FAQ’s
Welcome to The Arc Alliance’s Frequently Asked Questions page! Many parents, siblings, family members, and friends have questions regarding The Arc Alliance’s services and support. We have compiled a list of these common questions and concerns to help you navigate our services and resources. Whether you’re a new visitor seeking support or a long-time member of our community, we hope this resource provides the answers you’re looking for. If you have a question that is not addressed, please contact us at 610-265-4700.
The Arc is the world’s largest community-based organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides an array of services and support for families and individuals and includes over 140,000 members affiliated through more than 700 state and local chapters across the nation. The Arc is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Arc’s vision is that every individual and family affected by I/DD in the United States has access to the information, advocacy, and skills they need to participate as active citizens of our democracy and be active members of their community. We work to ensure that people with I/DD and their families have the supports they need to live an ordinary American life. The Arc is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors.
Throughout its history, The Arc’s name has seen many changes.
1950: Founded as the National Association of Parents and Friends of Mentally Retarded Children
1952: Name changed to the National Association for Retarded Children (NARC).
1974: Name changed to the National Association for Retarded Citizens.
1980: Name changed to Association for Retarded Citizens of the United States.
1991: The best name change, to The Arc, removing the word “retarded” for the first time.
The Arc has over 140,000 members nationally. The Montgomery County chapter has over 2,500 members.
The Arc has more than 700 local and state chapters. The Arc Alliance provides support and services in Montgomery, Berks and Bucks Counties. We also serve clients in Philadelphia, Delaware, and Chester Counties. Each local chapter provides different services and supports.
It is always a good idea to call the Service Coordinator at the County which is assigned to your child for questions about your program. You can find their name and number on the signature page of your child’s Multidisciplinary Evaluation (MDE)/Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). These questions are in regards to Children’s Services.
Early Intervention is a family teaching model of services designed to help your child more easily take part in your family life. You may be asked a number of questions about the parts of the day that are challenging and what routines you would like addressed first. The Early Interventionist will work with you to develop strategies and will spend some time demonstrating, other times coaching you in the activity your child will be completing.
A physical therapist will specialize in motor skills like sitting, crawling and walking. Like all early intervention therapists, a physical therapist will teach you skills to use with your child to address whatever motor needs he or she is having. They will show you ways to encourage motor development and teach you therapy techniques to correct any problems or deficits. The goal for all early intervention therapists is to teach you the skills necessary to teach your child.
You will get the most from your child’s services by staying actively involved in each session. Schedule visits at a time of day that includes the routine you are working on. Keep a notebook for questions that may arise during the week between visits. Try to limit distractions during visits (TV or outside visitors) , although you do not need to keep your other children separate from the activity, as they can often help encourage their brother or sister to participate.
Every county has a Local Inter Agency Coordinating Council which is a group of parents and Early Intervention staff that meet monthly. Usually there is a topic or presentation, discussion and refreshments. There is often child care offered to make it easier to participate. This is a great place to start.
Children who are attempting to communicate, are not showing you in some way what their wants and needs are should be evaluated, regardless of age, to see if they qualify for early intervention services. Once your child is determined to be eligible for services the team will then make recommendations as to what kind of therapist would best address your needs. A speech therapist may be the best choice if your child is suspected of being on the autism spectrum, has oral motor difficulties or has all the building blocks (prerequisites), for talking but is not, or has lost language skills that they previously had.
If you are currently receiving birth to three early intervention services your Service Coordinator will assist you in this process. If your child has not been in services before you should contact your local intermediate unit or school district.
The Arc Alliance provides services throughout your child’s life. The Arc Alliance provides Supports Coordination for Berks, Bucks, Chester, Philadelphia and Montgomery County. Give us a call at 610-265-4700 and we can see how to best serve you and your child’s needs.
In Pennsylvania you can call CONNECT at 1-800-692-7288 and the will direct you to the correct place.
Any time you have concerns about your child whether medical or developmental, it is good to start with a conversation with your pediatrician. A physician referral, however, is not a requirement for an evaluation through early intervention. When you have persistent concerns about your child’s development, whatever they are, that is a good time to seek out an evaluation through early intervention. The evaluation, and subsequent services should your child qualify, are provided at no cost to families.
The Arc Alliance helps parents and families to understand their children’s disabilities, their legal rights and responsibilities, and evidence-based education practices. We also help parents and families to advocate for the needs of their children, to resolve disputes with schools and other providers through collaboration when possible, and to participate in systems reform activities.
The Arc Alliance provides programs and services covering intellectual, developmental disabilities or delays, and other disabilities without restriction. For purposes of our programs and services, we view developmental disabilities as including all disabilities affecting children, youth, and young adults.