ECHO Expands Medically Fragile Program

Every Citizen Has Opportunities, or ECHO, celebrated the opening of its newly expanded Medically Fragile program, which works to maintain and enhance physical, cognitive, social, and emotional abilities of individuals with the most severe disabilities who need extensive healthcare.

Jean O'Meara, president of the board of directors for ECHO said the program benefits both the individuals and their families by providing their families by providing a stimulating and therapeutic environment.

"They are brought here and are stimulated as much as possible, and given some therapy during the day," said O'Meara. "And it allows their parents too to be able to work and have time to themselves, because that is a difficult situation for the families."

The non-profit organization, founded in 1975, serves more than 120 clients in Loudoun and the western-most part of Fairfax County, including Herndon and Reston. The group provides vocational training and support, with many clients working for local businesses such as Inova Loudoun Hospital, the National Conference Center in Lansdowne, the Federal Aviation Administration, and Target. Approximately 25 people work in organizations in-house mailing program.