In collaboration with 4 local Kiwanis Clubs, The Arc leads 3 self-advocacy groups in Mecklenburg county. These Aktion Clubs are service organizations for adults with developmental disabilities. Members hold leadership positions within the clubs, make decisions about their own activities, and conduct 8-10 service projects per year in their community. Clubs meet monthly for business/planning meetings and then at various other times for additional service projects, fun outings, educational workshops, and regional conferences. The Arc handles meeting space arrangements, all back-end functions such as insurance, fund development, and partner collaborations, and provides a trained staff member who facilitates the Aktion Clubs, manages & supports volunteers, and ensures the Club members’ projects & ideas come to life.

The Lake Norman Aktion Club is supported by the Lake/Norman Kiwanis Club are usually meets the 4th Friday of the month @ 7:00pm at the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce. Contact Steve McIllwain at 704-261-1550 ext. 103 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information about Aktion Club activities.

The South Mecklenburg Aktion Club is supported by the Matthews & Mint Hill Kiwanis Clubs and usually meets the 2nd Friday of the month @ 6:30pm at Central United Methodist Church on Albemarle Rd. Contact Steve McIllwain at 704-261-1550 ext. 103 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information about Aktion Club activities.

The Char-Meck Aktion Club is supported by the Charlotte Kiwanis Club and meets at the Nevins Center on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays @ 9:00am. This club is comprised of adults who attend the Nevins Center’s Adult Day Program.

*Please note: All in-person meetings are temporarily halted due to COVID-19. For information and links to virtual Aktion Club meetings during this time, contact Steve McIllwain at 704-261-1550 ext. 103 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Many people with autism and other intellectual & developmental disabilities and their families have tried unsuccessfully or have not had the confidence to travel by air. The sights, sounds, and movement by thousands of people in a busy airport can be overwhelming. Wings for All™, a national initiative of The Arc, gives people with autism and other intellectual & developmental disabilities the opportunity to participate in an airport rehearsal program to help them feel more comfortable with air travel.

Co-hosted by The Arc of Union/Cabarrus, Delta Airlines, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and in partnership with the Transportation Safety Administration, Wings for All™ is held each April in honor of Autism Awareness Month.