The Arc New York


The Arc New York is the largest organization serving people with developmental disabilities. A non-profit, The Arc New York serves over 60,000 people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities through its 55 chapters in New York state. The Arc New York is an affiliated member of Arc of the United States.

History

In 1949, two Bronx mothers placed an advertisement in the New York Post with an interest in establishing a day nursery for their young children. Over 200 New York City parents responded and banded together to fight for the recognition of their children's special needs and capabilities.
A committee was appointed to draft a constitution for a new, single organization. The Arc New York was formally incorporated in February 1949.
In March of the same year, new committees were formed to address specific issues such as education, legal affairs, fundraising, and public relations. That same month, the Organization published the first issue of "Our Children's Voice" which later became "Our Voice Today." It was designed to communicate with other parents and families.
The Arc New York model has since served as a unique and effective organizational model that has been duplicated across the nation. In the years since its founding, the Organization has grown rapidly as a service provider and advocacy organization.
The Arc New York partners with Camp Loyal Town, Advantage Care Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Brookville Center for Children's Services, the AHRC Foundation and Fay J. Linder Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities.

Mission

The Arc New York's mission is to improve the quality of life for persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities by:
Central Region
Northeast Region
Southeast Region
Western Region
The Arc New York's 55 chapters provide a variety of services, including:
Support offered on behalf of a family or individual.
Services from birth through school age including diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and education.
Clinical services and/or primary health care.
Activities that combine diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, pre-vocational, vocational, and employment services.
Planning alternative granting of legal authority.
Day, evening, weekend, or overnight programs that provide leisure and social activities.
Support services to enable living as independently as possible in the community.
Assistance in accessing needed services, programs and supports.
A flexible group of supports and services.

Trust services

The Arc New York currently offers 3 types of trust programs:
The Arc New York Trust consists of two active funds. The Unrestricted Fund allows parents, relatives, and friends to leave large sums of money or property to help a person with a developmental disability. Funds can be transferred during the Grantor's life or at death. The Exempt Fund primarily benefits and supports the Arc New York Corporate Guardianship Program.
The Community Trusts are pooled trusts which qualify as Supplemental Needs Trusts for people with disabilities as described under Social Security Law Section 1614. They are funded with the personal assets of the person with disabilities.
Community Trust II is designed for individuals who have monthly income in excess of the Medicaid qualification levels.
Community Trust I and III are primarily for individuals receiving government benefits, like Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid. Community Trust III is solely for individuals with a large sum greater than $250,000.
The Arc New York Individual Trust offers both Trustee and administrative services for first- and third-party Supplemental Needs Trusts. Like the Community Trusts, the Individual Trust is open to people who have any disabilities listed under Security Law Section 1614.