About the Arc Downriver
We work with children and adults within all levels of intellectual and other related developmental disabilities, and their families.

The Arc Downriver is a membership organization that works directly with children and adults within all levels of intellectual and other related developmental disabilities, and their families. The Arc’s organizational purposes broadly relates to the advocacy themes of: education, awareness, research and prevention. Each of these make up the elements underlying the agency’s current emphasis on the provision of direct advocacy toward securing the proper services, programs and entitlements for the family.
We have a full history of the Arc Downriver available in PDF format here.
Our local chapter in Michigan has approximately 300 members. The overall philosophy of The Arc Downriver is person-centered and family-centered in its approach to all programs and services. The Arc Downriver provides the following services:
- Advocacy
- Training programs about developmental and related disabilities
- Information and Assistance
- Consultation and assistance to provider agencies
- Alternatives to Guardianship (i.e. Power of Attorney)
- Year-Round Special Sports Programs
- Recreational Activities
- Monthly Dances
- Monthly Craft Class
- Therapeutic Acrylic Painting Class
- Referral Services
- As well as legislative information and advocacy for both children and adults with developmental disabilities and other cognitive impairments.
The Arc Downriver serves the following eighteen Downriver communities: Allen Park, Brownstown, Ecorse, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Huron Township, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, River Rouge, Riverview, Rockwood, Romulus, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton, Woodhaven, and Wyandotte