FOUNTAIN COUNTY — The pandemic and other barriers such as no transportation have kept some people with disabilities home, but Zoom is helping them stay connected.
Disability provider Child-Adult Resource Services, which has centers across western Indiana, has launched virtual classes for clients who aren’t able to attend programs in person. The classes are now being expanded to clients in Fountain County with funding through the state.
The Zoom sessions cover a wide range of topics from music to fitness, and clients have also met for virtual social times. A client interested in haunted houses was given a tour of Rockville’s former Indiana State Sanitarium, which is being rehabilitated.
“We’re individualizing it to the particular client,” said Basil Weinman, CARS CEO.
CARS provides day programming for adults as well as employment, residential and work services.
The agency received $55,000 in federal funding through the state’s Community Connections for People with Disabilities Program to hire a program coordinator and purchase 10 devices for clients. CARS clients in Parke and Clay counties also have access to the virtual classes. The program has the support of Fountain County’s Board of Commissioners and County Council.
The funding is part of a $1.58 million investment in virtual programs, training and employment initiatives aimed at addressing social isolation, job loss or missed training due to the pandemic.
