About Washtenaw ACA
Since 1949
The Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy (ACA) was one of the first organizations in Michigan to advocate for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
In 1949, a group of parents organized to seek equal education rights for their children with disabilities. They believed, as we do today, that each person, regardless of their disability, deserves access to authentic power and control over their life. Their dynamic contributions to the field of disability rights advocacy built the strong foundation for the work ACA has done so for over 67 years.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate fully in community life.
This means we work to ensure that people with disabilities and their families have choices, opportunities, and the supports they need to be fully included in community life through advocacy and education.
Our Vision
We envision a community that fully supports equality, dignity, respect and inclusion for all people.
Our Values
These core values, adopted from The Arc’s national organization, guide our work and reflect what we believe. They affirm the dignity and rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and remind us that true community means inclusion for all.
Human Dignity
People with IDD have human dignity. The lives of people with IDD have value.
Personhood
People with IDD have varying strengths, abilities, and interests. Each person is unique.
Choice
People with IDD can make decisions about their lives. People with IDD should be supported to do so as requested or needed.
Rights
People with IDD have human and civil rights, which must be protected.
Community
People with IDD are part of and contribute to the fabric of society. Everyone benefits when people with IDD are present and participate.
Support
People with IDD have differing support needs. Society must support people with IDD to achieve their full potential. Society should also help families who provide support for loved ones with IDD.
Equity
Society must remove barriers and correct injustices that limit opportunities for people with IDD. Extra action is needed to help people with IDD and their families, who face other forms of bias or discrimination.
Diversity
Human diversity is beautiful and powerful. We celebrate, honor, and seek to understand the differences in our identities and life experiences.
Our Services
General Advocacy
Assisting individuals with disabilities to obtain supports and accommodations they need to live and to participate in their communities.
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Education Advocacy
Advocates for students with disabilities to get the special education services they need to succeed in school.
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Youth in Transition
Assisting youth to transition from school and foster care into community life.
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Benefits Advocacy
- Social Security Disability
- Supplemental Security Income
- Medicaid
- Planning for Return to Work
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Equal Justice in the Courts
Assisting individuals to get support to obtain equal justice in the civil and criminal court systems.
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Trusts Management
Managing special needs trusts for individuals with developmental disabilities.
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Our People
It takes dedication and generosity to maintain the ACA’s mission in Washtenaw County. These are the people that make that possible.
Self-Advocates
I/DD-identifying individuals working for full inclusion
Staff & Leadership
Daily employees managing services and administrative tasks
Board of Directors
Guiding long term strategy, growth, and decisions
Supporting Entities
External partners who provide valuable support to ACA
Contact Washtenaw ACA
Washtenaw ACA is located in the NEW Center, on North Main St. in Ann Arbor, MI.
We are best reached by phone, email, or via the form below.
Our hours are 9am-4pm Monday-Thursday, with Friday hours by appointment.
WASHTENAW ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY ADVOCACY
NEW Center
1100 North Main Street
Suite 205
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
p: (734)662-1256
f: (734)662-2699
e: info@washtenawaca.org