About Us

Since 1950, The Arc of California has been a leading statewide voice for the rights and full inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. As part of a national network of over 600 state and local chapters of The Arc, we collaborate with families, advocates, service providers, and allies to shape public policy, foster inclusive opportunities, and champion equity for all.

Our statewide reach includes 20 established local chapters across California, and in 2023, we proudly launched El Arc de California, the first Arc chapter in the nation dedicated to advancing equity for the Latino community. This historic milestone reinforces our commitment to inclusion and culturally responsive advocacy.

Our advocacy efforts span a wide array of priorities, including disability abuse prevention, disability voter rights, economic opportunity, and access to critical services such as Medi-Cal, and policy change at every level of government. We also support a strong network of caregivers, many of whom rely on In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and work to address the growing shortage of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), especially those from immigrant and multilingual communities. Grounded in the values of people first, equity, self-determination, and community — The Arc of California works every day to build a future where every person with disabilities can live with choice, dignity, and full participation in community life.

Our mission is to champion the rights, self-determination, and full inclusion of Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families — by amplifying their voices, shaping equitable policy, advancing economic opportunity, and fostering community leadership for future generations.

Our vision is to create a California where every person with Intellectual and developmental disabilities lives with choice, dignity, and full participation in community life.

HUMAN DIGNITY
People with disabilities have human dignity. The lives of people with
disabilities have value.

PERSONHOOD
People with disabilities have varying strengths, abilities, and interests.
Each person is unique.

CHOICE
People with disabilities can make decisions about their lives. People with
disabilities should be supported to do so as requested or needed.

RIGHTS
People with disabilities have human and civil rights, which must be
protected.

COMMUNITY
People with disabilities are part of and contribute to the fabric of
society. Everyone benefits when people with disabilities are present and
participate.

SUPPORT
People with disabilities have differing support needs. Society must
support people with disabilities to achieve their full potential. Society
should also help families who provide support for loved ones with
disabilities.

EQUITY
Society must remove barriers and correct injustices that limit
opportunities for people with disabilities. Extra action is needed to help
people with disabilities and their families, who face other forms of bias
or discrimination.

DIVERSITY
Human diversity is beautiful and powerful. We celebrate, honor, and seek
to understand the differences in our identities and life experiences.

Participatory Democracy
The Arc acts to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their parents, siblings, family members and other concerned members of the public have meaningful opportunities to inform and guide the direction of the organization’s advocacy, including determining policy and positions on important issues. The Arc strives for diversity in its leadership, as well as in all facets of the work of the organization.

Visionary Leadership
The Arc leads by articulating a positive vision for the future of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and catalyzes public and private support in realization of that vision through carefully planned and well-executed goals, strategies and actions.

Public Interest
The Arc represents the public interest, supporting and acting with and on behalf of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families regardless of the type of disability or membership in The Arc.

Collaboration
The Arc works with individuals, organizations and coalitions in a collaborative fashion. The Arc values and promotes effective partnerships between volunteer and staff leadership at all levels of the organization.

Transparency, Integrity and Excellence
The Arc conducts its business with integrity, accountability, and open, honest and timely communication. The Arc is committed to quality and excellence in all it does.