The Arc of Livingston was established by a group of parents in 1954 seeking other alternatives and supports for their children besides the state institutions. The Arc of Livingston is a 501(c) (3) non-profit membership organization advocating for people with developmental disabilities in Livingston County. The association seeks to ensure the rights of people with disabilities and build quality community life for people with disabilities and their families.

The Arc of Livingston Chapter is affiliated with Arc Michigan and Arc National. Funding for the agency is provided by Livingston County United Way, Community Mental Health Services of Livingston County, grants from Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan and Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council, fundraising, contributions, and membership fees.

MISSION

The Arc of Livingston exists to empower persons with developmental disabilities and their families to assure that they as citizens are valued, and that they can participate fully in, and contribute to the life of their community.

VISION

The Arc is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people and to decreasing the incidence of disabilities. We believe that participation in community life is essential to the well being of every person, and that, with the right assistance and support, people with developmental disabilities can and will be contributing, valued members of the communities in which they live.

As a charitable, non-profit, membership organization, the chapters, members, officers, and staff of Arc work to realize our vision of Michigan communities. This vision is one in which the individuals have the rights and access to the range of supports which promote personal choice, and self-determination; in which opportunities exist for everyone to be included in education, employment, living, recreating, socializing, and all other aspects of community life; and where expectations are that each individual will be a fully integrated, contributing member of their community.

To fulfill the vision we believe that regardless of any person's disability (or it's severity) the following shall obtain:

• Families and/or individuals must be empowered and enabled to dream and plan.
• The wishes, desires and needs of families and/or individuals must be paramount.
• The autonomy and self-determination of families and/or individuals must be ensured.
• Access to all opportunities in the community must be assured.
• Assistance, support, and accommodations must be available when and where desired and needed.
• Enjoyment of and access to all human and civil rights and legal protections must be guaranteed.

In our vision, each individual and diversity itself must be valued.

Please join us as a member of the association. For further information regarding The Arc of Livingston please contact us at:

The Arc of Livingston
1044 Durant Drive
Suite 1
Howell, Michigan 48843
(517) 546-1228
email: pnowak@arclivingston.org