The Arizona Recreation Center for the Handicapped (ARCH) has served people with developmental disabilities since 1975 and today runs a 5-acre recreation center in central Phoenix. Its Day Treatment for Adults (DTA) program, funded by the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), gives each participant personal goals set with their Individual Service Plan team and lets them choose among a wide range of programs. ARCH is one of Arizona's largest Special Olympics training sites and has its own theater, dance and singing groups. Adults with a disability who do not receive DDD funding can join ARCH's separate drop-in program. Families in reviews describe loving, patient staff; one long-time visitor notes that the building has no automatic accessible doors.

Services & Care

Recreational activities include games, sports, performing arts and arts and crafts, along with guest speakers, local outings and longer trips through the Adventure Club. The STEPS to Health and Wellness program offers fitness and nutrition classes, meditation and mindfulness, and preventive screenings, and an Occupational Skills program provides job training. ARCH has a weekly fishing club, personal development classes, and dances and celebrations through the year. Its fleet of nine vans, five of them wheelchair accessible, provides transportation to and from the center for specific DTA participants.

Access & Practical Info

ARCH is at 1550 W Colter St, Phoenix, AZ 85015. The DTA program runs Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours available. The DTA is funded by DDD, and people without DDD funding can use the drop-in program instead; many participants also use Phoenix Dial-a-Ride. Call (602) 230-2226 or see the Participate page on ARCH's website to join.