Who We Are
Our Mission
The Arc of Texas is the oldest and largest nonprofit, volunteer organization in the state committed to creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be included in their communities and to make the choices which affect their lives. The Arc supports families,
advances public policies, provides
training programs, and builds a
statewide network of advocates.
Our Roots
Since our founding in 1950 by a group of parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, The Arc of Texas 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. Read more about our
history and major accomplishments.
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.
Our Values*
- People First. The Arc believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have strengths, abilities and inherent value; are equal before the law; and must be treated with dignity and respect. The Arc represents, supports and acts on behalf of individuals and their families regardless of level of disability or membership in The Arc. The Arc believes in self-determination by empowering people with the supports needed to make informed decisions and choices.
- Democracy. A democratic process involving members, through affiliated chapters, is utilized to take positions on important issues, policies and programs.
- Visionary Leadership. The Arc leads by promoting the mission, core values and position statements. We lead with integrity, accountability and by open, honest and timely communication. We work with individuals, organizations and coalitions in a collaborative fashion. There is a valued partnership with volunteer and staff leadership at all levels of the organization that provides mutual support for their respective roles.
- Community Participation. The Arc works toward and believes in the community imperative: that all people have the fundamental moral, civil and constitutional rights to live, learn, work, play and worship in safe and healthy communities of their choosing. The Arc works to ensure the safety and well being of individuals.
- Diversity. The Arc values and insists upon diversity in its leadership and membership. The Arc actively pursues and welcomes diverse groups (including but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, age, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender and level of disability).
- Integrity and Excellence. The Arc conducts its business with integrity. The Arc reflects quality and excellence in all its work.
*Approved by The Arc’s Board of Directors at its July 2000 meeting.
Our Position Statements
Where do we stand on the issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families? Find out by reading
The Arc’s position statements.
Our National & Local Partners
The Arc of Texas is affiliated with
The Arc of the United States, which advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on a national level. We also are proud to have more than 35 affiliated
local chapters working to provide additional supports and services to families in communities throughout the state.
Our Board of Directors
The committed men and women on our
Board of Directors are primarily parents and family members of people with disabilities. They have experienced both the challenges and the triumphs associated with intellectual and developmental disabilities firsthand. Their personal stake in The Arc's mission provides our volunteers, members, and professional staff with wisdom, inspiration, and guidance.
Our Members
Our members are people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; their families and friends; the professionals and service providers who work with them; and others who are passionate about changing the way our society views people with disabilities. We also invite you to join The Arc family.
Become a member today!
Our Staff
Working for The Arc is more than just a job for many of our
professional staff. They work hard to make a difference in the lives of more than 500,000 Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With guidance from our board of directors, The Arc of Texas staff work hand-in-hand with our many volunteer members to fulfill The Arc's mission throughout the state.
Our Funding
The Arc of Texas is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization. We receive funding from a variety of sources, including private donations, membership dues, fundraising events and special government grants. The majority of funds for our annual budget come from donations to our
Household Recycling Programs in the Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas/Fort Worth areas. One of our strategic goals is to conduct our organization's business with the highest level of integrity. If you would like more information about our operations, please call Beverly Main at 1-800-252-9729, (512) 454-6694 or
bmain@thearcoftexas.org.
