Our History

The Arc of Oakland County is a non-profit membership organization that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. We are a local chapter of The Arc Michigan and The Arc US that serves residents of Oakland County. At the Arc we strive to improve systems of supports and services; connect families; inspire our community and influence public policy.

At The Arc we provide the following services:

  • Community and Information Referrals
  • Legal Advocacy
  • Education Advocacy
  • Government and Financial Benefits Information
  • The Forever Plan
  • Financial Management Services (FMS)

The Arc of Oakland County formally began in 1967 and has since became one of the largest chapters of The Arc with over 1,100 members. Our chapter originally started as a group of parents of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Over the decades, we advocated for policy change while also assisting individuals and families. In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s we advocated for mandatory special education legislation. The Arc of Oakland County was also an active member in advocating for the closure of all public institutions for persons with developmental disabilities, and the creation in the community of all the necessary residential and mental health support services. To this day, The Arc of Oakland County continues to be an active participant in change within our community.

The Arc serves a wide and diverse group of persons, and all consumers have a developmental disability.

Other Achievements in Our History

  • Advocated for reform in SSI and SSDI eligibility standards.
  • Advocated for the implementation of the “Family Support Subsidy Act”
  • Advocated for Medicaid reform.
  • Pushed for inclusive education as an option for all students with special needs; and supported employment instead of segregated vocational programs.
  • The Arc of Oakland County authors annually a tax guide (now FREE and located under “Resources” on this website) for persons who support children and /or adults experiencing an intellectual and developmental disability.
  • Since the summer of 2001, The Arc of Oakland County has served as Financial Management Services (formally Fiscal Intermediary) for individuals/families enrolled in Self-Determination.