ADVOCACY…Advocates work with consumer with mental retardation and related development disabilities, their families, and professionals to ensure that each consumer has the opportunity to develop his/her own skills in order to maximize full participation in all aspects of community life. Through consultation and education, The Arc works with providers of services and employers to guarantee quality of life and equality. Advocates also work with parents, local school districts and other professionals to ensure that each child receives a free and appropriate education, as well as assisting parents and families in locating and accessing available community services.

INDEPENDENT MONITORING FOR QUALITY (IM4Q)… Local independent teams are used to monitor the quality of life for people with mental retardation. Teams consist of people with disabilities, family members, and interested others.

RECREATION…Events are held in the community to provide consumers with the maximum opportunity to social in integrated settings. These included “Tuesday Night Bowlers”, Parents of Special People “Spring Fling” and “Holiday Party” dinner dances, tai chi classes, and Nordic Walking club.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER (CRC)… The CRC provides a place to educate parents, families, and the community about issues of mental retardation. The CRC is also a place for the community to locate and utilize current information via a lending library. Computers with internet access are available for public use, free of charge. Computer training is available in the CRC to help people with MR and related disabilities develop computer skills based on their unique individual needs.

SUPPORT GROUP…Parent for Parent is a support group/support network of parents with children who have Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.

KIDS ON THE BLOCK PUPPETS (KOB)… An educational puppet program designed to enlighten all children about disabilities.