Mission

We exist as an advocacy organization to make it possible for each person with a developmental disability to participate fully in all aspects of community and to support the effort of each individual to determine his/her own future.

814 S. Westnedge Kalamazoo, MI 49008 P 269.342.9801 F 269.342.4638 www.communityadvocates.org

For people with intellectual

Community Advocates makes me feel like I belong.

and developmental disabilites

Values
As an affiliate member of The Arc, Community Advocates believes: Everyone is a valued, contributing member of their community. The Arc helps self-advocates and their families by creating opportunities, so they can achieve their goals. The Arc fosters respect and protects the human rights of people with I/DD and their families. For over 60 years, The Arc has been a family-focused, grass roots organization. The Arc is the resource of first choice for people with I/DD and their families regardless of the diagnosis and at all stages of life.

A Greater Kalamazoo United Way Member Agency The Arc Michigan and The Arc

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Thanks Community Advocates; now I know there is a rainbow!

Greater Kalamazoo United Way

Achieve with us. us

How Can We Help?

There is no fee charged for services.

What is I/DD?
An intellectual/developmental disability, as defined by state and federal law, is a severe, chronic disability:

Individuals & Families:

Inform & connect to community resources Understand Special Education Protect your Stand up for your rights Find new friends Provide educational trainings Become a self advocate

Community Advocates helps to create an environment where all individuals with I/DD can thrive and become engaged members of community while living a self-directed life.

Community:

Attributable to a mental or physical impairment, or a combination of such impairments; Manifested before the person is age 22; Likely to continue indefinitely; and resulting in substantial functional limitations in three or more of these major life activities: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.

My son now receives respite services after being told about it by our advocate. We didnt know about the program until she told us about it and how to apply for it.

How Can You Help?

Community Advocates is a non-profit agency funded by The United Way, endowments held at Kalamazoo Community Foundation, grants, contributions, Community Advocates Ribfest, other fund raising events and membership. Community Advocates Ribfest is our major fund raiser and voted the #1 Festival in West Michigan. Please visit www.communityadvocates.org or call 269.342.9801 for specific information on supporting our mission.

Yall helped me with Power of Attorney and the IEP and gave us a voice so that the school would listen to us.

The Arc, Community Advocates serves people with a variety of I/DDs

Intellectual Disability Autism Down Syndrome Cerebral Palsy Aspergers Syndrome Other

35% 34% 20% 16% 8% 29%

*57% reported one diagnosis, 33% reported two and 10% reported three or more (Source: 2010 FINDS National Survey)