The Laconia Sun

LACONIA — Lakes Region Community Services has a 45-year history of providing programs and services to serve vulnerable people in the Lakes Region. Since the closing of the Laconia State School in 1991, the agency has offered people with intellectual and developmental disabilities community-centered supports and services promoting inclusion and improving quality of life.

The nonprofit is a state-designated area agency serving Lakes Region adults with developmental disabilities and acquired brain disorders and their families.

The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique worries for people with intellectual disabilities. “So many of the strategies used to mitigate the crisis fly in the face of the support system that this diverse population has relied on. The call for social-isolation, major disruptions to routines, higher risk for people with compromised health issues, coupled with the need for hands-on everyday self-care, makes this situation incredibly challenging, anxious and dangerous,” said Rebecca Bryant, president and chief executive officer. “At LRCS we are working all hands on deck 24/7 to keep everyone safe. Along with our partners at the state and local level and following CDC guidelines, we are doing our very best to advocate, communicate and update protocols and services addressing the needs and fears of individuals and families, our employees, and the communities we serve.”

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