PURPOSE

    The Arc of the Gulf Coast supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in their quest for self-determination, ensuring that they have meaningful lives in the communities where they live, learn, work, play and worship – responding to their needs, one person at a time.

    HISTORY

    The Arc has a rich history spanning 60 years and marked by accomplishment. We continue to carry out the mission and vision of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their parents and siblings.

    In 1950, a small group of parents and other concerned individuals came together to act as voices for change. At the time, little was known about the condition of intellectual disabilities (at the time referred to as ‘mental retardation’) or its causes. There were virtually no programs and activities in communities to assist in the development and care of children and adults with intellectual disabilities or to support families.

    It was common at that time for doctors to tell parents that the best place for their child was in an institution. Emboldened by their collective desire to raise their children in the home and their stubborn refusal to accept that institutionalization was the only option, The Arc’s founders fought even harder.

    Like every parent of any child, they wanted more for their children. They wanted their children to lead fulfilling lives out in the community and not shuttered away in dark institutions. It was in that spirit that The Arc was born.

    OUR ROOTS

    Since our founding in 1950 by a group of parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, The Arc at the local, state and national level has been instrumental in the creation of virtually every program, service, right, and benefit that is now available to more than half a million Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Today, The Arc continues to advocate for including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in all aspects of society.

    OUR VISION

    A world where people with disabilities are included in their communities and neighborhoods and where quality supports and services respond to their needs and personal choices.

    CORE VALUES

    PEOPLE FIRST

    The Arc believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are defined by their own strengths, abilities and inherent value, not by their disability.

    COMMUNITY

    The Arc believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities belong in the community and have fundamental moral, civil and constitutional rights to be fully included and actively participate in all aspects of society.

    EQUITY

    The Arc believes that people 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.

    DIVERSITY

    The Arc believes that society benefits when people with diverse abilities and cultural backgrounds work together for positive change. We respect our beneficiaries, our donors, our staff, and other implementing agencies as partners. We embrace diversity among our staff, our partners and the communities where we work, without discrimination, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or political affiliation.

    SELF-DETERMINATION

    The Arc believes in self-determination and self-advocacy. People 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.