Advocacy

Overview

There are times when individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families may face complex challenges that affect their ability to engage with person-centered programs and supports that meet their specific needs.

Our Advocacy Department employs knowledgeable Arc Advocates to provide individual guidance to address complex challenges and assist a person/family in navigating the special education and/or adult service systems. Arc Advocates are dedicated to both educating and empowering each individual/family while presuming competence to guide individuals and their families with their decisions and promoting self-advocacy skills to be used in a variety of environments.

One-to-One Advocacy may be available to those with a diagnosis of IDD who are based in Lehigh or Northampton Counties.

Each request is processed through our triage process to determine advocate eligibility and is addressed in the order in which it is received.

*Advocacy Disclaimer: The Arc of Lehigh & Northampton Counties Advocacy Department does not employ lawyers nor provide legal advice. Our staff are not trained in law nor are medical experts, but rather provide objective, educated guidance to individuals and their families to navigate the special education and/or adult system(s).*

How Do I Start?

• Please complete the intake form below OR
• Call: 610-849-8076 ext. 321 OR
• Email: advocacyintake@
  arcoflehighnorthampton.org
  

  
  *Please note: There is currently a waitlist for one-to-one advocacy services.*