All About
The Arc of Minnesota

Our mission and vision:

The Arc of Minnesota is a private, non-profit, statewide voluntary organization. The mission of The Arc of Minnesota is to support and advocate for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families as they choose how they live, learn, work and play. We fight for persons with developmental disabilities so they can reach for a brighter, more inclusive future.

The Arc of Minnesota and local chapters of The Arc provide crucial information for people with developmental disabilities and their families, connect them with resources, and stand with them when they need an advocate.

Originally organized to serve children with intellectual disabilities, The Arc now serves people of all ages with many kinds of developmental disabilities including, but not limited to, intellectual disabilities, Down Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Arc is different from other organizations in that it is concerned with the total life of an individual, from birth to death, and with all services or needs an individual and his or her family may have.

Approximately 5000 members and supporters belong to The Arc of Minnesota in chapters throughout the state. Arc members are persons with developmental disabilities, family members, professionals in disability fields, and concerned citizens. All chapters are affiliated with The Arc of the U.S., the nation's largest grassroots advocacy organization for people who have disabilities.

Our vision is a world where people with developmental disabilities are more self-reliant, empowered, and able to make choices in their lives.

History:

The Arc movement began in Minnesota in 1946 at a time when institutional care was substandard, community alternatives were rarely available, and myths about developmental disabilities were widespread so that people with developmental disabilities and their families were isolated from the rest of society.

Services have improved dramatically since then, and The Arc is largely responsible for the changes brought about during the last six decades. Community services including residential programs, day training and habilitation, family support, and employment and recreation activities are now available. Public schools are now accessible to all children with disabilities, and people with developmental disabilities are participating and contributing in their communities .

Today, residential, vocational, and educational services are found in virtually every part of the state. The Arc's services help people find and secure the opportunities to live, work, learn, and play in their communities.

For more information or to find the address and phone number of The Arc chapter nearest you, please click here to contact us or see our "Local Chapters" page.

Geographic Area and Population Served:

The Arc of Minnesota office is located in St. Paul; local chapters of The Arc span the state. The Arc and its services are available to all citizens of Minnesota at the local and at the state level. Workshops, information, one-on-one advocacy for families and their children with developmental disabilities, public policy advocacy, and support services are provided across the state by local chapters or The Arc of Minnesota.

People with developmental disabilities constitute one of the largest disability groups in America. Today, one of every ten Americans has a family member with a developmental disability.

For names of The Arc of Minnesota staff members and board members, please click here.