The Arc of Stark County, Ohio

Where to go for Information, Support, Guidance, Action, and Opportunities

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What we do

The Arc of Stark County was founded in 1952, as The Council for Retarded Children, when a small group of parents met and organized to inform the community about the educational, emotional and physical needs of individual with mental retardation and their families. That Council was responsible for the first educational programs in Stark County, Ohio for children with mental retardation. Classes began in June of 1953.

Today, The Arc of Stark County, Inc., is an advocate and source of support for individuals with MRDD, their families and other professionals who serve them.  It is a member agency of the United Way of Greater Stark County with, otherwise diverse funding sources.  The Arc of Stark County, Inc. is a local affiliate of both The Arc of the United States and The Arc of Ohio.  The Arc is a national membership organization and a non-profit corporation.

The Arc of Stark County, Inc. has been a part of the community for more than fifty years, serving the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and the professionals who serve them.  In the early 1950’s, The Arc was instrumental in forming the first educational classes for children with MR/DD and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.  The small group of parents who formed The Arc has now grown to include individuals, families, businesses and professionals.

Today, The Arc serves as an advocate and source of support for children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout our community.  It is a strong non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting the welfare and development of all persons who are developmentally challenged.  The Arc offers a variety of programs and services to those with disabilities and their families.

One of the most important services offered by The Arc is advocacy —unique and personal support that is  offered to self-advocates and families that request information, referral, assistance with Individual Education Plans (IEPs), assistance with public and private educational institutions and much more.  Loved ones and caregivers of people with developmental disabilities are encouraged to contact The Arc with questions and concerns.

The Arc also realizes the importance of social and recreational opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities.  An annual weekend camp is held each year in June for adults with disabilities.  The Arc also offers a summer camp program for school-age children, which also provides much needed respite care for parents and guardians.

Support for families with a loved one who has a disability is also an important goal of The Arc.  The Arc offers a support  group called F.A.N.S—Family Alliance Network and Support which meets on a monthly basis and provides information and support.  The Arc is also in the process of forming a sibling support group which will begin meeting in May of 2005. 

In addition, The Arc also provides residential monitoring services to over 400 individuals in Stark County.  Quality assurance reviews are completed for the adults who receive residential services in group home settings, nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, and home settings.

The Arc of Stark County also strives to increase public awareness and educate the general public about the developmentally disabled population.  Through a quarterly newsletter, important resources and educational information are available to members of The Arc, self-advocates, professionals, schools, and community agencies.  Events like the Annual Awareness Dinner provide The Arc with an opportunity to focus the community’s attention on the potential of individuals with disabilities and to honor those who work in the field of MR/DD.

Staff

Please visit our Contacts page for our staff directory.