About Us
Mission
The Arc of Centre County embodies and protects the human rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and practices person-centered planning which actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Vision
The Arc envisions a future in which individuals with disabilities are included as active members in their community, a future where quality services and supports respond to their needs and personal choices and a future enabling inclusion to its fullest extent.
Core Values
People First
The Arc believes that all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are defined by their own strengths, abilities, and inherent value not by their disability. People with IDD have varying strengths, abilities, and interests. Each person is unique.
Equity
The Arc believes that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are entitled to the respect, dignity, equality, safety, and security accorded to other members of society, and are equal before the law. Society must remove barriers and correct injustices that limit opportunities for people with IDD. Extra action is needed to help people with IDD and their families, who face other forms of bias or discrimination.
Community
People with IDD are part of and contribute to the fabric of society. Everyone benefits when people with IDD are present and participate.
Choice
The Arc believes in self-determination and self-advocacy. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with appropriate resources and supports, can make decisions about their own lives and must be heard on issues that affect their well-being.
Diversity
Human diversity is beautiful and powerful. We celebrate, honor, and seek to understand the differences in our identities and life experiences.
Rights
People with IDD have human and civil rights, which must be protected.
About The Arc of Centre County:
The Arc provides programming to persons with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and Autism. Our programs actively support inclusion, community engagement, character development and personal growth.
- The Arc is a non-profit organization supporting the needs of persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in Centre County since 1953.
- Our Mission: The Arc of Centre County embodies and protects the human rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and practices person-centered planning which actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
- The Arc offers an array of community services, focusing its efforts on ensuring the rights of persons with developmental disabilities, supporting their families, and helping each person reach his or her personal best.
- The Arc is composed of people from all walks of life- from programs targeting youth with disabilities to supports for aging adults with disabilities, The Arc’s programs make an impact across the lifespan.
- Through changes and growth and from progressive Residential Habilitation Services with medical supports to our cutting edge Discovery and Customized Employment services, The Arc has never altered its ultimate goal which is to provide support to persons with a disability and their families.
- From our website you may explore services options, apply for employment opportunities, make donations and more!
- The Arc office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30AM – 4:00PM.
About The Arc in 30 seconds:
The Arc is a nonprofit organization advocating for the seven million people in America with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other diagnoses. We help them achieve their life goals and become productive members of the community by creating opportunities for education, employment, housing and recreation and providing them necessary support through a network of more than 600 chapters across the nation. We’re changing public attitudes and fostering respect, access and inclusion. I invite you to visit our national, state or local website to find out how to Achieve With Us!