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The Arc’s Disability Survey Focuses On Military Families

Washington, DC – The Arc, a national organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families is engaging military families connected to individuals with IDD to determine their disability needs through a national survey. The Arc is partnering with the National Military Family Association (NFMA) and other military channels to distribute a special version of The Arc FINDS (Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports) survey to military families who have a family member with a disability.

The Arc FINDS (Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports) is a free online survey designed to tap into the knowledge and perspectives of families and individuals with disabilities on issues which arise across an individual’s life span. FINDS has been in the field since late July and already has more than 4,500 respondents, which makes it one of the largest single collections of perspectives from individuals and families connected to intellectual and developmental disabilities in the history of the field. Results will provide greater understanding about what disability-related services and supports are being received currently, where gaps exist, and what new supports may be needed from the military family perspective.

“Reaching out to military families through The Arc FINDS survey increases the meaningful involvement of populations we serve in determining what services are provided and our success rate in delivering those services. We have much to gain from the perspective of military families when you consider the diversity of the force and the unique challenges these families face while serving our country,” said Peter V. Berns, CEO of The Arc.

Survey questions cover areas of advocacy, education, transition, employment, housing, community participation, civic engagement/voting, transportation, caregiving, and demographics. It is written to allow for both the perspective of individuals with IDD, as well as their parents/caregivers. It also allows for the differences in service and supports required at different stages of life.

To access the online survey, go to: www.thearc.org and link to the survey “Military Families: Click Here.” Please direct questions to Ann Cameron Caldwell, Chief Research and Innovations Officer at Caldwell@thearc.org.