Family Support Advocacy

The Arc changes lives by supporting individuals and their families.


Need help? Contact the office at 394-5251 or email peggyb@dejazzd.com.

 

 

Life Issues Advocacy

may include: (not a complete list!)
 

• Where will my child live when I can no longer take care of him?

• What’s this Life Sharing thing I keep hearing about?

• The staff at his residential placement keeps changing. What can I do?

• What happens to her after she’s finished with school?

• How do I get funding for the services she needs?

• What does consolidated waiver mean? What’s PFDS? How do I get my child one?

• There’s no family left here for this person. Who will look out for his needs and desires?

• My personal care home is being closed by the state. Where will I live? I need help!

 

“We are grateful for the support we got from The Arc when the personal care home we were living in was closed down by the State. The Arc helped us through the transition. The Arc helped us move, helped us with getting donations of items for our apartment. We know we can call The Arc anytime when we need support.” - Erica and Ron

 

Educational Advocacy

may include: (not a complete list!)
 

• My child is transitioning out of Early Intervention. I don’t understand what’s going on.

• We have our first IEP meeting and I’m really nervous about the whole thing.

• The school is suggesting a placement that I don’t like. What can I do?

• I want my child included in a regular classroom. How can I make that happen?

• Our team is stuck on some issues and can’t come to any agreement. We need a mediator.

• I don’t believe that my son’s IEP is being implemented the way we had all agreed to. Help!

• The supports that were promised for my daughter have not happened. We need a meeting pronto! Help!

• I really don’t understand what all those people at the meeting are talking about. I feel so overwhelmed and intimidated. I need someone with me for support. Help!

“…after five IEP meetings with little to no progress, we asked an Arc advocate to go with us for the sixth one! We had a signed IEP by the end of that meeting. Our desires for our son were finally taken seriously.” -Michele and Perry

Systems Advocacy

may include: (not a complete list!)
 

• Meeting with local legislators to keep them aware of the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

• Mediating disputes between parties involved in services

• Participating in county and state committees, giving a voice to our constituents

• Meeting face to face with policy makers to share concerns and ask for action

• Organizing public response to issues at the county and state levels

 

 
  Families, advocates and legislators working together to build a better life for people with intellectual disabilities.