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“The Arc helps me with my Person-Centered Plan to do things I like.”
– Jackie
The Arc Kent County advocates across the life span for people with developmental disabilities and their families
Individual and Family Advocacy
- Advocate for participation and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in their communities
- Assist families to secure appropriate individualized education plans and supports for their children
- Assist people with developmental disabilities to direct their own lives and choose their services and supports from many available sources
- Support people with developmental disabilities and their families to develop a vision for their future
- Provide leadership, information and advocacy training to empower people with developmental disabilities and their families
- Promote the value and potential of all people in the community
- Assist people to obtain and maintain benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, Family Support Subsidy, Home Help and Food Stamps
Organizational Advocacy
- Partner with local agencies to promote inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life.
- Facilitate coordination and the flow of information to best serve people with developmental disabilities and their families.
- Support governmental advocacy at the local, state and national levels.
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA)
- Assists people with disabilities to better understand how work impacts their SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Income).
- Inform people with disabilities how to manage their income and benefits while working.
- We proudly serve Allegan, Barry, Clinton, Eaton, Ionia, Kent, and Ottawa counties.
Dignified LifestyleS/Community Connections
- Visits group homes to assure residents are treated with respect and dignity.
- Generates reports on group homes to be reviewed by The Arc Michigan.
- Partners with people of the community to address concerns and take action.
Family Empowerment Initiative
- Provides information and support to minority families of children with disabilities regarding the education system.
- Increases the involvement of minority families in their children’s education.
- Trains parent mentors who will provide educational information and resources
to families within their own communities.
Representative Payee Assistance
- Serve as representative payee of SSI/SSDI benefits.
- Work with and train individuals with disabilities about budgets and money management.
- Relieves stress for family members by acting as fiduciary.
Project Illumination
- Broaden awareness in the community of the impact of abuse and violence against people with disabilities.
- Provide training for people with disabilities, family members, teachers and direct caregivers about the high risk of abuse.