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What is The Arc? The Arc is the national organization of and for people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families. It is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for people with mental retardation and their families. The association also fosters research and education regarding the prevention of mental retardation in infants and young children.
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. In October 2000, The Arc completed a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary at its annual national convention. Convention delegates passed a new by-laws and agreed on core values to guide The Arc in the 21st Century. Who belongs to The Arc? 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. 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.
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.
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