In the Danville-Pittsylvania County area, a powerful movement is changing lives through a simple yet profound belief: everyone deserves “A Life Like Yours.” The Arc of Southside, led by dedicated advocates, works tirelessly to transform this belief into reality for over 200 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) while representing thousands more throughout the region.
“Our mission is to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively support their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes,” explains Executive Director, Monica Karavanic, of The Arc of Southside, a local chapter of the nation’s largest community-based disability organization.
The organization’s approach is holistic, addressing everything from housing and employment to community engagement and financial management. But perhaps their most important work involves confronting an invisible barrier: unconscious bias.
“One of the most significant challenges facing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is the unconscious bias that still exists in many areas of society,” Karavanic says. “Often, people aren’t even aware of the preconceived notions they carry, which can lead to lower expectations, exclusion from opportunities, and even discrimination.”
Through education, advocacy, and direct services, The Arc works to break down these barriers. Their success stories illustrate the transformative power of their approach.
Consider the journey of one individual who progressed from a group home and sheltered workshop to competitive employment, independent living, and eventually fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a minister. Another person, initially placed in a job through Arc services, later obtained a driver’s license and purchased their first car with the organization’s guidance.
The impact extends beyond individual success stories. The Arc has helped over 200 people secure competitive-wage jobs and assisted countless others in transitioning to independent living situations. Their work is so well-regarded that they frequently consult with other providers, state agencies, and even the U.S. Department of Justice.
In 2018, their expertise in facilitating transitions to competitive integrated employment earned them an invitation to speak at a Congressional Briefing, highlighting their status as a model organization in the field.
The River District Artisans, a retail store and social enterprise in downtown Danville, exemplifies The Arc’s inclusive approach. The store sells handcrafted items from over 100 local artisans, including eight individuals supported by The Arc—creating a truly integrated community space where talent and creativity take center stage, not disability.
Community involvement is crucial to advancing The Arc’s mission. Membership not only provides financial support but also strengthens their advocacy voice with legislators. “Membership shows that we have strength in numbers, which is incredibly powerful when we meet with our legislators to advocate for legislative policy reform,” Karavanic emphasizes.
She invites community members to take a pledge toward intentional inclusivity—learning about unconscious biases, understanding challenges faced by people with disabilities, and actively supporting inclusion in all aspects of community life.
Social media engagement offers another way to amplify The Arc’s message and extend their reach. Each shared success story helps build awareness and community support for their work.
As The Arc of Southside continues their vital work, their message remains clear and compelling: “We firmly believe that everyone deserves to live a full, independent life with the same opportunities as anyone else. Inclusion, equity, and self-determination aren’t just nice ideas—they’re essential. When we support these values, we’re not just helping people; we’re enriching our whole community.”
Through their unwavering commitment, The Arc of Southside reminds us that true community strength comes from ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute their unique gifts and live their life as they define it.
March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month. For more info about The Arc’s role in our community visit www.thearcofsouthside.org.
