
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ARC OF COLORADO
ABOUT THE ARC OF COLORADO
The Arc of Colorado was founded in 1954 and at the time, little was known about the condition of intellectual disability or its causes; there were virtually no programs or activities in communities to assist in the development and care of children and adults with intellectual disability and/or to help support families. In the early days, we worked to change the public’s perception of children with intellectual disability and to educate parents and others regarding the potential of people with intellectual disability. The Arc of Colorado has worked for decades to obtain services for children and adults who were denied day care, preschool, education, and employment programs.
Through a strong, statewide grassroots network of 15 chapters directed by 3,700 members, over 9,000 individuals and families are served annually. The Arc of Colorado is the state chapter and across the state, we have an additional 14 local chapters. Together, we work with the local communities to foster respect and access, giving people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) the power to achieve a full and satisfying life.
THE ARC
OF COLORADO WORKS TO

INFLUENCE PUBLIC POLICY
to ensure the necessary support and services are in place for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have a common life
INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS
of the rights and needs of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities
SUPPORT AND DEVELOP
local chapters
COLLABORATE
with national, state and local organizations sharing the same values
OUR MISSION
The Arc of Colorado promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
WE BELIEVE
All people have moral and civil rights providing them with opportunities to love, work, play, learn and worship in communities where they choose to live. All people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have inherent value with individual strengths and abilities, are equal before the law and must be treated with dignity and respect.
EVERYONE SHOULD ACHIEVE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
The Arc of Colorado is dedicated to empowering families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Through system advocacy, public awareness, and community education, we strive to create a more inclusive society. Our 14 local Arc chapters offer tailored services to meet the unique needs of each community, providing vital support for self-advocacy and family well-being.