What Does the Arc Stand For?

What Does the Arc Stand For

As a parent of a child with an intellectual disability, you have probably wondered what The Arc stands for. It is the national organization that represents parents, family members and friends of people with developmental disabilities.

Since 1952, The Arc has been dedicated to helping children and adults with intellectual disabilities lead fulfilling lives with the support they need in the community. Today, The Arc has state chapters in 39 states and 730 local chapters across the country.

The Arc is a leader in the advocacy for the Americans with Disabilities Act and works to pass legislation that expands education services for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and children with intellectual disabilities. The organization has also been an important force in expanding the availability of employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What Does the Arc Stand for

When The Arc was founded, there was very little knowledge about intellectual disabilities or how to support people with these conditions. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, The Arc worked hard to change public perceptions of children with intellectual disabilities and to educate parents about their potential and how to care for them. The agency also procured services for those who were denied the right to day care, preschool, education and employment programs.

During this time, The Arc also launched a number of pioneering residential programs that helped to break down barriers and build inclusion. The first community residence in Rochester, dubbed “Green Door,” opened on East Henrietta Road and others were soon added to the network.

There was also a growing need for respite care, so the agency began to offer this service as well. This helped many families of developmentally disabled family members get a much-needed break while knowing their loved one was safe and well looked after.

With the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Arc was able to further embrace inclusion on the residential front by opening more homes and establishing supported living arrangements for people who could live alone with some assistance. In addition, the agency grew its community-based and camp programs, offering participants the opportunity to make lasting friendships with people from other backgrounds who share their life experiences.

What Does the Arc Stand For

The Arc has been a strong voice for self-advocacy and empowerment. Taking part in self-advocacy trainings, Get Out the Vote campaigns and candidates forums, the Arc empowers its members to speak out and make their voices heard on issues that affect them.

In the 2000s, The Arc expanded its emphasis on prevention to include the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) prevention project and educating the public about FAS. Using presentations to schools and media attention, The Arc became a national leader in the fight against FAS.

What Does the Arc Stands for

The Arc continues to champion the rights of people with disabilities and is proud of the accomplishments it has made over the years. As an organization, The Arc has grown from a small local organization to one of the largest and most successful advocacy organizations in the United States.