Our Commitment: ARCH - "Arizona Recreation Center For The Handicapped" is committed to providing services and programs which enable handicapped individuals to obtain higher levels of fitness, pride, dignity and self-esteem. Our dedication to those in need will never waiver. With support from corporations, foundations, civic organizations and volunteers, we are able to serve handicapped individuals, their families and our community. Enhancing lives through education, support, and experiences, to see how you can participate, please call us at 602-230-2226 / Open 8:00 A.M to 6:30 P.M. Monday through Friday

The Recreation Center / Drop-in Program
The Center offers not only therapeutic recreational opportunities, but also creates an environment of independent learning by offering participants their choice of ongoing classes held throughout the afternoon and early evening. Proper social behavior is also reinforced through hundreds of field trips and community outings each year. Monthly schedules are developed with the involvement of individuals attending ARCH programming and are available to be mailed to those seeking further information.
Special Olympic Training ARCH has one of the largest Special Olympics training programs in Arizona, over 5000 Special Olympians have trained at ARCH and brought 20 team championships to the Center.
Socialization Opportunities Handicapped individuals have 11-15 hours of leisure time each day. Without activities, recreation, education programs, socialization opportunities and real-life experiences, persons with disabilities will deteriorate physically, socially and intellectually. ARCH provides not only socialization opportunities in daily programming, but also during monthly dances held the third Saturday of each month and special evening or weekend events. 



The Multi-Purpose Gymnasium Complex


Located on the ARCH campus, the Nina Mason Pulliam Recreation & Sports Complex is the only facility of its kind dedicated for use by the disabled community and other charities of metropolitan Phoenix.  the multi-purpose complex, which includes a full-size gymnasium, performance stage, fitness center, training kitchen, is home to Special Olympic training, sports competitions, track & field events, general fitness activities, special events and community programs such as www.AzRecBasketball.com an outreach youth-at-risk Basketball Club sponsored by ARCH, which helps at-risk-youth participate in local and regional tournaments throughout the Southwest with  15 & under to 10 & under leagues.



Kids On The Block


ARCH has one of the largest "Kids on the Block" programs in the entire country. This public education and community awareness program is presented in elementary schools throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area utilizing child-size puppets to teach school children about disabilities, medical, educational and cultural differences. Serious social issues like family violence, child abuse, gang violence and tobacco, alcohol and other drug prevention are also available topics. In order for children to grow into strong, healthy, caring adults in today's world, they must have accurate information on a wide range of issues, good communications skills, and the ability to make safe healthy, productive choices.

 For more information on volunteer opportunities contact Grace Turner at KOB@ARCHAZ.ORG .

Summer and Winter Day Camps
During school vacation times, ARCH provides traditional Day Camp activities for handicapped children of working parents.

Special Interest Classes
Offered by ARCH at facilities throughout the Valley, these classes include swimming, dance, money management, cooking, art, music, fitness, and hobbies.

Major Adventure Trips		 ARCH provides vacation and adventure trip experiences throughout the year. These supervised excursions are both in and out of the State of Arizona and offer individuals with disabilities the opportunity of independent travel. These trips not only offer participants lasting memories, but also a time of respite  for their families.
Day Treatment and Training for Adults (DTA) This day program is offered to disabled adults, to assist them with developing skills necessary for independent living. Personal hygiene, use of public transportation and facilities and money management are essential elements of this important program.

Performing Arts Program		 ("Grease": currently in production), Music, drama and dance presentations are an integral part of culture and educational experiences at ARCH. Participation in performing arts is physically and developmentally therapeutic.  These programs encourage creativity and  self-expression while instilling self-esteem and confidence.
Computer Education Program (Work - In - Progress) This new ARCH program is being developed to enhance the functional, cognitive and motor capabilities of handicapped participants. Assistive technology helps individuals realize their educations, vocational and social potential at all levels. This program will take place in the ARCH Media Center when completed.


After School Program


ARCH has been providing After School programs for the developmentally disabled children of working parents since 1983. The After-School activities are conducted at two central community locations in the metropolitan area. The primary objective of the After-School Program is to help maintain family unity. This is accomplished by providing parents with respite child-care, and by providing handicapped participants with therapeutic activities, training in independent living, social skills and personal problem solving.



Educational Assistance Program



As individuals with disabilities are integrated into society many are not adequately prepared for important human experiences like marriage, pregnancy, parenthood and child-rearing. Additionally, they are increasingly exposed to drugs/alcohol, domestic violence, sexual experiences, illnesses and accidents. In response to this very real need, ARCH has developed a non-traditional Educational Assistance Program for handicapped individuals. The value of the EAP is clear. Through education and awareness programs we can better prepare individuals with disabilities for these human experience and the life challenges . This knowledge will help them make healthier and safer decisions for themselves and for their families.


Steps To Health and Wellness

The STEPS program is a new health initiative at ARCH. ARCH will make health a priority by offering weekly health classes, additional physical activity opportunities, preventive health screenings and nutrition programs. In addition to creating a model of preventive health care services for the handicapped individuals, the STEPS program will improve access to needed health care services and promote health and education among handicapped individuals.


Sports & Fitness Park

As a natural extension to the Nina Mason Pulliam Recreation and Sports Complex, ARCH has developed and constructed an outdoor Sports & Fitness Park on the ARCH campus. The Park includes a multipurpose play field for soccer, football, golf, etc, and Special Olympics training , a softball field with backstop, bocce ball court, and horseshoe pits. The park provides sports, fitness, and recreation opportunities for handicapped individuals, community schools and organizations, and neighborhood residents. The Park will help strengthen the community by providing a safe environment for children and adults to enhance their physical well being through exercise, a place to participate in sports and health related activities, and improve the quality of life of all those participating... handicapped and non handicapped individuals alike.