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Services
The Arc Provides and Promotes:
 • Public Policy & Legislation
• Basic Civil Rights
• Family Support Services
• Information & Referral
• Workshops & Training
• Newsletters & Publications
• Research
• Public Awareness
• Resource Library
• Networking
• Support for Individuals
Counties Served by The Arc of Minnesota Southwest:
Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, Watonwan, Yellow Medicine
People First
Self-Advocacy
People First groups in our region are run by and for individuals with intellectual disabilities. At People First meetings, self-advocates work together to find their own voices to speak for themselves. These groups support self-advocates in strengthening their abilities to live as independently as possible in their communities. This is achieved through networking, educational training, and events that build social and life skills. People First members also try to work together to identify and overcome life challenges, including issues with housing, employment, transportation, and individual rights.
Public Policy Advocacy
We help people with intellectual disabilities and their families exercise their rights within the legislative process. We help our clients and families learn about legislation that impacts them. We offer an annual Day at the Capitol event when we transport clients from our service area to the state capitol to voice their thoughts and needs. We also contact legislators directly to represent our clients needs.
Quality Assurance
We offer individual quality of life assessments called VOICE reviews. In these assessments, two trained Quality Assurance Team members meet with a person with an intellectual disability, the person’s family members/guardian, and the person’s providers to assess individual needs, opportunities, concerns, and goals. Working with the person with the disability and his or her supporters, we try to paint a picture of the person’s quality of life and, if needed, provide an opportunity for the circle of supporters to work together to enrich that life. For more information, contact Lee Ann at Arc.
Different Drummer Dance Club
The Different Drummer Dance Club is a social club for adults with disabilities in Mankato. The club offers participants the opportunity to practice social skills as well as socialize in a safe environment. The club gathers the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at Midtown Tavern in Mankato. The dance runs from 6 pm to 9 pm. The cost for admission is $5. A hamburger meal can be purchased for $5 to $6 for choice of meal or people may order off the tavern menu. Questions call Nancy Willis at 507.344.0929. For those living in the New Ulm area, Different Drummer Dance Club meets at Smiley's at 5:00 PM on the last Wendesday of the month. For infomration, contact April or Suzanne at 507.233.3040.
Self-Advocacy Theatre
Self-Advocacy theatre groups are available in Mankato and New Ulm. Self-Advocacy theatre provides people the opportunity to develop their gifts and talents through the art of theatre. Both groups write their own plays and performances and perform them in both their communities and around the region. The theatre group in New Ulm is part of People First of New Ulm and is called the United We Stand Players. They have been performing original plays for 15 years. The theatre group in Mankato is called Aktion Club Theatre of Mankato. They are sponsored by the Downtown Mankato Kiwanis Club as well as Arc SW. This group has been performing for about two years. If you would like to get involved in one of these groups, call Wilbur at 1.866.502.4082 or email at wilbur@hickorytech.net.
Advocacy Support
Providing advocacy and services to people with disabilities and their families. Specifically, facilitating a parent support group, attending IEP (Individual Education Plan) meetings at schools with parents, consultation services, and helping parents navigate and understand the system.
Housing Access Services Program
The Arc of Minnesota Southwest works with the Arc of Minnesota to assist eligible Minnesota adults with disabilities seek and locate suitable, affordable and accessible housing. For more information on this program call LeeAnn Erickson at 1.800.427.2895 or email at leeannje@frontiernet.net.
Family Connections & Parent Support
The Arc Southwest's Family Connections & Parent Support group provides support for siblings, parents and extended family. The group also strives to distribute information and resources regarding school, government and community resources while helping families and parents navigate the human services system. Family Services & Parent Connections also provides training and education related to disability issues as well as one-on-one advocacy and support.
For More Information Contact:
Claudia:
advocacy@hickorytech.net
507.345.4223
Toll free: 866.502.4082
Suggestions? Contact the Arc anonymously by clicking here.
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