Exciting New Classes for the Community
The Arc Ontario is thrilled to be offering a variety of exciting classes and activities for the community! Stay tuned in the coming months as we will continually be updating this page with new offerings. From hiking to horseback riding to learning an instrument, and so much more, there will be something fun for everyone of all ages and abilities!
Check back soon for more classes!
Registration Information
To register for our classes & activities programming, please contact:
Ryan Burba
Director, Program Support Services
Phone: (585) 394-7500 ext. 2196
Email: rburba@thearcontario.org
Housing Navigation Training
THIS TRAINING WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY, JULY 10 FROM 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Housing Navigation is a focused, outcome-oriented, and time-limited service designed to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who want or need to transition into community-based housing
Join us for an informative training session that will walk you through the tools, resources, and strategies used by Housing Navigators to help individuals find and maintain stable, long-term housing of their choice. This training is for family members, caregivers, support staff, care coordinators, and community advocates supporting individuals with I/DD.
What is Housing Navigation?
The Role of a Housing Navigator
Developing a Person-Centered Housing Plan
Creating a Sustainable Housing Budget
Finding and Securing Housing in the Community
Coordinating a Move
Building a Housing Sustainability Plan
Crisis Housing Resolution Strategies
Register here: https://ontarioarc.impowr.net/Forms/Home?P=7
Internet & Phone Safety Training
THIS TRAINING WILL TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY, JULY 15 FROM 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Through relatable examples and engaging discussion, participants will learn how to protect themselves online and use technology in healthy, respectful and empowering ways. In this training, you will learn about recognizing online dangers (scams, predators and misinformation), setting personal boundaries when texting or messaging, what’s okay to share and what’s not, understanding digital footprints and privacy, safe use of social media apps and gaming platforms, how to ask for help if something feels wrong or confusing, and tools and tips for parents and caregivers.
This training is for teens and young adults on the autism spectrum, parents, caregivers, educators, support staff, and anyone interested in helping youth safely navigate digital spaces.
Register here: https://ontarioarc.impowr.net/Forms/Home?P=7
Understanding Elopement and Wandering in Individuals with IDD and Autism
THIS TRAINING WILL TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY, JULY 15 FROM 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Join us for a valuable training session designed for caregivers, educators, direct support professionals, and community members!
This training will teach you about elopement and wandering, including their causes, risk factors, and prevention strategies for various environments. You'll also learn about emergency response planning and how to collaborate with law enforcement and first responders.
This training is for family members, caregivers, school staff, educators, direct support professionals, and first responders, as well as anyone else who works with individuals with autism or IDD. Join us for an informative workshop!
Register here: https://ontarioarc.impowr.net/Forms/Home?P=7
Support Group For Families of Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH | BEGINNING WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6 | | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Join us in a supportive, understanding space to share experiences, gain resources, and connect with others who care for loved ones on the Autism Spectrum.
Let’s build community, offer support, and grow together. YOU’RE NOT ALONE!
The Arc Ontario Autism Library | 3071 County Complex Drive Canandaigua, NY
Register here: https://ontarioarc.impowr.net/Forms/Home?P=7
Hip Hop Dance Class
Join Mairead Hunter, our agency’s Movement Specialist, for Hip Hop Dance Classes on Tuesdays from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM at The Arc Ontario’s Main Facility, located at 3071 County Complex Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424.
Classes are $15 per session and drop-ins from the community are welcome and encouraged! Sign up today and get moving this spring!
Register here: https://ontarioarc.impowr.net/Forms/Home?P=7
Zumba Class
The Arc Ontario’s very own Mairead Hunter, our Movement Specialist, is running a Zumba class on Mondays from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM at The Arc Ontario’s Main Facility, located at 3071 County Complex Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424.
Classes are $15 per session and drop-ins from the community are welcome and encouraged!. Sign up today and get moving this spring!
Register here: https://ontarioarc.impowr.net/Forms/Home?P=7
Creative Expressions Club
Creative Expressions is a comprehensive service that fosters creativity through visual arts, music, and horticulture, encouraging individual to expand upon traditional methods of communication and interaction in an educational environment. Creative Expressions is designed for people seeking to improve their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social skills by expressing themselves in a variety of creative ways, while getting involved in their community.
MONDAYS IN THE ART ROOM WITH CICI — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM or 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Gives individuals access to a variety of mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, book arts and digital animation.
MONDAYS IN THE GREENHOUSE WITH CHRIS — 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Provides experience using the senses to experience various aspects of gardening and
exploring nature.
Register here: https://ontarioarc.impowr.net/Forms/Home?P=7
Snoezelen Room Membership
The Snoezelen Room at The Arc Ontario’s Main Facility offers a controlled multisensory environment that promotes a soothing and stimulating atmosphere. The room features massage chairs, low but visually stimulating lighting, a crash pad, sensory and fidget toys and malleable objects, smart TV and more! This space can be utilized to explore sensory needs, to stimulate senses such as sight and touch, and to relax and wind down. We are excited to be able to offer this service to those who are interested in our community!
Become a member for only $50 a month!
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Wednesday from 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM. One-hour slots available.
Location: The Arc Ontario’s Main Facility, 3071 County Complex Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424.
To sign up for Snoezelen Room Membership, please visit https://ontarioarc.impowr.net/forms/Home?P=7
Adult Social Skills Group
Adults with autism or related diagnoses will work on the ability to deal with the tasks that can complicate everyday life such as handling frustrations, completing tasks, following directions and communicating with others with support from a Behavioral Specialist. Adult group members will need to be ages 20+ and have a desire to learn about relationships and making new friends.
This group will meet from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM on Fridays beginning in August 2025.
If you have any questions, or would like an application, please contact Ryan Burba, Director of Program Support Services at (585) 919-2196 or communityclasses@thearcontario.org.
Adult Social Skills: Out & About Group
Adults with autism or related diagnoses will work on the ability to deal with the tasks that can complicated everyday life. From handling frustrations, completing tasks, to following directions and communicating with others with support from a Behavioral Specialist. This group will meet a community location at least once during the session period. This group is for people ages 20+.
The group will meet on Thursdays from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM at The Arc Ontario’s Room C
If you have any questions, or would like an application, please contact Ryan Burba, Director of Program Support Services at (585) 919-2196 or communityclasses@thearcontario.org.
Next Step Prep
An innovative communication and social skills group for teenagers and young adults with autism or related diagnoses. The group meets once a week. Participants learn to increase their comfort level in social situations and gain a better understanding of the need for communication skills with support from a Behavior Specialist. This group is for people ages 13+.
Next Step Prep takes place on Tuesdays from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM at The Arc Ontario’s Room C
If you have any questions, or would like an application, please contact Ryan Burba, Director of Program Support Services at (585) 919-2196 or communityclasses@thearcontario.org.
Learn & Play!
For children between the ages of 4-12, this group helps children identify and express feelings, learn new ways to cope and enhances their ability to solve problems. Through play and games children will build a stronger social and conversational skills with support from a Behavioral Specialist
Learn & Play takes place on Thursdays from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM at The Arc Ontario.
If you have any questions, or would like an application, please contact Ryan Burba, Director of Program Support Services at (585) 919-2196 or communityclasses@thearcontario.org.
Virtual Meet Up Group
For ages 13+, Virtual Meet Up Group is an innovative communication and social skills group for teenagers and young adults with autism or related diagnoses. The group meets once a week in 6-week sessions virtually and focuses on discussing current events, life challenges and general conversation skills.
Virtual Group Meet Ups take place on Wednesdays from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM via Zoom.
If you have any questions, or would like an application, please contact Ryan Burba, Director of Program Support Services at (585) 919-2196 or communityclasses@thearcontario.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for classes?
Registration is required for all classes and events. To register, please complete our online registration form.
For detailed instructions on how to complete the online registration form, click here.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ryan Burba at Director of Program Support Services at (585) 919-2196 or rburba@thearcontario.org.rburba@thearcontario.org
What payment methods are accepted?
Cash
Check (made payable to The Arc Ontario)
Billing available for Self-Directed funds
Important notes about payments
You are responsible for payment to The Arc Ontario in the case of denied coverage under the participant’s individual Self-Direction budget.
There is a $20 fee for anything returned to The Arc Ontario, including, but not limited to insufficient funds, closed bank account, etc.
Does The Arc Ontario accept Self-Direction for payment?
The Arc Ontario does accept Self-Direction payments.
The Registration Form is required to be completed to ensure direct billing to your Fiscal Intermediary.
The Recreation Supervisor will contact the Fiscal Intermediary that you provide as part of your registration to arrange payment.
Families are responsible for payment in full of any balance which is not covered by Self Directed Funds or for class(es) that have been disqualified by your F.I.
What is The Arc Ontario’s refund policy?
Classes that are canceled due to low enrollment will receive a full refund.
No refunds will be given for absences.
If classes are canceled due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, a make-up class will be arranged.
Privacy Policy
Any information submitted to The Arc Ontario is only viewable by authorized personnel. We only have access to collect information that you voluntarily give us via direct contact from you. We will not sell or rent this information to anyone.
Do I have to stay onsite while my child is in a class?
Families of children 6 and younger, and/or who are not independently toilet trained, must stay on-site at all times.
Families of children 7 to 12 are required to stay on-site for the first two weeks of programming.
Families of children 13+ are not required to stay on-site unless they have a history of challenging behavior.
Any family may be required to stay on-site if their child exhibits:
Harmful behavior to themselves or others
Hurtful or inappropriate language towards themselves or others
Elopement attempts
Frequent refusal of rules
Seizures within the past year (or other concerning medical conditions)
A “late pick-up fee” applies if you are not on time for pick up.
Do I need to sign my child in and out of the class?
Yes, all participants must be signed in and out of the class by a caregiver and/or authorized individual. The only exception is if the participant has written permission to leave independently. The Arc Ontario must receive a written notice and have it on file from a parent/guardian.
What is your behavior management approach?
The Arc Ontario has a “Hands Off” approach, except in the case of an emergency. We strive to meet the individual support needs of each participant through a comprehensive intake process, and thoughtful recommendations and placement. The safety of all participants and staff is a priority at all times. The Arc Ontario will make recommendations/changes to program activities and placement, as needed, to ensure the success and safety of all participants and staff.
Are classes open to siblings?
The Arc Ontario classes are offered to individuals of every ability. We welcome families to register siblings.
What if I have questions about an invoice I have received?
Please contact Stacey Delcour by email at sdelcour@thearcontario.org, or phone at (585) 919-2263.
Where is The Arc Ontario? Do you have multiple locations?
The Arc Ontario Main Facility is located at 3071 County Complex Drive, off of County Road 48 in Canandaigua which is home to our finance department and main offices. Certain programs are held at locations within the community.
Does The Arc Ontario provide transportation to and from programs?
No, participants are responsible for providing their own transportation.
When is The Arc Ontario open?
The Arc Ontario’s office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM. Most of our programs are held after school/work.
Does The Arc Ontario require any waivers or releases?
A waiver is required for all classes/activities. We also request but do not require a photo release, which helps ensure that we have a rich and realistic array of pictures of our programs for promotional and fundraising purposes.