The Power of Parents
In 1950, little was known about intellectual disability (then referred to as ‘mental retardation’) and developmental disability, or its causes. There were virtually no programs and activities to assist in the development and care of people with I/DD or to support families. It was common for doctors to tell parents that the best place for their child was in an institution. But these advocates wanted more. They wanted their loved ones to lead fulfilling lives in the community and not be shuttered away in dark institutions. Emboldened by their collective desire to raise their children in the home and their refusal to accept that institutionalization was the only option, The Arc was born.
Through the decades, The Arc has advocated for the passage of state and federal legislation on behalf of people with disabilities and established a broad network of state and local chapters that range from small voluntary groups to large, professional organizations.
Timeline: The Arc Through the Years
Over the last several decades The Arc has been at the forefront of making change happen. Whether through advocacy or by supporting research efforts, The Arc leads the way. Here are just a few highlights!
1980s
The Arc conducts a survey of state genetic screening programs. A listing of each state’s specific infant screening tests is developed and distributed to The Arc’s state and local chapters.
The Arc supports the passage of the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver.
The Arc helps create the Supported Employment program within the Rehabilitation Act.
The Arc successfully pushes Congress to add disability as a protected class under the Fair Housing Act.
The Arc helps pass legislation to expand education services to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
2010-Present
The Arc works with other organizations to support passage of the Affordable Care Act, which expanded access to affordable and comprehensive health coverage, made improvements in long term supports and services, and strengthened consumer protection and nondiscrimination provisions.
The Arc supports passage of Rosa’s Law, which replaces the outdated term “mental retardation” with intellectual disability in federal health, education, and labor policy.
The Arc supports passage of the ABLE Act which creates tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities which are exempt from means-testing in federal programs.
The Arc is instrumental in defeating attempts by Congress to block grant and cap Medicaid, a change in the structure of the program that would have had great impact on the lives of people with disabilities.
2000s
The Arc participates in the drafting of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The Arc wins expanded provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Higher Education Act that will help students move from public schooling to higher education, employment, and adult life.
The Arc, in collaboration with the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, publishes National Goals and Research for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, a book highlighting challenges to achieving the government’s promise to people with disabilities.
Discover More
Learn more about the values that guide our work.