About Us

History of The Arc

The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania is a grassroots organization formed in 1955 by a group of parents seeking public education for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since that time a growing number of parents, neighbors, and members of the business and professional communities have faced numerous challenges in advocating for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Throughout the United States, there are approximately 850 local chapters of The Arc. The Arc continues to be a strong voice for education rights, community supports, progressive legislation, and public awareness. The Arc is the largest organization dedicated to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

You can rely on us.

The Arc Today

The Arc is proud of its accomplishments over the past 50+ years. The Arc has led the movement to deinstitutionalize state centers across the country and is responsible for the Right to Education - P.L. 94-142— providing all children a free, public and appropriate education. The Arc believes in inclusive practice at all levels of society. We encourage you to read all of our national position papers available at www.TheArc.org.

Nearly 100,000 members belong to The Arc, US, showing their support of the advancement of the rights and interests of approximately 7.2 million citizens with intellectual, developmental and related disabilities.

The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania is affiliated with The Arc of the United States; The Arc of Pennsylvania; The Mental Health/Mental Retardation Programs of Lackawanna/Susquehanna Counties, Wayne County and Carbon/Monroe/Pike Counties. The Arc of NEPA is also a member agency of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Carbon Counties.