Welcome to the
Association For Retarded Citizens - South Florida

While most of us don't need much of an excuse to throw a party, it's always nice to know that in this case, the festivities serve an important purpose. All proceeds from the Eleventh Annual Summer Spree Auction benefit the Association for Retarded Citizens, otherwise known as Arc, South Florida. A United Way supported agency of Dade County, this non-profit organization offers advocacy and a wide variety of programs and services for individuals of all ages, from children to senior citizens, who have developmental and other disabilities. 

Arc, South Florida is a local chapter of The Arc, one of the largest volunteer organizations in the U.S. Founded in 1953, Arc, South Florida serves 60,000 Dade County citizens with developmental and other disabilities, and directs a variety of programs and services that affect 450 participants each and every day. Arc has a two-fold purpose: to ensure the rights of all persons with developmental disabilities through ongoing advocacy, and to provide specialized programs and services to help individuals lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. Its ultimate goal is to help these individuals attain an improved quality of life by providing opportunities that will allow them to not only live and work independently, but ultimately to make a real contribution to their communities. At the same time, Arc works to reduce the incidence of mental retardation and to limit its consequences by creating programs that promote advocacy, education, research and community support. 

There are more than a dozen programs and services provided by Arc, South Florida, each structured to meet the specific needs of its individual clients.

To begin with, Arc focuses on Advocacy by actively working at both the local and state levels on behalf of people with developmental disabilities and against any kind of discrimination or violation of civil rights. These activities begin at the grassroots level with those who are most affected by these laws, and extend to members of the state legislature who are encouraged to pass legislation that advances equal rights and equal opportunities.

In addition, the organization also promotes a Citizen Advocacy program, which sponsors friendships and companionship between people with mental retardation and caring volunteers from the community. Participants in the program spend quality time together in a variety of activities, including shopping, going to the movies, dining out, or simply enjoying each other's company.

Then there are specific programs designed for individual needs.

Project Thrive is an early intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities. Children in this program range in age from six weeks to three years. Nurtured in a warm, loving atmosphere, these children are offered a combination of educational techniques and specialized therapies that enable them to acquire skills that they would not necessarily develop on their own. Most Project Thrive students enter the Dade County Public Schools upon graduation from the program but continue to rely on Arc, South Florida for access to other support services. Project Thrive provides services free of charge to the families at centers located in Kendall, Goulds and Florida City. The same program (Project Thrive-Homebound) is provided in the homes of those children who are either too young or too fragile for mobility. Transportation is provided when necessary.

The Robert T. Knight Centers is to provide bilingual training programs and workshops for adults with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. Miami-Dade County Public School teachers and other trained professionals conduct a variety of classes, including courses on nutrition, community living, safety, exercise and other programs geared towards self-sufficiency. Located in Homestead, Hialeah and North Dade, these centers offer job training and other skills that can be helpful in obtaining future employment. Adults also learn important daily skills through exercise, nutrition, leisure and recreational activities. Transportation is provided for those in need of the service in Homestead and Hialeah.


The L.E.A.P. Program (Learning Enhancement Acquisition Program) is a day training program designed for low income functioning consumers who are incontinent, and in need of specialized services to address their unmet needs. Each consumer is assessed through a formal process using approved assessment tools including observation. 
A supported Coordinator develops a support plan. Specific skill areas are addressed, such as toilet training, communication, social behavior, feeding, and on task behavior. Consumers will have an individual program plan (IPP) designed especially for him or her to maximize their independence level. 

In the three Arc Group Homes, residents are provided with an alternative to institutional living and an opportunity to integrate and interact with the community. The cheery, supportive atmosphere contributes to a secure, supervised, family-like setting that accommodates six residents per home. That spirit of independence and self-reliance is further nurtured by the Supported Living Program, which allows participants to live and work on their own out in the community. Providing guidance and friendship, a Supported Living Coach assists these individuals in developing a variety of independent living skills, such as household cleaning, money management, safety, shopping, cooking and other activities necessary for self-sufficiency.

In case of individuals who are unable to make informed decisions due to an impairing condition, Arc offers Guardianship Services, which helps families select a suitable guardian for a loved one with disabilities. In some cases, Arc will serve in the role of guardian if it's necessary. Arc also provides Clinical Services in the form of community based mental health support to the developmentally disabled and their families. Psychology, psychiatry, behavioral intervention, social worker, and other types of counseling services are provides through this program.

The organization also offers an Information and Referral Service that responds to requests for assistance in locating social services in the community. In some cases, Arc will act as a network link to connect a family or individual to appropriate resources.

Arc, South Florida always welcomes volunteers to assist in its programs. Opportunities are available for work with children or adults, to provide office assistance, help in fundraising and special events, and for other means of involvement. For further information, call (305) 759-8500.