You have come to the right place. The Arc was founded by people just like you — caregivers, guardians, protectors, advocates, but most of all loving parents.

Frustrated by the lack of services and supports for their children, these parents founded this resource for families living with disabilities.

The Arc strengthens people with disabilities, their parents, family members, and dedicated professionals by connecting them across our national network of chapters. We are the nation’s leading advocate for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.

Whether you are concerned about the future for your child about to be born with an intellectual or developmental disability or you have a child with I/DD who is enthusiastically changing into a young adult with evolving needs, we can help. Maybe you and your child are growing older and are uncertain about what will happen next or you want to know what you can do to help them reach their goals? No matter your situation, you are first and foremost the parent of a child who needs you now. We understand.

We know that you need support, information and resources to care for your child through the course of their lifetime and yours.

The Arc will support you by:

•Giving you the information you need to understand your child’s diagnosis.

•Helping you understand the positions The Arc takes on behalf of your child on critical issues.

•Helping you get involved in advocating for people with I/DD and understanding public policy related to I/DD.

•Connecting you with our chapter of The Arc for resources such as help navigating the education system or preparing for the future with trust planning.

•Helping you become your child’s No. 1 cheerleader so that they can tackle and overcome any obstacle they may face.

Families affected by an intellectual or developmental disability have a friend at The Arc.

We invite you to explore our site at www.arcmowercounty.org, become a member, connect with our chapter and utilize all of the resources The Arc can provide for parents of children with I/DD.

 Upcoming Events

•Tuesday, Jan. 29: IDEA: Understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP), 6:30 to 9 p.m. This Individualized Education Program (IEP) workshop explores new IEP requirements and components of IEP development, including evaluation, resolving disagreements, and an expanded section on writing measurable goals. Call PACER at 800-537-2237. This workshop is for parents of children with disabilities and for professionals.

•Jan. 3 to Feb. 15: Special Olympics Raffle. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at The Arc office. Grand prize is a Polaris 600 Indy Snowmobile. Other prizes include an entertainment package (60” LED TV, Surround Sound System and XBOX 360 Kinect) and $1,000 cash prize

• Tuesday, Feb. 19: The Arc’s 18th annual Rose Sale begins