Advocacy Services / Educational Community Outreach Programs

Ø      SERVICE COORDINATION – Informs, educates, trains and supports families with children and/or adults of any age with mental retardation and developmental disabilities by assisting with the development, implementation and monitoring of a formal education plan (IEP) for children ages 3-22 and the My Plan for adults. 

Ø      PEOPLE TOGETHER – A disability awareness educational community outreach program presented to students in public and private schools, with variations for undergraduate and graduate college students, and community groups on a complimentary basis.  The program curriculum is designed and adapted for grades K through 12.  The standard presentation (unit) consists of five daily, consecutive one-hour classes taught by a qualified employee of The Arc.  The interactive presentation includes resource materials, student participation in simulation activities, and presentations by people with disabilities.  This program teaches tolerance, understanding and acceptance toward individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities.

Ø      PERSONAL ADVOCACY – Designed to enhance the quality of life for citizens with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities by providing intense advocacy services.  Personal Advocacy assists a cross section of individuals with developmental disabilities in various living situations and accommodates a diverse group with different levels of independence.  The personal advocate acts as a surrogate family member of behalf of the individual when family members are no longer able to provide appropriate advocacy for their loved one or parents   may choose to enroll their loved one in the program at an earlier age to establish a relationship with the advocate and develop a Plan of Care while they are still able to actively participate in the process. 

Ø      SELF-DETERMINATION – Assists people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities to develop the leadership skills necessary to speak effectively on their own behalf and to become active participants in their respective communities.

Ø      CRISIS INTERVENTION – Provides guidance and advocacy services to individuals in crisis to protect and ensure their human rights as well as link families and individuals to available resources.

Ø      SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATION FOR SPECIFIC SERVICES – Provides support to people with developmental disabilities and their families addressing specific, everyday issues as well as more involved emotional and practical needs.

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