How We Help

The Arc of Livingston provides advocacy, information and referral and support services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Advocacy

Often individuals with developmental disabilities and their families must work

with state and federal government agencies to obtain services.

The most commonly requested services include:

• Educational - Family advocates serve as a resource to families of children and adults with disabilities from birth to 26 years of age who are still involved in the education system. Family advocates provide information support and leadership mentoring helping families to know their rights and facilitating parental involvement in the educational planning process.
  
  
• Mental Health - We provide information, referral, consultation and navigation assistance to persons with disabilities and their families in accessing mental health services. We believe that people with disabilities should direct their own lives and choose services that support their vision of their future. Advocates facilitate person centered planning meetings, empower people with information to be their own self advocates and represent individuals when barriers are presented in accessing services.
  
  
• Social Security Benefit Analysis and Claims Filing - Answer questions and assist with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Medicare and Medicaid filing. We provide assistance with Social Security applications and with appeal/denial issues. 
  
  
• Representative Payee Services - Assist individuals who receive Social Security and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits by setting up and maintaining bank accounts, depositing monthly SSI and SSDI checks, establishing monthly budgets and paying bills.
  
  
• Transportation - Assist persons with disabilities to have greater opportunities to participate in their communities with accessible, affordable, available and comprehensive transportation services. We identify transportation barriers persons with disabilities experience and partner with local community transportation systems and coalitions to recommend strategies for improvement.
  
  
• Housing Assistance - Our goal is to connect people with disabilities to affordable, accessible housing as well as reducing the number of people with disabilities who are homeless. This involves the identification of personal and financial needs, collaborating with other agencies and advocating for legislation and local support to improve housing options in the community.
  
  
• Person Centered Planning (PCP) Facilitation - Arc staff is trained and available to assist individuals with the coordination of their person centered plans (PCPs).

Information and Referral -

Families often require additional information related to mental health, special education services,

housing availability and employment opportunities. The Arc of Livingston resource

library includes articles, reference books and videos available at no cost.

• Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) - Provide work incentive program information to beneficiaries and assist them in their successful return to work.
  
  
• Community Resources and Training - Provide information concerning educational seminars, training and resources available in Livingston County to address estate planning, wills and trusts.

Support -

Our goal is to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families

have opportunities to network and share information, experiences

and support one another. Toward this end The Arc of Livingston sponsors:

• Parent's Night Out - An opportunity for parents to get together with fathers and mothers to relax and chat about common issues. Visit our events calendar t view our next scheduled parents night out!
  
• Sibshops - Social setting where the positives and challenges of having a sibling with special needs are shared.
  
  
• Dances - Social interaction for Arc members and other individuals by listening to music and dancing.
  
  
• Annual Family Day - A special event where Arc members interact, network and support one another.View our events page and calendar to view our next scheduled Fun Day.

• Camp Scholarships -Encouraging children to attend inclusive camps through financial camp scholarships. 

            Click here for more information Sending Kids to Camp 2010.pdf

Note: If you have a need that has not been identified please contact The Arc of Livingston office to see if we can provide assistance.