Heritage Centers - Now known as The Arc Erie County

About

At The Arc Erie County New York, we support children and adults with disabilities and their families in achieving their desired quality of life by creating opportunities through comprehensive quality services.   As a leading agency in Western New York for over 65 years, we take pride in our mission and advocacy that builds and strengthens the entire community.   We are deeply dedicated to the people we support and their families who rely on our expertise to assist them in the discovery and delivery of life-long educational, employment, vocational, residential and support programs and resources. They turn to us to assist them in exploring all the available service options within our communities, so they can find meaningful opportunities, employment, a safe place to call home and the ability to achieve their greatest potential.   Our far-reaching knowledge and capabilities allow us to customize programs to individuals’ wants, needs and interests, thus encouraging independence and a desire to reach personal goals.   We understand you may be overwhelmed trying to get the information you need.  If you are seeking programs and supports or looking for opportunities for your loved one, please allow us to help you by contacting us at (716) 856-4201.

Services Provided

Employment

• Work experience (e.g., vocational training programs, employment training programs, internships, volunteer)
• Skill development (e.g., technology, employability skills, pre-employment transition services)
• Career development (e.g., career counseling, job club, mentor)
• On-the-job training and support (e.g., job coach, assistive technology, supported employment)
• Youth and adult employment programs

Independent/Community Living

• Housing/Residential services (e.g., apartment, low-income housing, supported apartments, groups homes, intermediate care facility, community residence, treatment facility)
• Supported living (e.g., in-home assistance, group living, family care, housing subsidy)
• Daily living skills (e.g., cooking, cleaning, budgeting, community habilitation)
• Recreation (e.g., parks, sports centers, arts programs, summer camps, social groups, day habilitation programs)

Healthcare

• Health specialists serving youth with disabilities (e.g., developmental pediatrician, occupational therapist, physical therapist, behavioral support, speech therapy, clinical evaluation, dentistry, music therapy, health insurance navigators)

Family Supports

• Evaluations (e.g., psychological, neurological, assistive technology, developmental)
• Respite services (e.g. temporary/relief care, emergency care)

Education/Training

• Preschool/early childhood programs
• Certificate programs (e.g., food handling, welding, first aid/CPR)
• Vocational training programs
• School-age programs (e.g., Career & Technical Education, Alternative Schools)

Other Services

• Advocacy (e.g., special education, supported decision-making, young adult self-advocacy)
• Assistive Technology

Supported Age Ranges

• Early childhood (0-5)
• School age (5-18)
• Young adult (18+)

Counties Served

• ERIE