What is ARC?

Nation's Leading Advocate

For 60 years, The Arc has been on the front lines  in making change happen for people diagnosed with Autism, Down syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and a range of diagnoses across the spectrum of intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The Arc is the nation's leading advocate for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and the premier provider of the supports and services people want and need.

Public Policy

The Arc works to protect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families on the federal level through our public policy efforts.  We champions the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and has achieved legislative victories on behalf of our constituency.

Our more than 700 state and local chapters provide a voice at the local and state legislative levels for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.  Our chapters are vigilant in meeting the needs of our constituents.  No other organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities comes close to the depth of The Arc's reach into local communities.

Supports and Services

The Arc is the premier provider of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and has a demonstrable record of success in achieving the outcomes people want for their lives. 

We believe that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are entitled to the rights afforded every American and that they demand to be included and participate as full members of the community.  Our chapters are vital in providing the supports and services crucial to achieving these goals.

Supports and services offered by our chapters include:

• Information and referral services;
• Individual advocacy to address education, employment, health care and other concerns;
• Self-advocacy initiatives;
• Residential support;
• Family support;
• Employment programs; and
• Leisure and recreational programs

Our chapters offer supports and services that are personalized to meet the needs of the individual and encompass all stages of life.  To find a program near you, contact your local chapter.

Education & Activism

The Arc is a peerless advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, preserving and protecting their fundamental rights through advocacy and action in support of legislation for civil rights, education, employment, health care, housing, and more.

We rely on the grassroots foundation that was established by parents, siblings and other family members over 60 years ago.  Today, families, along with self-advocates (people with intellectual and developmental disabilities) are still leaders of The Arc movement. 

Be gentle.