At The Arc Community Advocates, we believe every person deserves the right to live a good
life, rooted in dignity, safety, opportunity, and belonging. Our work is grounded in the belief that
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have the right to full community
inclusion, self-determination, and equitable access to education, health care, housing,
employment, and civic life.
Equity, inclusion, diversity, and accessibility are not separate from our advocacy, they are
essential to it. We understand disability as a natural part of human diversity, and we recognize
that barriers are often created by systems and environments that exclude, overlook, or silence
people. As a result, our work is focused not only on services and support, but also on reducing
harm, removing barriers, and advancing disability rights and justice.
We stand in solidarity with individuals and communities who experience oppression and
marginalization, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+
communities, immigrants, people living in poverty, and others who face discrimination and
inequity. We recognize that many individuals and families we serve live at the intersection of
disability and other marginalized identities, and that the impacts of bias, such as unequal access
to care, disproportionate discipline in schools, economic instability, and exposure to violence, are
real and ongoing.
Our commitment is not performative. It is active and accountable. We strengthen our work by listening to lived experiences, honoring cultural humility, and building relationships rooted in
respect and trust. We commit to ongoing learning and meaningful action, including:
- Promoting accessibility in how we communicate, welcome, and serve our community
- Supporting inclusive language and disability-affirming practices across our work
- Expanding outreach and engagement with communities historically excluded from
- services and advocacy
- Strengthening partnerships with diverse community leaders, organizations, and providers
- Recruiting and retaining staff, volunteers, board members, and vendors who reflect the communities we serve
We understand this commitment is continuous. We will not always get it perfect, and when we
fall short, we will respond with accountability, repair, and growth. We remain dedicated to
building a community where people with disabilities and all marginalized communities are not
only included, but valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
