Click here to see more!Welcome to The Arc of Laramie County
The Arc of Laramie County is committed to carrying out the mission of protecting and promoting the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families through innovative programs. Our initiatives touch almost every aspect of life in the community. By sharing knowledge and conducting training’s and events, our programs help connect communities and inform efforts to broaden inclusion in Laramie County and across the country.
Capitol Tree Lighting
The Annual Capitol Tree Lighting will return on December 3rd, 2024, at 1 pm. The ceremony will last approximately 30- 40 minutes. We are currently accepting ornaments for Tree Lighting. The Arc of Laramie County is proud to have hosted this event for over 32 years. As leaders in advocating for disability rights for those with intellectual disabilities, we are honored to be able to showcase the work of peers with and without intellectual disabilities, encouraging inclusion and acceptance. This year, our theme is Free Spirit of the West, a whimsical and colorful theme that will bring joy to all who see it.
We invite you to be an integral part of our event by helping us decorate the Christmas tree with hundreds of ornaments from children and adults with intellectual, developmental, and related disabilities across Wyoming. Your participation is a testament to our community’s spirit of inclusion and creativity. We encourage you to have kids and adults with or without disabilities work together to make the tree decorations, promoting friendship and inclusion. Your ornament will once again ensure that Wyoming will have a beautiful Christmas tree in the Capitol Rotunda.
All ornaments must be received in our office by Friday, November 15th, 2024. Ornaments arriving after the deadline will not make the tree, so please ensure they are sent on time. If mailing, please ensure you give them enough time to arrive. Ornaments may be mailed, or you can contact us at 307-632-1209 to arrange to drop them off. Due to The Arc only having one staff, we cannot pick up any ornaments. If dropping off, please pack ornaments in boxes or containers that you will not need to be returned. Ornaments can be mailed to the following address: The Arc of Laramie County- P.O. Box 1812, Cheyenne, WY. 82003
Building Community for All
For over 70 years, The Arc has been fighting for people with disabilities to live independently with the proper support and lead the same life as everyone else. People with disabilities and their families want access to a life in the community, no matter the level of support necessary to make that happen. However, the system often fails when they try to find what they need. Everyone benefits when people with disabilities are a part of the fabric of our communities, not locked away in the archaic institutions that still exist in 36 states. Institutions are large, often crowded places that limit people and their choices and force them to live segregated lives away from their family and friends without access to the support needed to live in their own homes and communities. Yet this country has treated access to the services that help people with disabilities gain independence as an option, not a right.
With the invaluable support of our members, caretakers, and the community, The Arc has been a beacon of hope for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring their right to live independently and be included. Your role in this mission is not just significant; it’s indispensable. We can’t thank you enough for your unwavering support over the years. However, there is more to achieve, and we need your continued support to make it happen.
For individuals living with disabilities, social interaction is not just a social nicety — it’s a lifeline. Social activities are not just activities; they are transformative tools that open the door to benefits, including improved mental health, enhanced learning opportunities, and increased physical well-being. They are the key to a better quality of life, inspiring us all to do more. Your support in providing these transformative tools can inspire hope and change in the lives of these individuals.
Community integration is not just beneficial—it’s a necessity for individuals with disabilities. It’s the key to fostering a sense of belonging and contributing to a more inclusive society. The social challenges people with disabilities face can often lead to social isolation, which can lead to adverse outcomes. This urgency makes community integration a critical issue and a responsibility for all of us to address. Your support in this mission is crucial and can make a significant difference in the lives of these individuals.
In 2025, our team is planning various events, allowing us to continue fulfilling our mission for the individuals we serve. These events promote social interaction and community integration, including movie nights, educational seminars, and community gatherings. Community support is a central part of our events. Support helps us in providing entertainment, advocacy, and educational content. With everyone’s help, we can make a huge difference together.