About The Arc Of Adams County
What is The Arc of Adams County?
The Arc of Adams County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for and alongside people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. We’ve been serving Adams County for over 60 years. We provide individual advocacy, systemic advocacy, community training, and support groups — all with one goal: making sure every person with IDD can live a full, self-determined life. We are a local chapter of The Arc of Colorado and The Arc of the United States.
Is there a cost for your services?
No. Our individual advocacy services are free to individuals with IDD and their families. Some trainings for community organizations and consulting services may have fees. If you’re not sure, just ask.
Services And Individual Advocacy
Who qualifies for your services?
We serve individuals with IDD and their families throughout Adams County at every stage of life, from childhood through adulthood. IDD covers a wide range of conditions, including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and others. Not sure if you qualify? Reach out. We’ll figure it out together.
What does individual advocacy look like?
It looks different for every person. We work one-on-one with individuals with IDD and their families to help them understand their rights, navigate complex systems, and access the support they need. That might mean helping a family understand the IEP process, supporting someone in appealing a benefits decision, or coaching a self-advocate to speak up in a system that hasn’t always made room for them. We provide information, consultation, technical assistance, and direct advocacy support across disability services, education, housing, benefits, and more.
How do I request services?
Visit our How We Help page and fill out a request form. There is one for children and families, and a separate one for adults. Our intake specialist will reach out to schedule a time to talk through your questions and concerns. A few things to know: individual support is time-limited due to the volume of requests we receive, participation is voluntary, and if you have worked with us before, you will need to submit a new request each year.
Do you provide legal advice?
No. Our advocates are trained and experienced, but they are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. What we can do is walk alongside you through complex processes, help you understand your options, and connect you with legal resources when that is what you need.
What is the difference between individual advocacy and systemic advocacy?
Individual advocacy is direct, one-on-one support. We work with a specific person or family to navigate a situation, a system, or a challenge. Systemic advocacy is the bigger picture. It is the work we do at the local, state, and federal level to change the laws, policies, and systems that affect everyone with IDD. Both matter. Both are part of who we are.
Getting Involved
How can I volunteer?
We would love to have you. Volunteers support our events, help with administrative tasks, and bring a range of professional skills to our team. To get started, fill out a volunteer interest form on our Volunteer page. A staff member will follow up with an application and next steps. Volunteers must be 18 or older, and background checks are required for some roles.
How can I donate?
You can give online through our Donate page. One-time gifts, monthly giving, stock donations, employer matching, and planned giving are all options. Every gift goes directly to supporting people with IDD and their families in Adams County.
Can my organization partner with The Arc of Adams County?
Yes, and we would love to connect. We work with service providers, educators, businesses, and community organizations as Community Partners, and we offer event sponsorship opportunities throughout the year. Visit our Partner With Us page or reach out directly to start the conversation.
Events And Community
What events does The Arc of Adams County host?
We host several events throughout the year. Our two major annual events are the Summer Celebration, a free outdoor gathering for individuals, families, and supporters, and Community Honors, our annual recognition event celebrating the people, businesses, and programs making Adams County more inclusive. We also host the Disability Resource Fair, which connects the community with services and supports, and support group meetings throughout the year.
How do I stay informed about upcoming events and news?
Sign up for our email newsletter, Advocacy in Action, on our website. You can also follow us on social media and check our events calendar for the latest updates.