most 23 year olds don't own their own home.

Who We Serve

The Arc of the United States

The Arc is the nationwide organization devoted to improving the lives of people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Nationally the Arc has more than 300,000 members in over 2,000 affiliated local organizations.

There are more than 6 million U.S. citizens with developmental disabilities.

The Arc of the United States
1010 Wayne Ave Suite 650
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 565-3842

Arc believes that people who have developmental disabilities can lead fulfilling and productive lives in their own communities. With appropriate learning and living environments, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can achieve levels of self-sufficiency that benefit us all.

Local Arc

Services provided by the local Arc chapters include:

• Individual Advocacy for Children and Families
• IEP Meetings, Dispute resolution
• Interaction with school officials
• 504/ADA complaints
• Educational presentations on IEP’s, parents rights, education laws and ADA
• Family Support – referrals/applications
• Education and guidance re: Social Security/SSI, Medicaid, Waiver Programs, etc.
• Individuals Advocacy for Adults
• Interaction with state and local systems
• Problem solving and dispute resolution
• Information on housing, jobs and community connections
• Monitor services delivered by provider agencies
• Provide information on public policy issues
• Guardianship Services
• The Arc represents adults as legal guardian
• Can act as an Authorized Representative

Many of these services are provided by volunteers, the backbone of the Arc movement. Yet, even this dedicated volunteer involvement cannot offset the cost of providing the best possible programs.

arc Thrift Stores provide funding to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities in our community.