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
Drum Circle / Everybody Sings Club
Those of you that enjoy beating on bongos or floor toms, and singing songs, our Drum Circle / Everybody Sings Club is for you! The first part of the class we will have fun with drums. Then, we’ll switch to singing old time songs. No experience necessary. Join us for some fun!
Drum Circle / Everybody Sings Club will take place on Wednesdays, September 18, September 25, October 9 and October 16 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM at The Arc Ontario’s Eberhardt Center, located at 2975 County Rd. 48, Canandaigua, NY. Cost is $150. For ages 18+.
To register for Drum Circle / Everybody Sings Club, please email CommunityClasses@TheArcOntario.org
Wellness Warriors Club
Wellness Warrior Club will promote and teach self-regulation and mindfulness strategies. Each class will explore foundational mindfulness strategies and provide simple, ready to use tools for each participant to practice and learn to use throughout their day-to-day lives .The Wellness Warrior Club will run for 6 week sessions and will promote independence and exploration for mindfulness and self-regulation.
Wellness Warriors will take place on Tuesdays, Sept. 24 - October 29 from 4:30-5:30 PM at the Salvation Army, located at 110 Saltonstall Street, Canandaigua, NY. For ages 17+
To register for Creative Expressions Club, please email CommunityClasses@TheArcOntario.org
Cooking Class
Learn to cook with The Arc Ontario by joining us for Cooking Class! You will learn how to safely cook a delicious meal with one of our rotating instructors. You have the ability to enroll in the entire 4-week session, or by individual classes. Classes are $55 per class, or $220 for all four sessions. Get cooking with us and learn to prepare some delicious meals while socializing with peers!
Cooking class will take place at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County, located at 480 N. Main Street in Canandaigua.
*Our series beginning August 8 has sold out and we are no longer accepting registrations, but stay tuned for more information about our upcoming sessions!
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.
Art Club gives individuals access to a variety of mediums including drawing, painting, sculpture and book arts guided by our art specialist. Takes place every Monday from 2:00-3:00pm. Cost for 4-week session is $140 or $35 per individual session.
Jam Sessions offers a wide range of musical experiences to promote the health and well-being of individuals by enhancing and transforming their lives. Takes place every Tuesday from 1:00-2:00pm. Cost for 4-week session is $140 or $35 per individual session.
Horticulture Club provides experience using the senses to experience various aspects of gardening and exploring nature. Takes place every Monday from 1:00-2:00pm. Cost for 4-week session is $140 or $35 per individual session.
To register for Creative Expressions Club, please email CommunityClasses@TheArcOntario.org
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 at a community location at least once during the 6-week session.
If you have any questions, or would like an application, please contact Ryan Burba, Director of Program Support Services at (585) 919-2196 or rburba@thearcontario.org.
Learn & Play!
For children between the ages of 5-12, this group helps children identify and express feelings, learn new ways to cope, and enhance their ability to solve problems. Through play and games, children will build stronger social and conversational skills with support from a Behavioral Specialist.
Learn & Play takes place on Thursdays from 4-5 PM at The Arc Ontario’s Play Therapy Room.
If you have any questions, or would like an application, please contact Ryan Burba, Director of Program Support Services at (585) 919-2196 or rburba@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 4-4:45 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 rburba@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.