ADVOCACY
Policy and Advocacy
For years, The Arc Mid-South has been at the forefront of advocating for the civil rights and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families, playing a lead role in major victories in civil rights, community living, education, income security, and other important issues for Tennesseans.
We have fought to close institutions and make life in the community possible, we have opened the school doors for students with disabilities to be included in the classroom alongside peers without disabilities, and we have advocated for affordable health care access. We are at the table for every major public policy fight and advancement impacting the lives of people with disabilities. We still have work to do, but we know we can succeed with strong state policy advocates working hand in hand with grassroots activists like you.
Information and Referral
The Arc of the Mid-South provides Information and Referral services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
The service’s goal is to inform clients of various service and support options available to them based on their needs to connect them with those resources. Most who use this service are not aware of opportunities for future planning - including respite, residential, employment, and other community-inclusive support options - that are designed to support people as they participate fully in their community.
Our Community Advocate assists parents in understanding laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Community Advocate is available to consult with families about special education disputes and attend Individualized Education Program meetings when necessary.
Disability Day on the Hill
Each year, The Arc partners with local organizations on a bus trip to the Capitol in Nashville, Tennessee. This gives families and self-advocates a chance to speak to legislators about issues important to individuals with disabilities. Dozens of disability organizations from across the state come together to ensure that every legislator gets to hear from a constituent with a disability or a family member with concerns about how legislation affects the disability community.
