Programs and Services for Adults

Guardianship Services
The Arc of Dallas accepts referrals to provide guardianship to Dallas County residents with previously diagnosed intellectual disabilities who are incapacitated and between the ages of 18 and 49. Candidates must lack family who the court considers inapproprite in that capacity and have exhausted all other less restrictive alternatives. Upon acceptance by The Arc and appointment by the Court, The Arc of Dallas will become the guardian of the person and will provide case management collaboration and oversight. A match is made with an appropriate Volunteer Advocate whenever possible. Volunteers will provide regular visits in a residential setting as well as appropriate advocacy. For more information, contact LaFreda Smith, lsmith@arcdallas.org , or call (214) 634-9810, extension 109.

Arc LIFE - Learning Is Fun and Educational!
Adults and teens, ages 16 and older with intellectual and related developmental disabilities can enjoy meeting new friends while improving self-esteem, enhancing life skills and increasing levels of independence. Classes and activities are available for a variety of ability levels and a wide range of interests, talents and skills. Arc LIFE’s evening classes are typically four-week sessions, held one evening each week for an hour and a half. Day classes vary from 3 to 5 hours each, several days each week. Seasonal dances also provide opportunities for fun! Arc LIFE classes and activities are held in many locations throughout Collin, Dallas and Rockwall counties in conjunction with community partners. Fees range from $1 for dances to $150 for day programs. Sometimes an additional supply fee applies. Arc LIFE semesters include Spring, Summer and Fall. Arc LIFE is underwritten in part by Untied Way. For the latest catalog or to apply, contact Susann Longoria, slongoria@arcdallas.org , (214)634-9810, ext 100. For more information, contact Drew Dixon, ddixon@arcdallas.org  214-634-9810, extension 107.

One-on-One Instruction
For intense life skills training, one-on-one instruction is often most effective. An instructor works in a 1:1 ratio in a relevant setting for skill reinforcement. Learn cooking, cleaning, laundry and other household chores in one’s own home, or get out in the community and learn to access public transportation, grocery shop, or choose a book from the library. Contact Drew Dixon, ddixon@arcdallas.org.

Leadership Institute
Leadership Institute. Designed for older teens and young adults with intellectual and related developmental disabilities, Leadership Institute increases the participant’s ability to form their own opinions, participate in government, volunteer in the community, speak publicly and understand their role as contributing citizens. Leadership Institute participants receive a certificate graduation upon completion. Class size is limited and participants must apply. Thanks to the underwriting of the Hatton Sumners Foundation, there is no participation fee for Leadership Institute. For more information or for an application, contact Drew Dixon, ddixon@arcdallas.org or (214) 634-9810, ext. 107.

Advocate Leaders
Graduates of Leadership Institute and other adults will enjoy participating in The Arc of Dallas chapter of Texas Advocates called Advocate Leaders. This self-advocacy group is one of 20 local chapters that provides opportunities for advocacy training, community service activities, fundraisers and information about local public policy issues. Texas Advocates is the only statewide non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in Texas run by and for people with disabilities. It is the only organization specifically speaking out for self-advocates. The board meets in Austin 2 times, at the annual state conference and conducts 5 regional meetings each year.
Texas Advocate Board members and other Texas Advocate members visit their legislators, attend Capitol Day, meet with State Agency representatives and sit on statewide committees and taskforces including the Disability Policy Consortium. Advocate Leaders meets second Tuesdays, 6:30 pm at the Preston-Royal Library.  Email ddixon@arcdallas.org for further information.