Mission & Core Values

Our Mission

The Arc of the East Bay provides advocacy, support, and education to persons with developmental and intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in the East Bay.

Our Vision

Is that every individual and family affected by intellectual and development disabilities in the East Bay will have access to the information, advocacy, and skills they need to participate as active members of their communities. The Arc offers vocational training and life skills and education to almost 400 adults with I/DD.

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families shall have access to the supports they need to live a decent American life.

By assuring they are valued, respected, and included in all communities.
By assisting them in choosing their services and supports from many available sources.
By empowering them through nonprofit advocacy, and assuring that State and Federal governments administer programs and set budgets that meet everyone’s needs

Our Core Values

People First

The Arc of the East Bay works toward ensuring that all people have the fundamental moral, civil, and constitutional rights and opportunities to live, learn, work, play, and worship in communities of their choosing.

Democracy

The Arc of the East Bay is an organization of, by, and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Our policy decisions are made by informed voting members.

Visionary Leadership

The Arc of the East Bay leads by promoting its Mission and Core Values. We lead with integrity and accountability through open, honest, and timely communication. We work with individuals, organizations, and coalitions in a collaborative fashion. There is a valued partnership with volunteer and staffing leadership at all levels of the organization that provides mutual support for their respective roles.

Community Participation

The Arc of the East Bay works toward and believes in the Community Imperative: that all people have the fundamental moral, civil, and constitutional rights to live, learn, work, play, and worship in safe and healthy communities of their choosing.

Diversity

The Arc of the East Bay seeks and supports diverse leadership and membership. Our concept of diversity includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, age, socio-economic status, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender, family status, and level of disability.

Integrity and Excellence

Members and leaders of The Arc of the East Bay promote our Mission and Core Values with integrity and accountability. We conduct our business according to the highest ethical standards.

Arc clients and staff rallied in Sacramento to successfully protest a decade of program cuts.

Who We Are

A Leader in Disability Rights

The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We encompass all ages and more than 100 different diagnoses including Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Fragile X syndrome, and various other developmental disabilities.

A Strong National Presence

With nearly 700 chapters nationwide, The Arc is on the front lines to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families have the support and services they need to be fully engaged in their communities.

Deeply Rooted History

Founded in 1950, The Arc was comprised of a small group of concerned and passionate parents and community members who would be catalysts for changing the public perception of children with disabilities. For the past 65 + years, The Arc has continued to grow and evolve along with the changing needs and issues faced by people with developmental disabilities.

The Arc of the East Bay offers life skills education and employment services tailored to the needs and goals of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our clients set their own annual goals, often with input from their families. Dedicated Arc staffers – called Direct Service Providers – then work tirelessly to help clients achieve those personal goals.