Programs and Services

The Arc of Minnesota provides these services and programs for people with developmental disabilities and their families:

• advocacy and support services
• technical assistance to its chapters across the state
• the programs described below:

1. Educational Programs that reach out to parents and self-advocates. We sponsor workshops, we make available a variety of materials that address the particular concerns of parents, and we identify state-of-the-art service options for their sons and daughters.
   We also regularly publish our newsletter, Focus, and distribute it to our members.
   
   
2. Our Bemidji office operates the Assistive Technology Lending Library which lends a variety of devices. The Bemidji office also hosts the "Assisting People through Technology" project which sponsors clinics and training sessions and provides information on assistive technology.
   
   
3. The Arc of Minnesota provides chapter support to local Arc chapters in a number of areas, including developing support services, sponsoring workshops, fundraising, training leaders, and monitoring local services for people with developmental disabilities.
   
   
4. The Arc of Minnesota provides information and referral for people with developmental disabilities and their families to enable them to obtain needed services. Individual advocacy services are available from many local chapters.
   
   
5. Public policy development - The Arc of Minnesota is a leader in influencing the development and implementation of public policies that affect the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families. Through Arc's efforts, many services affecting people with developmental disabilities have been developed, improved, or saved.
   
   
6. Housing assistance - Arc no longer works with the Home Choice program, but we still have a staff member to assist people with disabilities with housing issues. Please click here for further information.
   
   
7. TheArcLink.org - This web site provides customized, specific information on various sources of assistance available to persons with disabilities and their families. Minnesotans can learn how the service system works in their state, find out about providers of different services for those with disabilities, find services that best meet their needs, and learn about available resources in the state.

For further information or a complimentary copy of Focus, please write, telephone or e-mail us at:

The Arc of Minnesota
800 Transfer Rd., Suite 7A, St. Paul, Minnesota 55114 (For directions, click here.)
Telephone 651-523-0823; fax 651-523-0829; toll-free 1-800-582-5256
E-mail address: mail@arcmn.org.