advocating for people with developmental disabilities and their families since 1956

Established in 1956 by parents of children with developmental disabilities, The Arc of Indiana’s main focus is to provide a resource for families
to come together and help advocate for a better life for their children.

The Arc of Indiana is committed to progressive public policy to protect rights and improve services for people with developmental disabilities.

From its humble beginnings, the organization has blossomed into the state’s most well-respected and leading advocacy association for
people with developmental disabilities and their families. 

Mission Statement
The Arc of Indiana is committed to all people with developmental disabilities realizing their goals of learning, living, working,
and playing in the community.
       Providing a forum for individuals and families to join together
       Reducing the incidence of developmental disabilities
       Supporting the work of the 44 local chapters of The Arc in Indiana
       Serving as the spokesperson to the community at large for persons with developmental disabilities

Core Values
      People First
      Community Participation
      Democracy
      Visionary Leadership
      Diversity, Integrity & Excellence

The Arc of Indiana’s Strategic Plan

The Arc of Indiana ensures all individuals and families receive necessary and timely services and supports.
o       Eliminate Indiana’s list of people with developmental disabilities waiting for services.                   
o       Information and support are immediately available to individuals and their families.
o       Personalized plans and informed choices are the basis of all services and supports for people.

The Arc of Indiana leads in maximizing individual potential of people with disabilities.
o       Educate the public about the inherent values, abilities and accomplishments of people with disabilities.
o       Promote the quality of life for individuals through personal choice and self-directed supports.
o       Ensure that resources are available for teachers, direct support staff and caseworkers, health care
        professionals, finance and legal professionals and others - to support individuals with disabilities and their families.

The Arc of Indiana leads in influencing public policy and public awareness to promote and
protect the rights of people with disabilities. 
o       Make certain that public policy promotes opportunities to learn, live, work and play in inclusive communities.
o       Increase public awareness in every Indiana County.
o       Ensure that every individual with a disability has an advocate, guardian or personal support network.

The Arc of Indiana facilitates membership growth and diversity.   
o       Increase membership statewide.
o       More strategic support is given to local chapters of The Arc of Indiana.
o       Build partnerships with other organizations that support The Arc’s mission.

The Arc of Indiana diversifies and strengthens its funding strategies to ensure resources to accomplish its mission.
o       Establish and grow an endowment to ensure long-term stability.
o       Develop efficiencies to best utilize available funding and resources.
o       Cultivate relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations to ensure The Arc’s financial stability and strong infrastructure.

Highlights of The Arc of Indiana’s history include:

• Working to close Indiana's state institutions, allowing former residents to live successfully in the community.
   

• Leading the successful fight to allow all children to attend public schools.
   

• Ensuring all infants and toddlers with disabilities receive early intervention services.
   

• Fighting for legislation and funding to provide home and community based services to families who have loved ones with a disability
  living at home, and supports to allow adults with developmental disabilities to live in communities throughout Indiana.  
   

• Establishment of The Arc Master Trust - the nation's most successful special needs trust, allowing families to provide for their
  loved ones after their death, and allowing people with disabilities to establish their own trust.
   

• Through public education, The Arc has changed minds and changed lives, proving that people with developmental disabilities
  can and do live as our neighbors, work in businesses, and play in the community.
   

The Arc of Indiana Staff / Contact Us

The Arc of The United States

 

Back to Main Menu