The Arc Big Bend

The Arc Big Bend, based in Madison, serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across nine counties in Florida's Big Bend: Madison, Jefferson, Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, Taylor, Suwannee, Hamilton and Lafayette. It serves people with any disability who are referred to it.

At the Life Skills Development Center, adults follow a personal curriculum built around six areas of growth (cognitive, emotional, physical, social, spiritual and vocational), with adult basic education, employment readiness, arts and crafts, exercise and gardening, basic technology and community outings. Services are funded through the Med Waiver and APD, with private pay available.

As a qualified provider for Florida Vocational Rehabilitation, The Arc Big Bend helps referred adults through Discovery, job development, placement and ongoing job coaching. Its School to Work program prepares students ages 14 to 21 with pre-employment and self-advocacy training, and Camp Achieve is a free 40-hour summer career camp for students in Madison, Taylor, Jefferson and Leon counties. Through contracts with RESPECT of Florida, The Arc Big Bend also employs more than 40 people to maintain the rest areas and weigh stations along I-10 and US 19/27 in Madison, Jefferson and Taylor counties, with preference for applicants with disabilities.

Families can call the main office to ask about services. Supporters can sponsor the organization at levels from Friends to Platinum or donate online.