A Family Mission – Supporting full inclusion and participation in the community from Baltimore MD to Macon GA

Richard M. Spooner (d. June 18, 2019) was instrumental in the growth of The Arc Baltimore after his daughter was born with Down Syndrome in the 50’s. The desire to protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and support their full inclusion and participation in the community was one that Mr. […]

Improving Recovery from Sexual Assault with Trauma-Informed Care

In communities across the country, a silent epidemic plagues the disability community. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are seven times more likely than the rest of the population to experience sexual violence. Despite this, understanding of how to effectively provide services for people with I/DD remains elusive, and survivors often find themselves unable to […]

Introducing The Arc’s 2019 – 2020 National Sibling Council!

We are excited to welcome eight new members to our 2019-2020 National Sibling Council! They bring a wide range of expertise and passion and we are fortunate to be working with them for the next term year. The Council fosters active involvement of siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in The Arc’s […]

It’s About Community: Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Olmstead Decision and Advancing the Integration Mandate

The U.S. Supreme Court Olmstead v. L.C. decision 20 years ago established that unjustified isolation is a form of discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The decision acknowledged that segregating individuals with disabilities in institutional settings deprives them of the chance to participate in their communities, interact with people who do not have […]

The Department of Health and Human Services Proposes Rule to Weaken the Nondiscrimination Protections of the Affordable Care Act

The Arc continues to work to protect the significant achievements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), including the nondiscrimination provisions in Section 1557. We are disappointed to see the proposed rule from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which radically narrows application of the nondiscrimination protections and limits the remedies […]

The Arc Condemns Deteriorating Treatment of Unaccompanied Minors in US Custody

Recent reports indicate that the federal government will restrict or cancel educational, recreational and legal services for thousands of children held in government migrant shelters. These practices are cruel and misguided. Research shows that trauma in childhood can have serious and lifelong consequences.  There is no evidence indicating that any time in detention is safe […]

Spotlight on Grief and Aging: Mark Keeley and Mary Anne Tolliver, St. Louis Arc

Today, with advances in medical care, deinstitutionalization, and people working and living more productive lives, individuals with I/DD are living much longer. Mark Keeley, President and CEO of the St. Louis Arc, recognized the growing needs of this aging population and committed to better serve and support them. Under the leadership of Mary Anne Tolliver, […]