The Arc of Greater Houston
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Mission Statement
The Arc of Greater Houston promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lives. We serve our constituents and the Houston community by focusing on the following major areas: 1)Providing community outreach, education, and awareness on behalf of the disability community to families, health care, schools, businesses, and other community organizations; 2) Participating in national, state, and local legislative and systems advocacy to ensure that children with disabilities have access to a free, appropriate education in the least restrictive environment; and that adults with disabilities have access to community-based, integrated employment and supports; 3)Supporting the structure and cohesion of families who have members with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and 4)Providing life-enhancing integrated activities and experiences for those with IDD.
About This Cause
The Arc of Greater Houston's core programming includes the following: Information, Referral, and Public Awareness: The Arc offers an extensive referral network of information and assistance to families seeking services as well as disability-related information to the general public. In addition to responding to thousands of calls and emails per year, we have available a resource guide on our website (www.aogh.org). We also do regular outreach with schools, adult service organizations, family groups, case management entities, physicians, universities, and local planning committees to provide awareness and education. Training for Professionals, Families, and the Community: The Arc of Greater Houston offers conferences, trainings, and support for professionals, health care, families, and the community on best practices in education, transition, adult services, and organizational change. Many trainings are offered in both English and Spanish, and can be customized based on need and audience. Trainings include: Special Education 101; Navigating IDEA and 504; Preparing for ARDs; Behavior and Discipline Law in Public Schools; ABA Essential Skills; Accommodations and Adaptions for Students with Disabilities; Effective Support Strategies for Children and Adults with Autism; Understanding Social Security Benefits and Work Incentives; Organizational Change – Moving to Community-based Integrated Services; Team Building and Strategic Planning for Schools and Organizations; Person-centered Planning; Supported Employment; and General Disability Awareness and Understanding Accommodations for Businesses, Employers, and Community Organizations. Educational Advocacy: The Arc’s Right to Learn program is a free service that provides educational advocacy supports to students ages 3-21 and their families. This program directly helps students obtain a free, appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Our services include: providing educational information to families and schools; providing training on special education concerns for parents and professionals in workshops, conferences, support groups, and other settings; and providing assistance to parents preparing for A.R.D. (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) meetings. We also offer families and professionals the opportunity to participate in Special Education 101 training covering basic special education rights. Legislative and Systems Advocacy: The Arc advocates on a national, state, and local level, for appropriately-funded, community-based services for all persons with disabilities. The Arc educates legislative representatives and other decision makers about the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition, we educate parents and family members on ways to impact the decision making process. Support Groups: The Arc assists in the formation and facilitation of support groups for parents and self-advocates, and we arrange for speakers to address relevant topics of interest to participants in these groups. We have long supported the Familias Hispanas del Arc (a support group for families of children with special needs) by providing organizing, facilitation, and childcare. Social and Recreational Programs: The Arc coordinates monthly dances, weekend activities, camps, and vacations to offer participants opportunities to develop friendships, explore the community, visit new places, and develop new skills. Respite Services: Out of the home weekend services are available to provide short-term relief to primary caregivers. Guests enjoy a variety of community events and activities.