Agency - The Arc Of Livingston

It is our philosophy 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.

Description:
Educational Advocacy
Family Advocates serve as a resource to families of children and adults with disabilities from birth through 26 years of age who are still involved in the education system. Out family advocates provide information, support and leadership mentoring to assist families with knowing their rights, effectively communicating their children's needs and facilitating parent involvement in the educational planning process to help their children develop and learn.
Mental Health Advocacy
We provide information, referral, consultation and navigation to assist persons with disabilities and their families accessing mental health services in our community. We believe that people with disabilities should direct their own lives and choose supports and services that support their vision for 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.
Housing Advocacy
Our goal is to connect people with disabilities to affordable, accessible housing of their choice as well as reducing the number of people with disabilities who are homeless. This includes identifying personal and financial needs, collaborating with other agencies and advocating for legislation and local support to improve housing options in the community
Transportation Advocacy
We believe that persons with disabilities would be able to have increased opportunities to access and participate in their communities with accessible, affordable, available and comprehensive transportation services. We work to identify the transportation barriers people with disabilities experience and partner with local community transportation systems to recommend strategies that improve the opportunities to remove barriers that prevent people from participating in their community.
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) & Social Security Benefits Planning
We work with individuals with disabilities who are currently working or seeking employment and help them plan, through using work incentives, to build a more secure financial future and better life.
In addition we assist people to obtain and maintain benefits and help people understand Medicaid, Medicare, Social security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, Food Assistance, Home help, Family Support Subsidy and a variety of other benefits.
Representative Payee Services
Appointed by the Social security Administration, we assist individuals with disabilities who receive Social security and / or Supplemental Security Income benefits and require support to manage their money.

History:
The Arc of Livingston was founded by a group of committed parent of children with disabilities in 1954 who wanted to have local supports and services for their children so they could remain in their community. They wanted their children to have the same type of opportunities as you and I to live, and work as well as participate and contribute in their community .
The agency is currently a 501c3 advocacy organization aimed to support people of all ages with disabilities in the Livingston County area.

Contact people:

Chelsea Abend, Administrative Assistant, (phone), (email) Patricia Nowak, Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

1044 Durant Drive, Suite 1 Howell, MI 48843 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.arclivingston.org

Last updated on June 29, 2011