People who have intellectual and developmental disabilities need protection from abuse and other forms of violations. The Arc, formerly known as the The Arc of the United States, is a  charitable organization that works to promote the rights of these people. They also encourage these individuals’ inclusion and participation in the community.

Founded in the 1950s by the parents of individuals with developmental disabilities, the institution has changed their names several times to adapt to the changing community. Until 1973, this non-profit organization was called National Association for Retarded Children. It then adopted the name National Association for Retarded Citizens until 1981. From 1981 to 1992, they were called the Association for Retarded Citizens of the United States until they adopted their current name.

The organization’s headquarters is in Washington D.C. and has chapters in 39 states with a total of 730 local chapters across the country. This institution is listed in Forbes as one of the largest charities in the United States with a total revenue of $3.89 billion.

During its early days, the group specifically offered education to parents and others about the potential of people with disabilities and how they shouldn’t be judged and treated differently. The organization also fought for the rights of these individuals to education and work and to attend day care and preschools. The creation of this charitable cause sprouted from the lack of awareness and community programs for persons with disabilities and the lack of support for families with special children. 

The Arc is also an advocate of funding research studies and other programs to further help understand the cause and nature of intellectual disabilities. One of its focused studies is the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. They strongly embrace their core values that people with disabilities should not be judged based on their disabilities but rather on their strengths, abilities, and inherent values.