Membership begins in your own backyard! Allegany Arc has been active in your community since 1961, and currently supports over 300 local individuals and families who are dealing with the challenges of intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Your
membership contribution supports advocacy at the national level and helps to
provide quality direct services to individuals and families right here in Allegany
County. As a member, you ensure that your neighbors with disabilities have the
supports they need to grow, develop and live in the community.
When
you support The Arc, you are supporting:
Human
Rights - For centuries,
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been abused,
neglected, segregated and treated as less than human. As the oldest and largest
non-profit serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and
their families, The Arc is a major defender of human rights, advocating for the
rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities so that they
may be full citizens of the United States.
Families - Currently in the United States, almost all
children and about 75% of adults with intellectual or developmental
disabilities who need significant levels of ongoing supports receive most or
all of their supports in the context of the family home. Most or all of
the supports are provided by a family member. Often, families do not have the
information or support they need. The Arc provides information and support to
families of individuals with developmental disabilities across the country and
at the local level.
Research - The Arc maintains a focus on the role of research
to enhance the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities. The Arc actively advocates for inclusion of
individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in research.
The Arc disseminates research results and information to help individuals and
families stay abreast of research developments.
