About
The Arc of the United States is the largest community-based disability organization in the country, advocating for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Washington, DC, The Arc combines national disability policy and legal advocacy with a nationwide network of 549 affiliated state and local chapters that provide services, supports, and advocacy in their communities.
Mission
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. The organization is nonpartisan and works with leaders across the political spectrum.
What they do
- Federal policy advocacy: engaging with Congress and federal agencies on Medicaid and long-term services and supports, special education and IDEA, civil rights and voting access, employment, Social Security, housing, and healthcare.
- Legal advocacy: participating in disability rights litigation and supporting fair treatment of people with IDD in the justice system, including its Pathways to Justice criminal justice initiative.
- National programs and resources: initiatives on future planning, health (including Mental Health First Aid training), technology and digital literacy (including the Tech Toolbox), travel, education, and volunteering.
- Chapter network: local chapters offer services that vary by community, such as individual and systems advocacy, special education advocacy, employment and transition supports, housing and community living supports, person-centered and future planning, family and caregiver support, and recreation.
History
Founded in 1950, The Arc has helped advance major disability rights and services milestones, including laws and protections connected to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Medicaid, and community living. The Arc is not an acronym; the organization asks to be referred to as The Arc.
Scale and impact
The Arc's network includes 549 state and local chapters across the United States. The national office, state chapters, and local chapters are each separate 501(c)(3) organizations: the national office leads federal advocacy and national initiatives, state chapters lead state-level advocacy and support local chapters, and local chapters deliver services based on community needs.
Financials
Per its IRS Form 990 as compiled by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, The Arc of the United States (EIN 13-5642032) reported total revenue of about $13.5 million, total expenses of about $12.4 million, and total assets of about $20.8 million for the fiscal year ending December 2023.
Governance
The Arc is governed by a board of directors and publishes information about its board, staff, financials, and reporting on its website. Its national office is located at 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC.