For Children and adults with developmental challenges and their families. You're not alone. Let's make the journey together!

Family & Legal Advocacy

The ARC has advocates - employees and volunteers - to assist individuals and families with a variety of needs. Advocates may:

• Attend/represent parents at their childrens Individual
Educational Planning (IEP) or Person Centered Planning (PCP) meetings and advise on their rights;

• Facilitate access to services provided by the Monroe County

Community Mental Health Authority and assist in the person-centered
planning process;

• Consult with attorneys, individuals with disabilities, and/or their families to ensure
fair and equitable treatment by the judicial system;

• Provide information and assistance with acquiring public benefits and entitlements;
• Plan for a secure future, including letters of intent, consultations on wills and trusts, and
alternatives to guardianship;

• Provide training and on-going support for self-advocacy activities;
• Assist in managing financial resources to ensure that eligibility for benefits is maintained;
• Consult on housing and apartment living options and help individuals secure financial resources and personal supports;
• Visit and support elderly persons with disabilities;
• Assist with individual and family concerns during hospitalization;
• Provide advice and guidance in pursuing the public service system grievance and appeals process.

Community Advocacy

Collaboration with local agencies and groups is used to encourage understanding and acceptance of individuals with developmental disabilities. Through projects that remove barriers, The ARC goes out into the community to promote the rights of people with disabilities, working to ensure inclusive education, to satisfy housing needs, and to connect with employers.