The Arc
Verified working Aug 3, 2026
A U.S. advocacy and resource network for people with IDD.
The Arc is a national nonprofit supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy, resources, programs, and a nationwide chapter network. Its site brings together policy updates, practical guides, action alerts, events, and links to local chapters that can connect visitors with community-level support.
Why it stands out
- Combines national policy advocacy with a large local chapter network for on-the-ground support.
- Focuses specifically on intellectual and developmental disabilities rather than disability broadly.
- Covers both immediate family resources and systemic issues such as Medicaid, housing, employment, and civil rights.
- Offers practical participation channels, including action alerts, membership, events, and chapter involvement.
- Long-running organization with public reporting, position statements, and a documented history of advocacy.
Good to know
- Primarily U.S.-focused, especially in its policy advocacy and chapter network.
- Availability and type of direct services depend on the local chapter, not just the national site.
- Some events, trainings, or programs may require registration and may not be continuously available.
Under the radar: For policy research, the Position Statements section is useful for quickly finding The Arc’s official stance on major disability-rights issues without digging through news posts.
Photos
Families and self-advocates navigating IDD services can find national guidance and nearby chapters. Track federal disability policy issues such as Medicaid, housing, education, and civil rights. Use action alerts to contact lawmakers about current disability-rights campaigns. Find guides, webinars, and program resources for planning, education, technology, and daily life. Connect with national events and chapter-based disability advocacy communities.
Nationwide chapter finder, resource directory, policy and legal advocacy sections, grassroots action center, webinars and virtual program library, topical initiatives on education, healthcare, technology, travel, criminal justice, and future planning.
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Similar sites elsewhere
- Easterseals — easterseals.com
- Autism Society — autismsociety.org
- United Cerebral Palsy — ucp.org
- National Disability Rights Network — ndrn.org