About the non-profit

The Arc of Dallas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has worked to improve the quality of life for people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities since 1951. Our programs and services, which are offered in Collin, Dallas and Rockwall counties, include advocacy, information and referral, parent and professional education, public education and fun activities and classes.

History

When a group of concerned parents first met in 1951 to discuss their children's educational needs, they planted the seeds of an advocacy organization that would bloom into the largest in the Dallas area to serve people with mental retardation and related conditions. As they met regularly to discuss ways to insure that their children with mental retardation and related conditions received a quality education, it soon became apparent that advocacy and services for people of all ages were significant community needs.

That organization, known today as The Arc of Dallas, remains firm in its commitment to serve individuals with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. There are chapters of The Arc all across the United States.

Mission statement

"It is the mission of The Arc of Dallas both to improve the quality of life of people with mental retardation and related conditions. To accomplish its mission, The Arc of Dallas acts as an advocate for such persons, provides support to them and their families, and promotes awareness and acceptance in the community."

Vision statement

The Arc of Dallas envisions a community where people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities are valued, offered a quality education, welcomed into the workforce, and allowed the chance to live productive lives. The Arc works diligently to:
• Close the gaps in both understanding and in services by acting as an advocate and by providing necessary programs.
• Shed light on mental retardation and its consequences by promoting awareness and acceptance in the community.
• Become lifelong partners with individuals and their families by assisting through life's transitions and by working to improve quality of life.
• Meet the challenge in securing the financial resources to close the gaps, shed light, and become lifelong partners.

Our Programs Include the Following:

Adventure Camp
Adventure Camp is a Spring & Summer Day Camp for children and teens, ages 5-21. Activities include crafts, games, entertainment, computer fun, swimming and field trips. Spring Break dates coincide with Dallas Public Schools and Summer dates are held in two-week sessions throughout the summer (with the exception of the week of July 4th). Space in camp is limited and available on a first-come, first- serve basis. Children and teens of all ability levels, including siblings, are welcome at Adventure Camp. For more information, or to enroll e-mail education@arcdallas.org or call (214) 634-9810.

Advocacy and Intervention
The Arc of Dallas was founded by parents who advocated for their children's educational rights. Support is provided when parents, guardians or family members need assistance getting their child's needs met in the school system, with service providers, in a day care setting, and in other similar situations. Adults with disabilities sometimes need assistance with employers, government services, transition and other services and life events. The Arc works with legislators, school districts, city government, employers, justice professionals and many others to create a better understanding of the needs and rights of people with disabilities. For assistance with advocacy issues, e-mail info@arcdallas.org or call (214) 634-9810.

Arc LIFE
Learning Is Fun and Educational at The Arc of Dallas. Arc LIFE provides individuals (ages 5 & up) the opportunity to enhance social skills and to continue learning throughout their lives. Some of the classes offered include budgeting, crafts, reading, cooking, and much more! Arc LIFE also offers Leadership Institute and Saturday Night Swing Dances. Classes are offered in various locations throughout the Metroplex. We have classes for all ages and

Great Expectations
The Arc holds seminars and classes to educate and inform parents and professionals about disability-related issues. These efforts include training, prevention projects, and conferences. For more information, check out the calendar of events page, or to receive The Arc's newsletter, FrontLine, or FrontLine ENews, e-mail info@arcdallas.org.

Information and Referral
The Arc connects people with developmental disabilities to the services and the information they need. When questions arise concerning guardianship, legal services, health care, area services and other available programs, The Arc is there to help. Thousands of people depend on The Arc of Dallas each year to provide referrals, mail printed materials, find available resources on the Internet and to provide other pertinent information. Information research and use of our resource library are also available. For more information, e-mail info@arcdallas.org or call 214-634-9810.

Leadership Institute
Older teens and adults with disabilities can step out and make a difference in the world and in their own lives. Leadership Institute trains participants on how to make informed decisions about voting, how to advocate for their own rights, how to do public speaking and many other topics. For more information, e-mail aallen@arcdallas.org or call (214) 634-9810.

Guardianship Project
The Arc of Dallas acts as guardian for people with intellectual disabilities between the ages of 18 and 49 who live in Dallas County. The agency is guardian of “last resort” meaning that the individual does not have family or friends who are suitable for this responsibility. The Arc is committed to working with the person, service providers and the Courts to identify less restrictive alternatives when possible. Referrals can only be accepted from Dallas County Probate Courts and identified agencies. For more information, e-mail ddixon@arcdallas.org or call The Arc.

March for Respect
Anyone who knows someone with a disability, also knows that one of their greatest challenges is public perception. Negative attitudes and misunderstanding create barriers many barriers to quality of life. The Arc, together with more than 30 members of the Developmental Disabilities Network of North Texas created an awareness event to educate others and to draw attention to this challenge. The event takes place the last Saturday in March at the Dallas West End. The school and the organization who brings the most participants wins $1,000. For more information, e-mail march@arcdallas.org or visit the March for Respect website marchforrespect.org.

What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

My day-to-day responsibilities include reaching out and connecting Hispanic individuals, families and professionals affected by developmental disabilities to community resources and assisting them in resolving critical problems. In addition, I work with other community organizations; work on publications, translations and anything that is needed.

Most notable milestones

The Arc of Dallas is our areas strongest voice for people with cognitive an developmental disabilities this is a wonderful accomplishment for an organization that began 55 years ago by a small group parents determined to provide services for their disabled children.

What's the niche?

To improve the quality of life of the over 76,000 people with developmental and cognitive disabilities living in Collin, Dallas and Rockwall counties. We are their partners for a lifetime.

What's the biggest challenge?

Texas consistently ranks between 47th-49th in the nation on funds it commits to support people with developmental and cognitive disabilities. The lack of funds causes families and individuals to wait up to 10-12 years for critical supports. Our challenge is to help families navigate a complex system, understand their rights, and to increase the availability of services and supports they receive.

What's in store for the future?

The Arc of Dallas is a fluid and ever-changing organization; we develop programs to address compelling community needs while finding innovative ways to increase community involvement. New programs are developed as changing needs arrive and old programs are discontinued or spun-off.

Who would you like to be contacted by?

We would like to be contacted by individuals, families, professionals and anyone else interested in issues affecting people with developmental and cognitive disabilities. We also love volunteers and donors!

« Previous 1 2 1 2 Next »