The Arc of the Piedmont

Frequently asked questions


1. What is the age range of the people served at The Arc of the Piedmont?
	Our Infant Development Project serves children ages birth – three and our Adult Activities Center serves adults over the age of 18. The Arc of the Piedmont also works with children and offers Community Living Services that serve both children and adults.
2. How do I know if my infant / toddler is developing typically?
	The Infant Development Project (IDP) can do a developmental assessment, and help you determine your child’s strengths, weaknesses and what they should be learning next.
3. What is an IDP home visit like?
	Parents, children and home visitors play and learn together through developmentally appropriate activities for your child. Parents can also learn through videotaped parent-child interactions or activities and events recommended by the parent infant educator.
4. How is the IDP different from other early intervention programs?
	Our focus is primarily on helping your child learn, and helping parents and caregivers to be the best teachers of their children, wherever they are developmentally. If your child and/or family have other needs, we can connect you to other relevant services.
5. Is there a fee for IDP services?
	Most services are covered under community supported grant funds. There is a fee for speech therapy evaluations and therapy sessions, which can often be billed through your insurance.
6. How are the Adult Activities Centers funded?
	The Adult Activities Center is funded through Medicaid, scholarships, and private pay.
7. Am I eligible for The Arc of the Piedmont services?
	To find out if you are eligible for services, please contact John Clem at (434) 977-4002 ext. 30, or e-mail him at jclem@thearcofthepiedmont.org.
8. Can I get help at my home?
	Yes, you can. The Arc of the Piedmont offers consumer directed respite, consumer directed personal assistance and in-home residential care with consumer direction provided for children and adults. We also offer residential support services for adults in seven different homes in Charlottesville, Albemarle, Louisa and Nelson Counties.
9. Do I have to have an intellectual/developmental disability diagnosis to live in an Arc home?
	Yes – The Arc’s residential homes support only individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability. The Arc can also serve individuals in their own home as well.
10. Are there men and women living in the same group homes?
	Yes – all of our homes, with the exception of one, are homes for men and women.
11. What kinds of activities are offered in your residential programs?
	People we support are involved in many community activities that include church activities, Special Olympics, Park and Recreation classes, ball teams and a variety of others depending on your interests.
12. How much will rent be?
	In our waiver residences, individuals are responsible for paying rent (38% of SSI and SSDI) and a fee (47% of your SSI and SSDI) that includes basic supervision, meals, clothing, toiletries and social activities. If you don’t have Medicaid, private pay rent is $650 per month and fees are $400 per month.
13. Will The Arc provide transportation to medical appointments?
	Yes.
14. Are the people being supported able to see the doctor of their choice?
	Yes – In MR waiver residences, they can. They are also responsible for any of their own medical expenses not covered by Medicaid.
15. Does The Arc of the Piedmont have advocacy services?
	Yes, The Arc of the Piedmont strives to secure and sustain a full range of rights, opportunities and choices for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We engage in legislative, administrative and legal advocacy at the local, state and federal levels. Members receive additional services.
16. How do I contact individuals with certain specialty areas at The Arc of the Piedmont?
	For a list of contacts, click here.
17. How do I get more information on services available to individuals with developmental disabilities?
	Contact The Arc of the Piedmont at (434) 977-4002 or mail@thearcofthepiedmont.org and ask for a copy of The Commonwealth of Virginia’s Roadmap to Services.
18. Where can I find more information regarding the basics on Medicaid?
	Contact The Arc of the Piedmont at (434) 977-4002 or mail@thearcofthepiedmont.org and ask for a copy of the Medicaid Services Guide.
19. How do I apply to become a member of The Arc of the Piedmont family?
	To download an application, click here.
20. How can I volunteer my time to The Arc of the Piedmont?
	To volunteer for The Arc of the Piedmont activities, please contact Brian Veerhoff at (434) 977-4002 or e-mail him at bveerhoff@thearcofthepiedmont.org.
21. How do I become a dues paying member of The Arc of the Piedmont?
	To become a member of The Arc of the Piedmont, click here to download a membership application.
22. Why should I become a dues paying member of The Arc of the Piedmont?
	The Arc of the Piedmont offers many benefits to it’s members that include exclusive access to experts in the field, advocacy services, insurance benefits and a monthly newsletter from The Arc national office to name a few.
23. Can The Arc of the Piedmont use donations of clothing, furniture, etc. for their clients and are these donations tax deductible?
	Yes, people we support can make very good use of donated items for themselves, their rooms and their homes and these items are tax deductible. For more information please contact Becky Hitt at (434) 977-4002 or bhitt@thearcofthepiedmont.org.
24. How do I give to The Arc of the Piedmont?
	The easiest way to give is online through the Network for Good, simply click here and follow the easy instructions. You can also donate funds by mail to: The Arc of the Piedmont 509 Park Street Charlottesville, VA 22902 You can also designate your United Way Federal Campaign donation to #5505 or your Combined Virginia Campaign donation to #3915. You can also donate stock to The Arc of the Piedmont and be eligible to deduct the current market value of the stock from your income for tax purposes. The option to include The Arc of the Piedmont in your will is also available. With the proper planning this can make a difference for many years to come. For more information on this or any other ways to donate to The Arc of the Piedmont, please contact David Whitge, Director of Development and Community Relations at (434) 977-4002 ext or via e-mail at dwhite@thearcofthepiedmont.org.