As dedicated advocates for individuals with disabilities and their families, The Arc has remained true to its roots and its mission: to advocate, educate and provide services that empower individuals with disabilities and their families to enhance the quality of the lives.
Since 1952, The Arc has participated in many civil and human rights movements which helped to make opportunities available to individuals with disabilities and their families. While the organization has undergone a few name changes throughout its history, it is now known as The Arc of Chester County serving over 3,000 individuals and families annually. We are a leading advocacy organization and provider of a lifetime of programs and services for individuals with disabilities and their families.
This incredible milestone began seven decades ago by a small group of parents in West Chester looking for educational opportunities for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
The road to equal rights and inclusion was paved by the efforts of our founders and all of those who have joined along the way. These early trailblazers spent most of their adult lives fighting for the rights of individuals with disabilities to be able to choose how they live, learn, work, and spend their leisure time. We continue this effort to this day.
Over the decades, thanks to the determined voices and actions of many by way of countless letters, meetings, marches, and pushing for groundbreaking legislation, The Arc of Chester County has become a formidable force behind ensuring the rights and entitlements of individuals with disabilities and their families are respected and protected.
