The Etheridge Plan

For family members and others interested in a comprehensive
Lifetime Advocacy Program.

Many parents ask:
"What will happen to my child when I’m gone?"

The Etheridge Plan offers a formal and comprehensive plan of lifetime advocacy that will provide consistent follow-up on the individual’s lifestyle while securing appropriate services for persons with mental retardation and/or other developmental disabilities. The Etheridge Plan is designed to meet the needs of the individual by utilizing all available community resources. A flexible Individual Plan of Service (IPS) will be developed based on the needs of the participant and his/her family.

The Etheridge Plan exists to offer and provide a sense of security to parents and families when they themselves become disabled or are unable to handle their own affairs. When a parent of a participant has passed away, the Etheridge Plan will cooperate with remaining family members and others in a consultative capacity. The pan will ensure consistent follow-up advocacy for the person with mental retardation and/or other developmental disabilities.

Oversight of the Etheridge Pan will be accomplished by a joint committee of the Board of Directors of The Arc of Oakland County, Inc. and Arc Services of Macomb County, Inc. The program is open to Oakland and Macomb residents only, with assistance available to others through each local chapter of The Arc.

Examples of Advocacy - Areas where the Etheridge Plan could provide assistance.

Serve as a Partial Guardian, or Standby Guardian, as is necessary.
Serve as Trustee for a family trust involving an individual with mental retardation and/or other related developmental disability.
Retain professional investment counsel to manage the trust funds.
Serve as a Representative Payee for governmental benefits.
Attend the school Individual Education Planning Team meetings.
Attend Person-Centered-Planning meetings.
Attend work-place status and evaluation meetings.
Visit group home or other community residential settings.
Monitor Social Security or Supplemental Security Income matters.
Monitor medical-dental concerns.
Provide outreach advocacy in areas such as: transportation, recreation, and human rights.
Monitor Michigan Department of Human services programs (e.g., Medicaid, Home Help Services).
Provide family estate planning.
Maintain extended family contact.
Document all activities; maintain up to date records and files.
Mediate issues with service providers.
Arrange for respite services.
Other appropriate services as needed for the individual.

A Family's Financial Responsibility

To enroll in the Etheridge Plan, the family of a participant must join and maintain a membership with The Arc of Oakland County or Arc Services of Macomb, Inc. depending on their county of residence. The ongoing work of these organizations is vital to the continued strength of the Etheridge Plan.

The costs for enrollment and continuing Etheridge Plan services will be agreed upon in the IPS. Families are encouraged to remember the Etheridge Plan in their estate planning. The staff of The Arc of Oakland County and Arc Services of Macomb, Inc. can offer suggestions as to how this can be done.

The Etheridge Plan offers a way to assist families or other interested persons in assuring the quality of life for those with mental retardation and/or other developmental disabilities-throughout their lifetime.

Programs & Services Continuum

Project Find/Early On
Special Education/Advocacy
Financial Benefits/Entitlements
Estate Plan & Counseling
Person-Centered-Planning Follow Through
Leisure-Recreational Programs

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