The Arc’s Community Life & Advocacy program facilitates social awareness and independence through fun, exciting activities. We participate in everything from the Special Olympics to Friday night dances. Members have also volunteered at the Fresh Garden where they weeded, raked, and cared for the animals. Our caring instructors are specially-trained to provide all the support and guidance your loved one needs to fully engage in the joy of life.

The Arc New London County chapter of Special Olympics currently participates in these events: swimming, race walking, long jump, shot put, softball, bocce ball, and bowling. Dedicated coaches help your loved one experience the thrill of competition and sport.

Community Life & Advocacy also aids the efforts of The Shooting Stars self-advocacy group by providing a meeting location and staff advisers who assist their board. Recently, The Shooting Stars focused on the lack of transportation for people with developmental disabilities by educating themselves on the issue, meeting with government officials, and learning how to register and vote.

Of our 135 enrolled participants in Community Life & Advocacy, 90 people attend at least one activity each month. We have members from Canterbury, Griswold, Groton, Jewett City, Mystic, New London, North Stonington, Norwich, Oakdale, Plainfield, Salem, Uncasville, Niantic, Colchester and Gales Ferry. 

Community Life & Advocacy is 100% funded by The Arc’s fundraisers – Strides Road Race, The Arc Film Festival –  The Arc’s Annual Appeal, and United Way. Some of our self-advocate fundraisers have included craft fairs, pie sales, and Christmas wreath sales.