The Arc of Philadelphia

The Arc of Philadelphia, founded in 1948 by a group of parents, was one of the nations first ARC chapters and one of the first service providers in the city of Philadelphia for people with intellectual disabilities. These parents labored tirelessly for equal rights at a time when institutionalization was the norm. Being an important player in many of the disability-related civil rights advances, we were deeply involved in the fight to shut down the state institutions. Along with other Arc chapters, we fought the battles that led to the right to education for all children, regardless of disability. We were also an early pioneer in integrated services for children and adults with disabilities. At every step in the fight for equal rights, The Arc has been a vibrant catalyst for change at the local, state, and national levels. Today, The Arc of Philadelphia continues to provide advocacy, referral, family supports, and legislative action