Each year Human Rights Month is recognized in December, honoring the month in which the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
I Vote Because
This October the St. Louis Arc is joining other organizations in sharing the importance of voting in the November mid-term elections. Organizations around the nation are asking people to complete the statement “I vote because…”. Ann Mangelsdorf, assistant director of Family Support and Advocacy shares “it’s fun and inspiring to see what motivates people to…
Supported Decision Making
How did you make decisions in the last month? Did you get advice about a medical procedure, google information about car repairs, or talk to your best friend about a relationship issue? We all get support for decision-making. Why can’t the same be true for a person with a disability? An Alternative to Guardianship Arc…
Building Leadership for a Lifetime
The St. Louis Arc is committed to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families as they pursue the lives they want and deserve. A key component of support is advocacy. The Arc has partnered with disability advocate Larry Opinsky to offer a six-part advocacy training – Arc Advocates Building Leadership for…
St. Louis Arc – What’s in a Name?
It started with a small seed in the 1950s: an idea that all children had the right to an education, medical care and places to play, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Back in 1950, there weren’t many choices if you had a child with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD). Services and supports were…
Your Vote Counts
Tuesday, August 7 is election day! Are you registered to vote? At the St. Louis Arc we know advocacy comes in many forms. One of the easiest ways to advocate for yourself or a loved one with a disability is to exercise your right to vote. The first step as an Arc Advocate is to ensure…
Things “To Do” in 2018 for My Loved One with a Disability
At the start of every new year it is important to take a moment and reflect on what you and your family members accomplished last year and to make a plan for what lies ahead. The St. Louis Arc has adapted a yearly “to do list” originally produced by the Arc of Northern Virginia, for…
Make Your Voice Heard in 2018
The start of a new year brings a fresh perspective to many, and new opportunities to initiate change. It is a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the potential in the year to come. As we reflect on 2017, we see a year that provided self-advocates and their allies many…
20 Years of Neighborhood Experiences
Neighborhood Experiences is a unique program which engages participants, ages 13-20, in volunteer and work experiences to achieve personal and career goals.
Advocacy Isn’t Just for Professionals
What is Everyday Advocacy? Merriam-Webster dictionary defines advocacy as “to support or argue for or plead in favor of”. Being able to advocate for a cause or for oneself is important if we want or need to get the responses we desire. Many people think of advocacy as only legislative advocacy, but it is so…