When was The Arc founded?

The Arc was founded in 1950 by a small group of parents and other concerned individuals. At that time, little was known about the condition of mental retardation or its causes, and there were virtually no programs and activities in communities to assist in the development and care of children and adults with mental retardation and to help support families.
In the early days the association worked to change the public's perception of children with mental retardation and to educate parents and others regarding the potential of people with mental retardation. The Arc also worked to procure services for children and adults who were denied day care, preschool, education and work programs.

Who is The Arc?

The Arc is people - people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities, parents and other family members, and friends of people with mental retardation and professionals who work with them. The Arc is a grassroots organization with 140,000 members who are affiliated through approximately 1,000 state and local chapters across the nation. At the national level, a 24-member national board of directors and a delegate body of representatives from each chapter guide The Arc's work. National headquarters staff located in Silver Spring, Maryland, Bedford, Texas and Washington, DC carry out their decisions and directives.

Why does The Arc exist?

The Arc works to ensure that the estimated 7.2 million Americans with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities have the services and supports they need to grow, develop and live in communities across the nation. These services include early intervention, health care, a free appropriate public education and supports for their families.
For adults, services and supports may include preparation for employment, help in finding a job, independent living skill training, leisure and recreation activities and any other supports they need.The Arc also exists because people with mental retardation need help to ensure that their rights as citizens of this country are protected, and they are supported to live as they choose. Finally, The Arc advocates for research and prevention of both the causes and the effects of mental retardation.

How does The Arc implement its mission?

The Arc is recognized as the foremost partner with families and people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities to support and enhance the quality of their lives. The Arc does this through advocacy on behalf of individuals and families at all levels of The Arc and at the legislative, system and individual levels.
Providing information and technical support to individuals, families and organizations assists them in fulfilling their dreams. At some point in his or her life each person with mental retardation may need an advocate. Advocacy takes place at the personal, local, state and national level. Individual advocacy should be available through every local chapter of The Arc.
At the state level, advocacy occurs with the executive and legislative branches of government, administrative agencies, school districts and other providers and provider organizations.
At the national level, advocacy opportunities exist with Congress, executive branch agencies, federal courts and organizations representing entities that interact daily with people with mental retardation, including teachers, and those in law enforcement, housing, transportation, recreation and health care.Local and state chapters of The Arc and its national office advocate for specific policies and programs that benefit people with mental retardation and their families. The Arc also educates policymakers, people with mental retardation, service providers, families and others on best practices and issues that impact people with mental retardation and their families. The Arc's goal is to be a national force that creates the environment and the opportunities for people with mental retardation and their families to have choices as they live their lives in the community.

How is The Arc supported?

The Arc is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation and derives its support from its membership and donations from corporations and individuals. Special projects may be supported by government or foundation grants. The Arc also participates in the Combined Federal Campaign Overseas in which federal employees and members of the armed services contribute to some 50 national voluntary health organizations.The Foundation of The Arc of the United States was established in 1988 to support future operations and special programs of The Arc.

How can I get more information about The Arc?

Current, up-to-date information about The Arc and its activities is available on this site and is updated frequently. You will find the weekly Capitol Insider and Monday Memo, the monthly Government Report and a wealth of information about an array of mental retardation issues. By becoming a member of The Arc, you will automatically receive The Arc InSight, the association's quarterly national newspaper. Additional information on specific topics may be available by contacting The Arc's national headquarters via email: info@thearc.org

How can I become involved in The Arc?

To find the chapter nearest you, click the appropriate "locations" button on the left-hand side of this page. In addition to chapter contact information, links to chapter websites are provided.
Chapters differ in their services and interests, offering a diverse array of activities and opportunities for becoming involved with the lives of children and adults with mental retardation and their families. There are many successful parent support groups. Local chapters may use your volunteer services in their citizen advocacy and self-advocacy programs, recreational activities and employment programs. Many chapters use volunteers to educate the public about mental retardation and prevention strategies.

Revised July, 2001