Since 1985 Linda has been the Executive Director at the Arc of Adams County. In the early 1960s she learned alongside peers with disabilities in elementary school. Linda’s Arc journey started as a young teenager in a Youth Arc. Volunteering at Summer Camp for children with IDD, being a Citizen Advocate for a man living in an institution and helping to remodel the first group home in her community. Those years created a lasting impact on her commitment to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has a BA in Social Work and her professional career prior to Arc Advocacy was case management and family support in public schools, institutions and community-based services.
Most of her work is systemic, policy and legislative advocacy. Connections with adults and families who are impacted by services or a lack of services is critical to driving policy. Any opportunity to assure that children and adults can live, learn, work, play and be accepted in their communities is worth the energy to get there.
For all people, regardless of their abilities or challenges, having a choice is essential to our wellbeing. Knowing there is someone who supports you to make decisions is important. The Arc offers the flexibility and strength to make a difference in people’s lives. Access to independent advocacy is a rare opportunity for many children and adults with IDD.