Arc Northland

Learn more about what we do… Adult Advocacy and Self Advocacy Groups: These groups provide adults with disabilities with skills and knowledge necessary to be as independent as they are able, advocate for their own needs, and connect with their communities. This program includes individual advocacy and support for people with disabilities. For example, we might help when there is a conflict with a residential provider or assist in the guardianship process. People First Group: A self advocacy group for men and women with disabilities to help them have a voice in the community. Monthly meetings are held to discuss topics to help group members be as successful in the community. Speakers come to encourage and remind members that they are a vital part of the community and their concerns matter. Past speakers include: PAVSA, the Police Department, and Social Workers, etc. The group discusses: how to be safe in the community, caregiver abuse, being healthy, and self advocacy. Young Women’s Group: A for women with disabilities who are between the ages of 18 and 35. The goal of the group is to empower women with disabilities by providing opportunities for learning, volunteering, and participating in the community. Not to mention is a great place for women with disabilities to get to know one another, and be encouraged by one another. In the past: the group has Participated in the Chili cook-off, visited the Duluth Depot, gone bowling, visited pottery burn for discussion and crafts , discussed topics such as: Shaking off Stereotypes, Dating, Relationships and Personal Boundaries, Breast Cancer, historical women. Couple’s Club: An opportunity for young couples married or dating to get together with other couples and experience a sense of commonality. The vision of couples club is to validate their relationships and meet socially. Couple’s meet on a bi-monthly basis and do a variety of activities such as bowling, movies in the park or theaters, dining out, or have conversations over coffee. Respite Care: Provides a break for parents by professionally screened and trained care providers. The care provided is paid for by waiver funding or private pay by the family. Care can be done in the family’s home, community settings or in the provider’s home. Extreme Parenting and Children’s Mental Health Services: Whole family support and education groups, as well as individual advocacy, support and education for families of children with mental health, emotional or behavioral concerns. We are involved in early childhood mental health and encourage community support and education of mental health concerns. Some of the groups include: Family Support and Advocacy: staff support in person or over the phone. Advice given regarding parenting strategies, problem-solving techniques, networking, etc. Staff may attend Individual Education Plan staffing in the schools, meet with county case managers and parents, etc. Workshops are offered to increase a family’s ability to advocate for their own needs. Parent Support Groups are available for parents to collaborate ideas and to support each other. Groups meet monthly during the school year. Family Fun Night: A group made up of families of younger kids, currently birth to 12. The group shares a light meal and then kids are provided with trained care providers while parents collaborate and share ideas. Fetal Alcohol Intervention Training: Offers intervention training for anyone working with people who have Fetal Alcohol damage. Techniques for working with those who have FASD are taught, addressing a wide variety of topics including environment, discipline, sexual issues, vocational issues, etc. Fetal Alcohol Aftercare: This program provides advocacy, support, training and education after diagnosis at the SMDC Pediatric Center. The Intervention Specialist is a member of the diagnostic team and works with the family and all professionals working with the individual being diagnosed. General Training, Information & Referral: Arc Northland provides training opportunities in all programs. Trainings for college students, care providers, parents of children with special needs, school staff, etc. We make referrals to other agencies or inform people how to request case management services and receive a PCA assessment. PCA Services: Personal Care Assistant services help people with disabilities of all ages to live independently in the community or in their family home. by providing assistance with tasks such as dressing, bathing, meal preparation, participating in community activities, and redirection and intervention for harmful behaviors. We are enrolled through Minnesota as a traditional PCA provider organization and a PCA Choice provider. We serve individuals who are on or who are eligible for Medical Assistance. Arc Northland Office: 218-726-4725 424 West Superior Street, Suite 201 Fax: 218-726-4732 Duluth, MN 55802