SPARC: Lighting the Way for the Least Served in Northern Virginia
- admincoordinator20
- Apr 23
- 2 min read
SPARC’s mission is to serve the least served in the community at its five club locations in Northern Virginia. The organization aims to provide essential social, educational, and creative programs for the 1% of the population with severe and multiple disabilities who face challenges in traditional environments. The goal of SPARC is to offer programs that enable adults with severe and multiple disabilities to enjoy a fuller and more meaningful life.
SPARC participants have been diagnosed with conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, spina bifida, and non-verbal disabilities, which affect their ability to perform personal care and independent living activities. SPARC exists to maintain the same level of daily engagement with trained professionals that participants experienced in high school.
Essential Equipment for Enhanced Learning
Specially Adapted Resource Clubs, SPARC, sought grant funding from FDICC to provide essential equipment. This equipment is crucial for SPARC’s creative programming, facilitating an enjoyable learning environment that promotes skill acquisition and fosters self-worth. There was no other source of funding for this equipment.
Engaging Activities at SPARC
Magnetic Blocks
Ryan and Tommy enjoy working with the magnetic blocks.
These mesmerizing blocks help build crucial skills:
Problem-solving through testing block combinations and troubleshooting how to construct imagined builds.
Creativity and imagination via open-ended building potential unhindered by instructive guides.
Reasoning abilities by identifying “what’s working” and not in structural integrity.
Concentration stamina captured by the blocks’ spellbinding nature.
Sensory Light Show
Taku enjoys a sensory light show set to music on the iPad.
This activity offers several benefits for adults with disabilities:
Calming and Relaxation: Sensory lights combined with soothing music create a calming environment, helping to reduce anxiety and stress.
Improved Focus and Attention: The combination of visual and auditory stimuli aids individuals with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing disorders in focusing better and maintaining attention.
Sensory Stimulation: It provides a multi-sensory experience that can be particularly beneficial for those with sensory processing disorders, helping them engage with their environment in a controlled and enjoyable way.
Emotional Regulation: The rhythmic patterns of light and music can help individuals manage their emotions more effectively.
Enhanced Cognitive Function: Engaging with sensory light shows can stimulate cognitive functions, such as memory and problem-solving skills.
Entertainment and Enjoyment: Beyond therapeutic benefits, sensory light shows provide a fun and engaging activity.
AbleNet and Guided Hands Assistive Device Technologies
The AbleNet adapters allow SPARC participants to use multiple sources of devices to cook with just the touch of an oversized button.
Guided Hands is an international award-winning assistive device that enables anyone with limited fine motor skills to write, paint, draw, and access technology. It offers the
following features:
Promotes guided hand movements.
Encourages the use of gross motor skills in the shoulders, rather than the limited fine motor skills in the hands.
Utensil holders are multipurpose and compatible with pens, pencils, paintbrushes, markers, and styluses.
Ergonomic wrist rest and adjustable strap.
Ambidextrous handpieces tailored to accommodate various levels of hand mobility.
