Client Services

Arcdays: Redefining Day Hab

Adults and teens, ages 16 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities can meet new friends improve self-esteem and enhance life skills at The Arc’s daily programs in Collin and Dallas counties. Arcdays currently operate in locations in Allen, DeSoto and Garland.

Classes are open daily from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm and include activities for a variety of ability levels and a wide range of interests, talents and skills. Participants can choose from one day to all five days a week. State-approved rates appply for HCS, TxHmL and respite care clients, or private pay is an option at just $30 per day. To enroll or for more information, contact Melody Berryhill at The Arc (214) 634-9810, Ext 106. or via email at m This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Adventure Camp

Adventure Camp is a day camp for children ages 5-21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities offered in selected communities in The Arc service area during the summer and public school breaks.

Adventure Camp is held Monday through Friday in cities in The Arc’s three-county service area (Collin, Dallas, Rockwall). The program provides recreational day care for campers in a fun, safe and experiential environment. A professionally trained staff makes Adventure Camp is a great experience for kids with special needs and provides an important respite to caregivers when school is not in session. Camp hours are from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with extended care available. Activities include crafts, games, swimming and field trips. Summer camps are held concurrently in two-week sessions throughout the summer (with the exception of the week of July 4th). Space is limited to 25 campers per session. Siblings without disabilities can also attend. Camper to staff ratio is generally 4:1 and supplemented by volunteers as needed. Fees are similar to daycare. Scholarships are available on a limited basis. For more information, or to apply, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Guardianship Services

The Arc accepts referrals to provide guardianship to residents of Dallas, Collin and Rockwall Counties with previously diagnosed intellectual disabilities who are incapacitated and between the ages of 18 and 49.

Candidates must lack family or friends whom the court considers appropriate to act as guardians, and have exhausted all other less restrictive alternatives. Upon acceptance by The Arc and appointment by the Court, The Arc will become the legal guardian of the person and will provide professional case management collaboration and oversight. This includes financial and medical supervisory services. 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.

Private-pay guardianship services on a full and part-time basis can also be arranged. For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Leadership Institute

Leadership Institute is designed for older teens and young adults with intellectual and related developmental disabilities to increase the participant’s ability to form opinions, participate in government, volunteer in the community and speak publicly.

Leadership Institute is usually an eleven-week program of 90-minute classes (one evening per week). However, special arrangements are available to teach the curriculum on a different timetable. Participants are instructed about their role as contributing citizens of the community and receive a certificate upon graduation. 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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Money Management

The Arc accepts referrals to Money Management for those who are in need of a Representative Payee.

Acceptance of a money management client is usually handled through referrals from probate court or other agencies. The Arc will become the Representative Payee and assist clients with bill-paying, setting up a budget, and money management services. The client must be willing to follow the guidelines of the program. For more info, contact, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Weekend Outings

Supervised fieldtrips in The Arc’s three-county service area are offered through The Arc L.I.F.E. program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Arc L.I.F.E. (Learning Is Fun and Educational) classes and activities, including evening dances, are held in many locations throughout Collin, Dallas and Rockwall counties in conjunction with community partners. For our current schedule see the calendar section of our website, or sign up to receive The Arc’s quarterly newsletter and schedule. Fees range from $5 for dances to $50 for field trips to area attractions. Sometimes an additional supply or transportation fee applies.