The Kent County advocates for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and other related developmental disabilities. We strive to improve systems of supports and services; connect families; inspire our community and influence public policy. We are a non-profit, charitable organization funded through the kindness of our most generous individual donors. We proudly serve individuals and families throughout Kent County as a local affiliated chapter of The Arc Michigan and The Arc of the United States.

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The Arc Kent County Inc. (“The Arc”) is a premier, grass-roots membership organization working directly with children and adults within all levels of intellectual and other related developmental disabilities, and their families. The Arc’s organizational purposes broadly relate to the advocacy themes of: education, awareness, research and prevention, ensuring Constitutional rights, and the financial support of the movement. Each of these make up the elements underlying the agency’s current emphasis on the provision of direct and expert advocacy toward securing the proper services, programs and entitlements for the family member who has special needs. Specifically, assistance is available in the areas of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, special education law advocacy, residential options, the monitoring of group homes, respite care, as well as information and referral.

The overall philosophy of The Arc is person-centered and family-centered in its approach to all programs and services. The concepts of least restrictive environment and dictates of normalization are keys to everything The Arc stands for and accomplishes.