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The Arc of Philadelphia, founded in 1948 by a group of parents, was one of the nation's first Arc chapters and one of the first service providers in the city of Philadelphia for people with intellectual disabilities.  These parents labored tirelessly for equal rights at a time when institutionalization was the norm.

Along with other Arc chapters, we fought the battles that led to the right to education for all children, regardless of ability. We were also an early pioneer in integrated services for children and adults with disabilities. At every step in the fight for equal rights, The Arc has been a vibrant catalyst for change at the local, state, and national levels.

Being an important player in many of the disability-related civil rights advances, we remain committed to ensuring that all people with intellectual disabilities are provided with  quality supports and services and access to the community.

In the early 1950s, we began offering job training supports, many the first of their kind in Philadelphia. While continuing to provide leadership and advocacy service, by the 1990s we furthered this tradition of support by forming a service provision arm to focus on a mission of training and direct care.  Today, The Arc of Philadelphia continues to provide advocacy, referral, family support, and legislative action services to people with intellectual disabilities and their families, while job training supports in the form of community integrated employment services, recreational services, programs for seniors, residential services, and in-home and community supports are offered through our affiliate PDDC.

After 60 years of innovation, we aim to continue to find new ways to support the needs of people with disabilities, offering choice, self-determination, and hope.