Support for the whole family
At The Arc of the Lakeshore, we understand caregiving requires emotional, physical, and financial resources. We are committed to providing support and opportunities to help individuals with IDD and their loved ones get personalized guidance and assistance to help navigate the complexities of care and enhance everyone’s quality of life.
We offer support to help families:
- Navigate care systems (education, health, etc.).
- Assist individuals transitioning from institutional settings to community living.
- Access information and resources for aging caregivers.
- Prepare siblings to advocate and care for their family members.
Our Family Support Services
Special education support
The special education system can be confusing, from understanding education laws and student rights to ensuring access to a free, appropriate education where students can reach their full potential. The Arc of the Lakeshore is here to help parents and students understand their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
What you need to know about Individual Education Plan (IEP) :
- Students eligible for special education services will complete an IEP of service annually.
- This plan consists of educational goals for the school year, services needed to support the student, and any other accommodations needed.
- It is a team approach. The IEP team consists of the parents/guardian, student, teachers, therapists, school administrator, and whoever plays a role in the student's educational journey.
- A student who requires accommodations but doesn’t qualify for an IEP can receive an annually updated 504 Plan to support their educational success.
In 1995, the Michigan Mental Health Code established the right for individuals receiving services to have their Individual Plan of Service (IPOS) developed through a Person-Centered Planning (PCP) process. While the IPOS is written by a CMH/HealthWest Supports Coordinator, the Arc of the Lakeshore provides independent facilitation to help individuals understand their rights and actively participate in shaping their plan.
Our Person-Centered Education program empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing guidance on the planning process, available services, and the support systems that can help them achieve their goals. This process involves collaboration with family, friends, medical professionals, and other advocates to ensure that every voice is heard and valued.
Through our Independent Facilitation service , a dedicated team of experienced facilitators helps you navigate the process, ensuring that you understand your options and have a say in the decisions that impact your future.
Helpful Tips:
- Health West (or any mental health facility) has 14 days to provide a copy of your IPOS.
- The individual or guardian can sign the Individual Plan of Service (IPOS).
- Make sure your staff/provider of services ALSO has a copy.
- If and when services change, an addendum or new PCP is needed. This is not just a once-a-year meeting.
- You can ask for an Independent Facilitator.
- If you have a dispute with the PCP process or IPOS, you can file a grievance, an appeal, or a recipient rights complaint. Start a conversation with your Support Coordinator to begin this process.
First Steps:
- Do a pre-planning session: Click here for a list of pre-planning FAQs.
- Invite important and trusted people in your life (current staff, too) to participate.
- Schedule a time and location for your PCP that works for you.
- Review your current plan.
- Remember to weave goals into billable services.
- Know what services are currently being delivered/what does a person’s day look like now?
Learn more about how Person-Centered Planning can help you and your loved ones regain control of your future.
Independent facilitation
Independent facilitation is a key part of the person-centered planning process, ensuring you have a trusted ally to support and guide you in leading your planning meeting.
Independent Facilitation pairs you with a facilitator
to help create and execute a Person-Centered Plan:
- Personalized Plan: Our facilitators create meaningful connections with individuals to ensure tailored and intentional support by understanding their needs, preferences, and goals.
- Meeting Coordination: Facilitators help arrange meetings with key participants, ensuring everyone’s availability.
- Guiding the Process: During the Person-Centered Planning meeting, facilitators lead discussions and ensure the individual’s voice is heard.
- Follow-Up Support: After the meeting, facilitators follow up to make sure the plan is effective and make adjustments if necessary.
A Strong Facilitator:
- Listens attentively to the individual.
- Supports and encourages active participation from all parties.
- Is knowledgeable about the PCP process.
- Gathers ideas and options that help individuals and their families plan effectively.
