Part of the mission of The Arc Mercer is to advocate for individuals with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities. By advocacy, we mean working for an individual to help enhance his or her quality of life, whether that means providing services and programs, training for employment within the community or helping to secure specific policies and programs that benefit them and their families. Through our advocacy efforts, we reach and educate policymakers, self-advocates, managers, families and others about practices and issues that impact people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.

Nationally, The Arc is recognized as the foremost partner with families and people with mental retardation to support and enhance the quality of their lives. At the state level, The Arc of New Jersey advocates for people with mental retardation within the executive branch of government, the N.J. State Legislature, administrative agencies, school districts and other providers and organizations. At the local level, The Arc Mercer has worked extensively with municipal politicians and state representatives to impact their policies and legislation as they relate to mental retardation and developmental disability.

Add info on collaborations with other organizations for people with disabilities, such as Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered, American Assoc. on Mental Retardation, Council for Exceptional Children, etc.?