As summer fades and a new school year begins, The Arc of Chester County reflects on a year of advocacy that has been both urgent and impactful. Across federal, state, and local levels, our team has worked tirelessly to advocate for essential programs and push back against proposed budget cuts that would harm individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and Autism (ID/A) and children eligible for Early Intervention (EI) services.

One of our top priorities each year is ensuring that the Pennsylvania state budget includes necessary funding for individuals with ID/A, their families and the professionals who care for them. This year, we continue to strongly advocate for the preservation of $175 million for critical ID/A services and the protection of $10 million in funding for service rates for EI birth to age three included in the Governor’s proposed budget. These efforts have only intensified as the state approaches three months without a finalized budget, putting ID/A and EI services at risk. Please raise your voices and contact your local legislators or the Governor to tell them a state budget must be past immediately so no harm comes to families and individuals counting on ID/A and EI Services.

In addition to legislative advocacy, we’ve empowered families and self-advocates to continue to stay engaged. From hosting a legislative breakfast to participating in meetings with lawmakers and joining rallies in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C., our legacy of grass roots advocacy has been instrumental in providing multiple platforms for voicing needs and concerns while offering solutions.

We also deepened our local education advocacy, participating in the Chester County Local Task Force (LTF) Capacity Building Institute to help revitalize it and enhance participation. Working with our community partners and local education agencies, The Arc is committed to ensuring that parents and their students have a voice through this Local Task Force.

Our Advocacy Department continues to guide families through the special education process—helping them secure a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and ensuring students make meaningful progress toward their educational goals and their future success.

At The Arc of Chester County, advocacy is not just what we do, it’s who we are. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to advocate, educate and provide services to empower individuals with disabilities and their families to enhance the quality of their lives.

The Arc of Chester County Self-Determination Sub-Committee

The Arc of Chester County has a Self Determination Sub-Committee which operates in partnership with the Chester County MH/IDD Self-Determination Committee on critical changes in the understanding and delivery of intellectual disability services.

This active group of adults with disabilities advocates for equality and fairness for themselves and others. They speak up, address challenges within the system, meet with local, state and government officials, participate in trainings and rallies. They advocate and learn about topics that include individual rights, roles of providers, how funding works, understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), self-care, legislation, voting and more!  

Meet two of our dedicated Self-Determination Sub-Committee members who are helping to shape meaningful opportunities and advocate for choice and independence. Learn more about their stories and contributions below.

Meet Kelly and her dog Ollie! She lives independently in an apartment in Exton with Ollie by her side. With the support of her staff, she runs errands and goes food shopping twice a week. Kelly works part time at a big retail store. She takes Chesco-Connect and Uber to get back and forth from work.

Kelly loves dogs, the beach, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Super Bowl Champs, the Philadelphia Eagles!

She enjoys going out in the community to shop and eat out at restaurants. She will be volunteering in a preschool and finds joy in helping others.

Advocating for herself, she was able to get her apartment and Ollie, making independence and self-choice a priority. Kelly believes, "It's important that I make my own choices.” This year she joined the Sub Self Determination Committee, hoping to make a difference for people with disabilities. She believes everyone deserves a voice and the support they need to live life on their own terms.

If you are interested or know someone who is interested in joining the Self-Determination Sub-Committee, please reach out to Tanja van den Tol, Director of Advocacy, tvandentol@arcofchestercounty.org for more information.

Meet Michelle! She is the president of the Self-Determination Sub-Committee and is passionate about advocating for herself and others with disabilities. She works part-time in a retail clothing store and has a job coach that checks in periodically to see how she’s doing. She loves her job and feels lucky to have a place where everyone is supported and accepted.

She lives with her roommates in Downingtown and stays active by participating in basketball, football and bowling.

Growing up, Michelle was bullied for being different. “I don’t want anyone to go through what I did, it hurt”. This experience fuels her advocacy work. Along with others from the Self Determination Sub-Committee, she meets monthly to discuss issues like induvial rights, choices and empowerment. She has also traveled to the State Capital in Harrisburg to meet with lawmakers to advocate for fair and equal legislation

Michelle says, “It’s important to be heard and speak up for ourselves.”

If you or someone you know is interested in joining the Self-Determination Sub-Committee, please reach out to Tanja van den Tol, Director of Advocacy, tvandentol@arcofchestercounty.org for more information.

Spread The Word! Why it's important to STOP using the R-word:

It is dehumanizing: When used, the R-word communicates that having an intellectual disability is equivalent to being lesser than everyone else. That is why we don't use the R-word! 

It harms the disability community: The casual use of the slur, even if not directed at a person with a disability, perpetuates stereotypes and causes pain to the disability community and their loved ones. That is why we don't use the R-word!

Language influences attitude:  Choosing not to use offensive language is a powerful step toward creating a more inclusive and respectful society. That is why we don't use the R-word!

Let's recommit to not using this hurtful, harmful word. Spread the word to NOT USE the R-Word!

Erica joined The Arc of Chester County as the Director of Children’s Early Learning Services and Programs (CELSP) in August 2025. She holds graduate degrees in Reading, Writing & Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania and Special Education from Saint Joseph’s University, as well as a certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard. With nearly two decades of experience, Erica has devoted her career to creating inclusive, developmentally rich environments where children thrive and families feel supported.

She began her career as a classroom teacher before moving into roles as a reading specialist and literacy coordinator, and eventually into school leadership. Most recently, Erica served as Associate Head of School, where she supervised faculty, guided curriculum, and strengthened family partnerships. Her professional journey reflects a steady progression rooted in a lifelong commitment to children and education. 

A Delaware County native, Erica has spent most of her life in the Philadelphia area. Outside of work, she enjoys time with family and friends, traveling, and cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles. 

To read more about this amazing day, click HERE

October, November & December

September 7th - 13th - we celebrated DSP Week!

THANK YOU! Direct Support Professionals who selflessly and tirelessly work to provide for individuals with disabilities. We applaud YOU this week and every week!

The Arc of Chester County offers a FREE virtual Education & Systems Advocacy Speaker Series covering a variety of topics which empower people to learn about education and systems advocacy.

Click HERE for more information and to register.

Saturday, December 6, 2025

9:00 to 11:00 am at The Arc of Chester County

Click HERE for more information.

Donors have many options when it comes to making gifts. The method of giving depends on both your financial situation and your philanthropic goals. There are many ways to make a difference for the The Arc of Chester County. Click the button below to learn more about it.

The mission of The Arc of Chester County is to advocate, educate and provide services to empower individuals with disabilities and their families to enhance the quality of their lives. The official registration and financial information of The Arc of Chester County may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. The Arc of Chester County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization-contributions to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

The Arc of Chester County is affiliated with The Arc of Pennsylvania.

Phone: 610-696-8090 Fax: 610-696-8300

900 Lawrence Drive, West Chester, PA 19380

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm