Ask An Advocate

Advocates at The Arc Minnesota provide information and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family members, and trusted supporters by phone, email, and video chat.

To get started, send us your question by submitting the form below. An Advocate will contact you within 3 business days. Please see our Privacy Policy.

Our advocates can:

• Have meaningful conversations over the phone, email, or virtually
• Discuss options and help people make informed decisions.
• Coach through situations, prepare for meetings, and debrief afterwards.
• Understand individual needs and help find relevant resources.
• Use person-centered thinking tools to guide discussions.
• Listen, ask questions, and provide encouragement.
• Share ideas, resources, and creative solutions.
• Provide people with information about systems and refer them to appropriate agencies and programs.
• Lead workshops, presentations, and trainings tailored for self-advocates, families, and professionals.

Our advocates cannot: 

• Act outside of The Arc’s values and positions
• Give Legal or financial advice
• “Represent people”
• Attend appointments and meetings
• Transcribe documents
• Make someone (person, provider, staff, etc.) do something or make choices for them
• Fill out service documents, applications, legal documents, etc.
• Provide Crisis services
• File an appeal