HOW TO ADVOCATE
Resources
The Arc of the United States The Arc is the national organization of and for people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families. It is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for people with mental retardation and their families. The association also fosters research and education regarding the prevention of mental retardation in infants and young children.
Office of Developmental Programs The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare’s Office of Developmental Programs (Mental Retardation Services) supports a comprehensive array of services and supports for people with mental retardation including: community residential and day support services which are either administered or operated by county MH/MR programs; contracted private residential intermediate care facilities for persons with mental retardation (ICF/MR) services or services in state centers. The Developmental Programs system is funded through federal, state and county funds.
State and Local Task Forces
The PARC Consent Decree of 1972 established the State Task Force and 29 Local Task Forces, whose purpose is to assure a free and appropriate public education for students with disabilities. Each Local Task Force consists of parents, families, a representative of The Arc and support personnel. There is a local task force at each Intermediate Unit; this map shows each school district and their corresponding Intermediate Unit.
Arc Link
Non-profit advocacy organization with a national database listing providers of home and community-based services for people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. News, links, glossary, sponsors, and resources.
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (aaidd)
aaidd promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual disabilities.