Information for parents
Published 5:46 pm Saturday, September 1, 2012
![0902.TheArcSoftball](https://www.austindailyherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2012/09/0902.TheArcSoftball.jpg)
The Mower County Special Olympics Softball team placed 2nd in Division C at the 2012 Fall Games in Woodbury this past Aug. 18-19 and brought home silver medals. Photo submitted
You have come to the right place.
The Arc was founded by people just like you: Caregivers, guardians, protectors, advocates but most of all loving parents. Frustrated by the lack of services and supports for their children, these parents founded this resource for families living with disabilities.
The Arc strengthens people with disabilities, their parents, family members, and dedicated professionals by connecting them across our national network of community based chapters.
We are the nation’s leading advocate for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families and the premier provider of the supports and services you want and need.
Whether you are concerned about the future for your child about to be born with an intellectual or developmental disability, or you have a child with I/DD who is enthusiastically changing into a young adult with evolving needs, we can help.
Maybe you and your child are growing older and are uncertain about what will happen next or you want to know what you can do to help them reach their goals?
No matter your situation, you are first and foremost the parent of a child who needs you now.
We understand.
We know that you need support, information and resources to care for your child through the course of their lifetime and yours.
The Arc will support you by…
•Giving you the information you need to understand your child’s diagnosis.
•Helping you understand the positions The Arc takes on behalf of your child on critical issues.
•Helping you get involved in advocating for people with I/DD and understanding public policy related to I/DD.
•Connecting you with a local chapter for resources such as help navigating the education system or preparing for the future with trust planning.
• Helping you become your child’s No. 1 cheerleader so that they can tackle and overcome any obstacle they may face.
Families affected by an intellectual or developmental disability have a friend at The Arc.
Upcoming Events
•Sept. 16: Dad’s Belgian Waffle Breakfast, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mower County Senior Center. Call The Arc for tickets at 507-433-8994 or stop in.
•Sept. 18: How you and your kids with disabilities can be empowered to handle bullying workshop, 6:30 p.m. at the Austin Public Library.
•Oct. 6: USEM’s Customer Appreciation to Benefit The Arc of Mower County.
•Oct. 15: The Down Syndrome Connection Pumpkin Party, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Jamey Helgeson is the Program Director at The Arc Mower County and can be reached at jamey@arcmowercounty.org or by calling 507-433-8994, Extension 102.
You can also visit our website (www.arcmowercounty.org) and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/arcmc) or Like me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JameyTheArcofMC).