The Arc Mesa County

The Arc Mesa County is a nonprofit in Grand Junction dedicated to protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community. As a local chapter of The Arc of the United States and Arc of Colorado, it is part of the nation's largest grassroots movement for people with IDD and their families. Its staff of advocates works with families throughout Mesa County.

Individual advocacy is one-on-one support focused on a person's own goals, needs and choices. Advocates help individuals and families understand rights, options and systems, navigate education, services and benefits, solve problems, connect to community and professional supports, and strengthen self-advocacy. Community advocacy promotes inclusive practices in schools, workplaces and public spaces, brings local organizations together to improve accessibility and hosts community conversations about barriers. The Arc also works with chapters across the state on legislative priorities. To begin, families complete the online Service Request form.

Sibshops are monthly, typically Saturday events for siblings ages 8 to 13 of kids with intellectual, developmental or other special developmental concerns, where brothers and sisters meet other "sibs," play games and talk about life with a sibling with special needs. Each year the Fashion Show celebrates people of every ability on the runway at the Asteria Theater on the CMU campus, with a silent auction. The Arc also supports The Sensory Store, a curated shop of sensory items for people with disabilities, and proceeds from arc Thrift stores flow to the chapter.

Reach the office at 845 Grand Avenue or call (970) 245-5775.