Facts About … The Arc of Maryland

The Arc of Maryland works to create a world where children and adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities.

We began in 1950 as a small group of concerned parents. Today we are the largest statewide advocacy organization assisting persons with cognitive and developmental disabilities in Maryland.

We number over 5,500 members throughout Maryland including people with developmental disabilities, parents and other family members, educators and professionals working in the field and interested persons from the general public. We an innovative and flexible organization which seeks to incorporate and support self advocates within the leadership of the organization.

We have 11 Local Chapters that provide an array of direct services for people of all ages and their families and a state office in Annapolis.

The Arc of Maryland is an integral part of a nationwide, non-profit, voluntary movement boasting over 160,000 members and 1,300 state and local chapters across the nation. For more information on The Arc of the United States and around the country, visit www.thearc.org.

To fulfill our purpose, The Arc of Maryland actively pursues six goals:

1. To create and sustain a person-driven service delivery system that incorporates the preferences, addresses the needs, and protects the rights of persons with developmental disabilities
   
   
2. To empower persons with developmental disabilities and members of their families
   
   
3. To advocate for the full inclusion of all persons with developmental disabilities in the life of the community
   
   
4. To create a strong beginning and a firm foundation for children with developmental disabilities by supporting them and their families
   
   
5. To promote efforts to prevent and reduce the incidence of developmental disabilities in the general population
   
   
6. To ensure that The Arc of Maryland is financially stable and capable of fulfilling its mission

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