Arc of the United States

Program innovation: the arc is constantly striving to improve the quality of life for people with i/dd and their families, including by promoting the development of best practices in programs, services and supports for people with idd. The arc's special projects advance the field of programs, services and supports for people with i/dd and their families as follows:the arc's autism now! National autism resource and information center provided members of the public with quality information about autism spectrum disorder, as well as with practical guidance to support people with asd, and their families, to participate in all aspects of community life. The arc's down syndrome new mexico fund provided for the education, care and support of people with down syndrome in that state. The [email protected] program supported people with i/dd who are unemployed to find and retain jobs with private, government and nonprofit sector employers and educated and supported employers ...

Chapter leadership, volunteer & professional development: the arc supported a network of about 650 affiliated state and local chapters that advocated on behalf of, and provided services and supports for people with i/dd and their families. The arc promoted best practices in nonprofit governance and management of nonprofits by promoting an ethics and accountability code - standards for excellence - for chapters to use to benchmark their operations and by providing extensive educational resources to support improvement. The arc provided guidance in the areas of governance, program planning and evaluation, financial management, human resources management, transparency and accountability, fundraising and more.the arc also promoted best practices in programs, services and supports for people with i/dd. The arc kept chapters informed of critical information and developments in the field, including in subject areas such as early intervention, integrated education, transition, supported employment, supported and independent living, health care, financial planning and ...

Public policy: the arc advocated to promote and protect the civil rights and human rights of people with i/dd and for funding and support for the programs, services and supports that enable them to be fully included in all aspects of community life. The arc monitored developments in federal public policy, including legislation, regulations, administrative actions, litigation and judicial decisions, of importance to people with i/dd and their families. The arc regularly informed chapter leaders, government officials, the media, leaders of other nonprofits and other interested parties of developments in the field through a weekly email newsletter, periodic special reports and alerts and content posted to the arc's website. Educational and advocacy activities focused on a broad range of topics, such as health care, education, employment, civil rights, criminal justice, housing and more.the arc also regularly educated and informed elected and appointed government officials about the needs, interests and concerns ...