BARC on the Move

The BARC on the MOVE® Program, which stands for Mobility Opportunities Via Experience, gives our most severely developmentally disabled individuals the opportunity to learn everyday tasks, such as sitting upright and walking, allowing them the ability to attain an increased level of interaction with the world around them.

The MOVE Program was initially created for disabled children by local educator, Linda Bidabe, in the 1980’s through the Kern County Superintendent of Schools.  The MOVE Program is now used in many school districts and other facilities/organizations throughout the United States and the world for both children and adults.  BARC became a MOVE for Adults Model Site in June 2008, one of only two adult model sites in the United States and the first on the West coast.

Increased abilities to sit, stand and walk, decreases the burden of care for families and other care providers.  These increased abilities also bring new opportunities for fuller participation and involvement in family life and for integration and inclusion in the wider community.

Clients who are normally restricted to wheelchairs are placed upright in pacers which are specially designed walkers for the developmentally disabled. Depending on the individual’s ability level, they can simply enjoy being in an upright position or actually walk, some for the first times in their lives.

MOVE® is based on a simple principle: A belief that the ability to move is the first important step in building personal dignity. Combine that with BARC’s motto of “Giving People Purpose,” and it shows why MOVE® and BARC are a perfect fit.

Some of the principles of The MOVE for Adults Program are:
1. Improve the quality of life of adults with severe and multiple disabilities.
2. Increase opportunities for meaningful participation in life activities.
3. Systematically teach essential functional motor skills that will allow participation in home,
work, community, and leisure activities.

For more information on the BARC on the MOVE program, please contact Melinda Harrison, Community Inclusion Specialist, at 661-834-2272 ext. 202 or mharrison@barc-inc.org.