In Good Times and Bad, Arc Helps Families Cope

When times are challenging and problems too big to handle alone, Arc Greater Twin Cities is there for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Arc has a comprehensive array of services and programs that can help in many ways. Just as important, Arc is a community of people who have have wisdom and inspiration to share. People like Diane Allen of Rosemount.

“I think people who have kids with disabilities are a little more resilient than most,” said Diane. “We’ve already had to adjust to the idea that things don’t always go the way you expect.”

Diane has been dealing with the unexpected since her daughter, Gracie, was born with a chromosomal abnormality so rare it doesn’t have a name. Her second daughter, Sarah, has the same condition.

To make a difference for her children and others, Diane joined the Dakota County Interagency Early Intervention Committee (IEIC) and Family Support Committee. “I gravitated toward parents who were interested in helping themselves, and I made friends,” she said. “It’s helpful to talk to someone else who gets it.”

Diane connected with Arc through the annual Dakota County Parent Retreat. That connection was useful when she needed advocacy assistance.

“Things were getting ugly at Gracie’s school and I didn’t know how to fix it, so I called Arc,” Diane said. “Now my daughter is getting the right services, and the people at school are much more helpful. It’s been wonderful.”

In addition to her other volunteer work, Diane has also become more involved in the public policy arena.

“I used to think you had to be an expert to talk with decision makers, but what they really want to know is how I get through my day,” she said. “Other parents of kids with disabilities need to know that we have enormous power to influence decisions. And now is a crucial time. We need to make sure decision makers have a good reason to say ‘yes’ to disability dollars.”

Diane’s experiences have given her insights to share with others. “When you have a child with a disability, you need to latch onto something positive,” she said. “You have to find someone who knows what they’re doing and then do what they’re doing. You have to become your own hero.”

She added, “There’s no way anyone can do this by themselves. That’s when it’s good to know there are organizations like Arc that have been helping people for years.”

If you are struggling with a disability issue, Arc is here to help. Call (952) 920-0855 or visit www.arcgreatertwincities.org and click “Ask an Advocate.”

About Arc Greater Twin Cities

Arc Greater Twin Cities is a grassroots advocacy organization serving the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Arc helps people with disabilities live as they choose and connects people with services they need to overcome challenges and thrive in community life. Most of all, Arc is about change – changing attitudes, changing policies and changing lives.

Established in 1946, Arc Greater Twin Cities was one of the first Arc chapters in the nation. Today it is regarded as a pioneer and leader in advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Arc’s services span the lifetime from birth through the senior years. It helps individuals and families address issues such as early intervention, education, transition to adulthood, health care, housing, employment, guardianship and more. Arc serves residents of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties.

Arc is a membership organization. While no one is refused services, membership strengthens Arc’s voice and ensures that Arc reflects the changing needs of the people it serves.

For more information, contact Arc at (952) 920-0855 or visit www.arcgreatertwincities.org.