Guardianship
Every person is considered legally competent at the age of 18, regardless of any limiting condition the person may have. For this reason, many families feel they must obtain guardianship to keep their loved one safe. In New York, families can apply for guardianship of their adult family member based on a qualifying diagnosis of an intellectual or other developmental disability.
A guardianship application to obtain guardianship can be made with or without the assistance of a lawyer, but the process can be complicated and most families seek counsel. Once the process is complete, the legal guardian ensures the person receives proper medical treatment, while also ensuring the emotional and social needs of the person are fulfilled. Guardianship is only one of several planning options for families who want to ensure their developmentally disabled loved one gets the help they need in the future. Although guardianship is helpful when a person has limited decision making capabilities, it removes the civil liberties of the person subjected to guardianship. Guardianship can be disadvantageous to a developmentally disabled person who can make some decisions and who wishes to progress and become as independent as possible. Most people receive assistance from family, friends and / or paid professionals when making major life decisions and people with intellectual disabilities can receive this type of needed support without the assistance of a guardian. There are many alternatives to guardianship, such as power of attorney , surrogate decision making, health care proxy, representative payee arrangements and special needs trusts. Like guardianship, these alternatives work best when they are put into place prior to the need for the support they provide.
Mission & Vision
Mission: The Arc New York’s Corporate Guardianship Program offers a continuum of services for individuals with I/DD and other disabilities who require various levels of advocacy and supports for decision-making. This is done in the least restrictive manner while promoting their individuality, autonomy, dignity, and self-worth. The Corporate Guardianship Program honors the personal wishes, preferences and beliefs that afford each person the independence and participation in all decisions affecting their lives.
Vision: An individual with developmental disabilities has their voice heard and respected in every life decision.
Opening Up the Online World to People with Disabilities
Digital technology is revolutionizing our day-to-day lives in new ways every day—but with rapid change comes barriers to understanding and access, including for people with I/DD. As part of The Arc’s partnership with Comcast NBCUniversal, select chapters of The Arc are hosting Tech Coaching Centers to expand technology access, understanding, and confidence.
Product Testing Service
The Arc provides user research and product testing services to technology companies that wish to make their products more accessible to and useable by people with I/DD. Interested in learning more?
Tech Coaching Centers
Staff at Tech Coaching Centers provide in-person consultations to people with I/DD to identify their needs and train them to use technology to meet those needs. The Centers are housed in chapters of The Arc around the country. Interested in bringing one to you?
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
