Guardians visit their clients at home and at work and also attend many community activities. Guardians at The Arc have a working knowledge of all waiver services including residential, day habilitation, supported employment and therapy services. They work with hundreds of behavior, occupational, physical and speech therapists helping to develop individual programs and assuring clients needs are considered. Individuals served by The Arc reside in many different living environments, alone and with housemates in supported living and with families and friends in home-based services. Arc wards attend day habilitation programs at many centers across the state and participate in community-based activities outside of sheltered settings.
Several individuals work with support in restaurants, stores, casinos and in community-based jobs.
Because The Arc has always been the guardian of last resort for many who have no family, guardians have assisted the persons they serve through the death and dying process. Arc guardians try to make a person s death dignified and comfortable. Whenever possible, people have been allowed to die at home with friends and companions near them. The Arc provides guardianship to 150 persons with developmental disabilities in New Mexico. Eligibility is limited to persons with a primary and demonstrable diagnosis of developmental disability who live in New Mexico.