A Letter from the Executive Director

The Arc of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Developmental Disabilities Corporation (PDDC) provide advocacy services, resource information, and opportunities to the community.  The Arc has been doing so for over 60 years; one of the first Arc chapters in the country. As Executive Director, I am proud of our organizations’ achievements and long tradition of service to individuals and families.  Arc/PDDC is committed to finding innovative methods to enable people with disabilities, and their families, to make educated choices and provide viable opportunities. 

The Arc’s mission is to support and enhance the life, health and well-being of individuals with intellectual, cognitive, developmental disabilities, and their families; maintaining a focus on community inclusion, self-direction, individual choice, and citizenship; while believing in everyone’s possibilities.  Arc’s goal is to provide advocacy and resources for them in a professional, knowledgeable, and effective manner. 

PDDC’s mission is to provide programs for people who have barriers to employment and/or people who need individualized services, including job training, in-home support, services for seniors, art and recreation programs, and community events. We provide services for over 400 people with disabilities who earn hundreds of thousands of dollars every year.   We are committed to offering a full array of choices for employment, community experiences, arts and music therapy, and in-home community supports.

The landscape for providing opportunities is changing rapidly in Pennsylvania.  The fee-for-service concept will require more innovative methods.  Our challenge is to focus our efforts in pioneering solutions, while being stewards of available resources, and maintaining a passionate voice for those with developmental disabilities.

We invite you to visit us at our location, through our website, or contact us via e-mail or telephone.  Come to one of our First Friday dances, Super Saturday events, or First Wednesday brunches.  We want to show you our offerings.

Sincerely,