Advocacy - What is Advocacy? View Advocacy 101 here.
| "The Arc continues to transform the supports and services for individuals so that they may have Every Day Lives." |
Life Issues Advocacy
The Arc is a valuable resource for families and individuals as they make important decisions and face daily challenges. The Arc can be the voice for an adult who does not communicate using words and has no family. It can be the confidant and mentor for parents or individuals as they learn to advocate for services for their children or themselves. The Arc may just provide the much needed understanding and knowledge that you are not alone.
Educational Advocacy
From early intervention to school age programs to transition to adult life, the educational system is extensive and complicated. There are legal rights and responsibilities for both providers and parents. To ensure that a child is receiving all the appropriate services, it is imperative for parents to know and understand the system. The Arc attends Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings and team meetings with parents, answering questions and also provides programs for parents to educate themselves.
Click here to see The Arc of PA's Inclusion policy statement.
Systems Advocacy
The Arc is also a voice at local, state and national levels. By serving on county committees charged with improving service delivery systems, The Arc brings the concerns of its constituents to the attention of policy makers. By being a part of The Arc of the United States and The Arc of Pennsylvania we have a grassroots organization that works on issues that impact people with an intellectual and developmental disability and ensures that they have a voice in Harrisburg and Washington.
~ YOU CAN BE AN ADVOCATE TOO! ~
~ Don't know how to contact your state legislator?? CLICK HERE!
~ Make your voice heard on issues and legislation
Visit the ArcPA Action Center and the ArcFederal Action Center
~ The - R - word is hate speech
Read this important factual document: “The R-Word Isn’t Just Hateful. It’s Hate Speech”.
Click here to download the Hate Speech pdf.
~ PEOPLE FIRST handout
Click here to share the PEOPLE FIRST handout with people in the community: teachers, friends, scout leaders, fellow church members, etc.
The Arc of Lancaster County is affiliated with the following organizations:
The Arc of the United States | The Arc of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County Mental Health/Mental Retardation | The United Way of Lancaster County | The Mental Health/Mental Retardation Providers Association | PANO
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