Information and Referral - Individuals and families may not be aware of community supports and services available for them. Therefore, The Arc will provide information about available community resources and make referrals as needed.
Individual Advocacy - In most cases this is a short term association between the advocate and the client. Issues are diverse and include accessing services, employment, benefits, exploitation, education, housing, abuse, neglect, legal matters and more.
Systems Advocacy and Governmental Affairs - In line with our on-going effort to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, The Arc actively communicates with legislators regarding pending and/or necessary legislation.
Public Awareness and Community Education - The Arc speaks to individuals and groups on various issues related to prevention and reducing the consequence of intellectual and developmental disabilities through education, research, advocacy, and the support of families, friends and community.
Mandy Colville
I’m Mandy Colville and I have been an advocate at The Arc of NEPA since 2018. My background as an Elementary and Special Education teacher has given me a strong understanding of every student’s right to an appropriate education. My commitment to the disabilities community grew once I became a mother to children with disabilities myself and saw the challenges we faced. My children have inspired me to work on making changes for the better in schools and communities for all individuals with disabilities. I began providing support, outreach and resources in Pike County in 2012 by forming the North PPODS and Friends group. I also remain very involved in the Delaware Valley School System, as well as served on the Center for Developmental Disabilities Board of Directors and coached the Special Olympics Young Athlete Program over the years. Currently, I am a member of the System of Care Leadership Team and a consumer representative for the IU20 Local Task Force. My experiences lead me to helping individuals advocate for their rights and expanding resources in our rural area. As an advocate for The Arc of NEPA, I continue my training in educational advocacy and disabilities rights to best be able to assist the individuals we serve. Overall my mission as an advocate is to give parents the tools and resources they need to become better advocates for their own children, further the inclusion movement and help make positive changes in communities for all individuals with disabilities.
Roseann Polishan
My name is Roseann Polishan, I have been an advocate at The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania since 2017. Advocacy for those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities has been my passion for many years. It all began with my own son Hunter Polishan when he was diagnosed with autism at 2 years old and later with intellectual disability. I realized quickly that I needed to be patient and positive, yet proactive and persistent to help him navigate through the world and reach his potential. Through the years I have increased my knowledge in the field of advocacy in particular with education and legislative matters. I have taken a number of trainings, classes and workshops through COPAA, Wrights Law, Peal Center, Pattan and the Arc US in all areas of the IEP process, including transition planning, IDEA and Chapter 14 regulations, as well as assistive technology, future planning and inclusive practices. I started a special education parent group in the Scranton School District and lead the Right to Education Task Force IU19 as the parent chairperson. My goal is to promote the mission of the Arc for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lives.
" I Can" Project - Celebrating Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day and we are proud to present the "I Can" project!!!! The "I Can" project is a celebration of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities focusing on their accomplishments, talents, skills and all the qualities that lead to a happy life. A HUGE thank you goes out to Roseann Polishan, Mandy Colville and all the folks who participated in this awesome video - Please enjoy and feel free to share.
