Life Changing
The Arc of LaGrange County Serves Those With Disabilities and Their Families
Writer / Matt Keating
Photography Provided
Debra Seman, chief executive officer of The Arc of LaGrange County, says the nonprofit organization has been working on behalf of individuals with disabilities in LaGrange County since 1966.
She says the the organization has grown in a positive direction through the years and has helped a large number of people in many ways.
We have a long and rich history of providing services that have evolved and grown throughout the years, Seman says. We provide advocacy services throughout the lifespan of an individual with disabilities.
It doesnt stop there, according to Seman. 
In addition, we offer an array of services for people with disabilities including pre-vocational services, supported employment, group and individual services, and respite and residential living options, Seman says.
The staff is committed to providing great services for years to come.
Quality services is of the upmost importance to us, Seman says. Currently, we are audited in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 standards. We strive for excellence in all we do.
ISO 9000 quality management systems are sets of standards to assist organizations in meeting client needs.
The Arc of LaGrange County team invites the entire community to play a role in preparing, empowering and supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This is not work we can do on our own, and it takes an entire community, Seman says. It takes all of us working together to enhance the lives of people we support with disabilities.
The Arc of LaGrange County staff is actively seeking more help. They are looking for the right people to further the great work being done every day.
We are hiring for several key positions to help us transform the way we support people with disabilities, Seman says. You can get started in a rewarding career today and be part of an exciting time of transformation.
There are also ways for other people to get actively involved.
We need community partners and businesses to employ people with disabilities, and companies willing to educate their workforces on true inclusion, Seman says. We need organizations willing to partner with us to offer training, education, and new skill-building opportunities to those with disabilities. Individuals can also get involved through employment with our organization, or by volunteering in a number of ways with The Arc of LaGrange County. Our board members, committee members and others are all volunteers giving of their unique time and talents.
Seman notes that The Arc of LaGrange County is grateful for the financial support it gets through grants.
We want to thank the AWS Foundation for this Vantage Grant, and for their significant commitment in our organization that will help transform our services for generations to come, Seman says. We will continue to evolve and build upon this foundation afforded to us. We are excited about our new initiative, Life by Design, which will begin to tailor our services to meet the desires of the individual with disabilities.
Seman adds that it doesnt end there.
We will use a person-centered approach to explore the individuals gifts and talents, and explore ways to utilize them to achieve their identified goals, Seman says. The Arc of LaGrange County will no longer be considered as a destination for people with disabilities, but rather an agency of resources and support that will work alongside an individual and their family to assist them in living the life they so desire.
The Arc of LaGrange County is located at 235 West 300 North in Howe. For more info, call 260-463-2653 or visit arcind.org.
