Who are we?

The Arc, originally The National Association for Retarded Children, is a non-profit human service organization founded in the early 1950s by various parent groups throughout the United States to advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs).

The organization’s name has changed throughout it's lifetime. Most recently, it was changed to The Arc of the United States (The Arc) during the National Conference in 1993 and then adopted by the local chapters. This change reflects our organization’s values and philosophy of promoting people first and the disability second.

Currently, The Arc of United States has over 600 chapters and represents over 5 million individuals with IDDs.

Our chapter, The Arc of Tri-Cities, was founded in 1955 by one of those parent groups. Their vision was to promote support and services for themselves and their children. The Arc of Tri-Cities continues to support that vision today by providing service from birth through adulthood.

All The Arcs are membership-based. Membership ensures individuals and families are kept informed of issues and activities on the local and national levels. The Arc of Tri-Cities membership entitles you to receive the newsletter and activity discounts. Please take a few minutes to consider membership and your level of support. Your support helps at the local and national levels.

As employees, we are guests at this organization. The Arc of Tri-Cities is the families and clients whom we serve.

Our Mission

The Arc of Tri-Cities promotes the rights of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by actively supporting full inclusion and participation in all aspects of the community throughout their lives.