Meet Zoe,

Her favorite Arc activity is summer Adventure Camp which enables her mom, Erin, to keep working. Finding childcare for children with disabilities can be a difficult challenge. Erin searched for four years before a doctor was able to identify Zoe’s difference. For those four long years, when Zoe didn’t “act” like a typical toddler, Erin thought she was somehow a bad mother. Parents often encounter overwhelming challenges with even the most basic care giving functions and don’t know why. With The Arc’s help, Zoe’s mom got connected with resources, therapists, critical information and support services that will help a beautiful young child become the best she can be.

Meet Suzie,

As a young girl, she was rambunctious, full of curiosity and laughter. Suzie experienced an unfortunate childhood accident that created lifelong cognitive and intellectual challenges for her. Today, Suzie is an advocate for herself and others with disabilities. Through The Arc’s Leadership Institute (funded by the Hatton Sumners Foundation) and Advocate Leaders program, she has learned how to participate in her community, her government, and lend her voice to others who cannot speak for themselves. Every year, she attends the statewide Advocate Leaders convention and Capitol Day rallies at the Capitol in Austin. Suzie has helped countless individuals with disabilities by educating others about their needs for support, respect and equal rights. Through Arc LIFE Suzie reached out for her goal to go to community college where she has earned several photography certificates. Her passion for photography and her unlimited creativity have produced some amazing black and white photos. Because of her skills and background, Suzie is now assisting in Arc LIFE photography classes and mentoring others. Suzie lives in her own home in the community with the support of her family and a part-time attendant.

Meet Rob,

Rob lives in a group home within the community. He had been placed there by his grandmother three years ago. When Rob reached 18 his uncle removed him from the group home and attempted to place him in a completely different program in another city, putting Rob at risk of losing his home and community services (HCS) support, and therefore his entire support system. In addition, Rob had been prevented from forming a relationship with remaining relatives due to the uncle’s interference and controlling attitude. Rob’s group home provider contacted the Dallas County Probate Court to help protect his best interest. The court investigators agreed that the situation was critical. They contacted The Arc of Dallas to ask us to accept temporary guardianship of Rob which we did in order to advocate on his behalf, help stabilize his support system, and improve his quality of life. It was determined that there was not a less restrictive alternative for Rob so eventually The Arc sought a permanent guardianship arrangement; The Arc also learned that the uncle was attempting to sell a house that had been willed to Rob by his grandmother as an income source for the young man. This action by the uncle constituted exploitation. The Arc of Dallas was granted full guardianship by the court and the sale of the home was stopped immediately.

Today, with the help of The Arc, Rob is safe from exploitation, has retained his support services and is now re-establishing a relationship with his extended family.