchen Safety	Career Services: Jobs Jeopardy!
2:30 pm	Afternoon Review	Afternoon Review	Afternoon Review	Afternoon Review	Afternoon Review

How can I use this service?

Each program will have a Zoom account. Communitas instructors will be able to schedule and live-stream lessons/activites for individuals to actively participate in. Each week, a schedule will be e-mailed in advance. Links to join these programs will be sent via email alongside the schedule directly and privately. Everyday we intend to have two to three lessons/activities per program.

Our services are essential services. As such, we have a commitment and responsibility to be open and available, especially at times of crisis and great need. Our work is essential, and our commitment is to do it in the safest, most effective way possible.

To best prepare, please contact your site’s Program Director if you are interested in these lessons. For any questions, please contact Communitas Day Services Director, Neil Wyatt, at . Thank you all for your continued support and patience!

Program Directors –
Beverly: Alyssa Fisher,
Wakefield: Nicole McEachern,
Wakefield Career Services: Nicole Boudrow,
Woburn: Becky Mann,

For help with Zoom, this is their support page.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact our CEO, Paul Cote, at .

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