General Family Support
Services
The United Arc
of Franklin and Hampshire Counties
The goal
of family support is to provide a wide array
of options to families of people with disabilities
that enable them to stay together and be welcomed,
contributing members in their home communities. Families
are viewed as experts regarding the strengths,
competencies, capacities, and needs of their
family members. Families typically create
an annual Individual Family Support Plan with
Arc staff. Primary services are:
Family Leadership
and Development – Enhanced
through family governance of the program and
family councils. Family Council meetings
are periodically held in central Franklin County
(Greenfield), Western Franklin County (alternating
between Shelburne and Charlemont) and the North
Quabbin area (Athol). These meetings
provide opportunities for families to
share with one another and review program
governance and funding issues.
Family Orientation, Education and Training
- Offered through individual case management,
educational and service advocacy, periodic
education and training workshops and publication
of the Family Support Update.
Family Networking & Support Groups –Support
groups bring together family members with specific
interests or concerns about a particular subject
or disabling condition. The Autism Support
group addresses issues faced by families caring
for a family member with autism or pervasive
developmental disabilities. SibShops
are periodically offered for school-age siblings
of a child with disabilities. Other
support groups are created based on family
interest and request.
Educational & Service
Advocacy - To help families obtain specialized
and generic services that can benefit
their family member within the school,
community or home setting.
Flexible Funding – To help families
purchase goods or services that will benefit
their family member with a disability. Typical
expenses are for respite care, recreation
and social activities, specialized diagnostics
or treatments, specialized equipment
or supplies, home management support
services, specialized nutrition and clothing,
therapeutic services, vehicle and home
modifications that are necessary for
accommodation, and short-term emergency
needs.
Support & Services for Community Participation – Assisting
families with community connection to
activities and resources.
Outreach & Education to Community Members & Organizations – Activities
that promote public awareness about the
valued roles of people with disabilities
and their families.
Eligibility & Referral – Through
the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation
(DMR). The United Arc follows DMR Family
Support Guidelines & Procedures in delivery
of services. For more information contact
Chris Peltier, Director of Family Support at
The United Arc, 413-774-5558 x 1003 or email: chrispeltier@unitedarc.org.
Mission
Statement: "The Arc will lead in forging a
society that values, respects, includes, and recognizes
the contribution of community members with disabilities."
