In 1950, little was known about intellectual disabilities.
There were virtually no programs to support people with intellectual disabilities and no laws to protect them against discrimination.
But some families refused to accept that.
They wanted their loved ones to lead fulfilling lives in the community, not be locked away in some institution.
The Arc was born from their determination to keep their children at home and change what society believed was possible for people with disabilities.
Since then, The Arc has helped drive major disability rights advances and built a network of state and local chapters.
There were virtually no programs to support people with intellectual disabilities and no laws to protect them against discrimination.
But some families refused to accept that.
They wanted their loved ones to lead fulfilling lives in the community, not be locked away in some institution.
The Arc was born from their determination to keep their children at home and change what society believed was possible for people with disabilities.
Since then, The Arc has helped drive major disability rights advances and built a network of state and local chapters.
