A Leader in Disability Rights & Supports
The Arc is the largest community-based organization in the U.S. advocating for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. We believe every person and family living with disabilities should have access to the information, supports, and skills they need for inclusion and participation in the community. We stop at nothing to make that a reality.
We are a leader on Capitol Hill, meeting with elected officials daily on issues that matter to people with disabilities; we fight for rights in the courts and criminal justice systems; and we provide impactful programs and supports that reach communities small and large.
Want to see what that mission looks like in action? Watch ‘This Is The Arc’—a film that brings our work to life through the voices of people with disabilities and their families. From personal stories to powerful advocacy, this video reveals the community and shared purpose that drive everything we do.
Strong National Presence
Nearly 600
STATE AND LOCAL
CHAPTERS NATIONWIDE
CHAPTERS NATIONWIDE
With nearly 600 state and local chapters across the country, The Arc’s chapter network is on the frontlines from first breath to last to ensure that people with disabilities have the support and services they need to live good lives.
Our chapters provide a wide variety of services, supports, and advocacy for people with IDD and their families. This varies by chapter and includes but is not limited to: individual and public policy advocacy; residential, educational, and vocational services; person-centered and financial planning; recreational activities; and other supports that meet the unique needs of the community.
Deeply Rooted History
The Arc was founded in 1950 by parents who believed their children with IDD deserved more—to be included in their communities and to pursue fulfillment and happiness just like everyone else. Ever since then, we’ve been at the center of some of the biggest advances in disability rights, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and more. The Arc is one of the top disability advocacy organizations, fighting so millions of people with disabilities and their families have support, rights, and respect.
Discover More
Learn more about the values that guide our work.
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
