The Arc of the United States 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.
The Arc of Colorado was founded in 1954 as the Colorado Association for Retarded Children, Inc. Subsequently it was known as the Colorado Association for Retarded Citizens, Association for Community Living in Colorado and in 1996 taking its current name of The Arc of Colorado.
The Arc of Colorado is a private, not-for-profit, membership based, grassroots association. The Arc of Colorado is the state office with local units located in various areas throughout the state. Currently there are 13 local units that provide advocacy in their geographical regions. Individuals who wish to become members may do so by joining a local unit or sign on with the state office. In areas of the state that do not have a local unit, the state office provides advocacy services. The Arc of Colorado also provides information and referral.
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Our Mission The Arc of Arapahoe & Douglas works to include all children and adults with disabilities and their families in their communities through advocacy and education. Our Core Values People First, Democracy, Visionary Leadership, Community Participation, Diversity and Integrity and Excellence. The Arc of Arapahoe & Douglas Counties is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing advocacy, information and support to people with developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc of Arapahoe & Douglas opened it's doors in 1955, and over the years, the organization has continually provided services that promote the general welfare of people with developmental disabilities including: advocacy, public awareness, training, community organizing, educating legislators and referral to resources. We believe in what Congress stated in the Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act: ..."disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the rights of individuals to live independently, enjoy self-determination, make choices, contribute to society, pursue meaningful careers, and enjoy full inclusion and integration in the economic, political social, cultural and educational mainstream of American society". As a local chapter of The Arc of the United States , a nationwide organization of 140,000 parents, consumers and professionals in the field, we are active in pursuing services and supports that promote the rights and welfare of people with disabilities. |
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