Eligibility and Referral Process

The Arc serves people with developmental disabilities. These are individuals with a diagnosis of mental retardation, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, or other neurological handicaps. Our basic entrance criteria are that a person benefit from our services and not be a danger to themselves or others. Although our direct services are for adults, we do provide information and referral to families of children with disabilities.

Most everyone that is referred to The Arc comes to us from Valley Mountain Regional Center. VMRC is the nonprofit entity in California that determines who is eligible for developmental services. They also pay service providers like The Arc for services on the individual’s program plan.

Valley Mountain Regional can be reached at 209-754-1871 in San Andreas. Their address is PO Box 1420, San Andreas, CA 95249. VMRC will complete assessments to determine whether or not an individual is eligible for developmental services. They will also assist families new to the area in transferring a case from another Regional Center so that services can be continued.

The Arc also serves people with disabilities who want to work who are not eligible for Regional Center services through our Supported Employment service. To see if you might be eligible for Supported Employment services please contact the Department of Rehabilitation at 209-473-5900. Their address is 4555 Precissi, Stockton, CA 95207.

Questions about eligibility for Arc services can, of course, be directed to The Arc at thearc@volcano.net or by calling 209-267-5978 in Amador County or 209-754-4001 in Calaveras County.