Membership Matters!

The Arc is the world’s largest community based organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With a strong network of members and affiliated chapters, The Arc is able to improve systems of supports and services; connect families; inspire communities; and influence public policy.

Membership begins in your own backyard! The Arc of Atlantic County has been active in your community since 1961, and currently supports 700 local individuals and families who are dealing with the challenges of permanent intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Your membership contribution supports advocacy at the national level and helps to provide quality direct services to individuals and families right here in Atlantic County. As a member, you ensure that your neighbors with disabilities have the supports they need to grow, develop and live in the community.

When you support The Arc, you are supporting:

Human Rights

For centuries, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been abused, neglected, segregated and treated as less than human. As the oldest and largest non-profit serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, The Arc is a major defender of human rights, advocating for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities so that they may be full citizens of the United States. 

Families

Currently in the United States, almost all children and about 75% of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who need significant levels of ongoing supports receive most or all of their supports in the context of the family home.  Most or all of the supports are provided by a family member. Often, families do not have the information or support they need. The Arc provides information and support to families of individuals with developmental disabilities across the country and at the local level.

Research

The Arc maintains a focus on the role of research to enhance the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc actively advocates for inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in research.  The Arc disseminates research results and information to help individuals and families stay abreast of research developments.