ARC
The Arc of Lancaster provides the following free supports and services:
Advocacy
Community Education
Independent Monitoring for Quality
Information and Referral
The Arc of Lancaster County advocates for people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their mission is “Empowering people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) to lead full, satisfying, independent lives of their choice.”
SibShops are monthly meetings for siblings (ages 8-12) of special needs children. Registration is required.
Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday, September through May from 6:30-8 PM at The Conference and Training Center at IU 13, 1020 New Holland Avenue, Lancaster, PA.
Family Sessions on a variety of subjects are held for parents at the same time and location as the SibShops.
Monday, 12/14: Special Needs Trust, presented by Attorney Scott Alan Mitchell
Educational Advocacy:
The Arc attends Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) meetings and team meetings with parents, answering questions and also provides programs for parents to educate themselves.
Person Centered Advocacy:
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.
Systems Advocacy:
The Arc is also a voice at local, state and national levels, bringing the concerns of its constituents to the attention of policy makers.