The Arc of Colorado

Over six decades, The Arc of Colorado has grown from a small movement focused on access to services for children and adults who had been denied preschool, education, and employment opportunities to a strong, statewide grassroots network of 14 chapters directed by 3,500 members to provide opportunities for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families to advocate for the changes they need to reach their potential.

Building on past successes including those both legislative and community focused, The Arc of Colorado looks to amplify its focus on systemic change and strengthening the profile of the I/DD community.

The Arc of Colorado is a membership organization governed by a voluntary board of directors. Members are parents, local chapters, family members, persons with disabilities, professionals, and interested citizens. It is part of a national organization, The Arc United States, that supports advocacy activities organized at the local, state, and national levels. Our constituents include member chapters, legislators, legislative staff, the Governor, the Governor’s office, self-advocates, self-advocacy organizations, adults and children with I/DD and their families, The Arc of the United States, and partner organizations.

The Arc of Colorado, with local chapters, works to amplify the voice for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families by strengthening self-advocacy emphasizing integration, partnering to build awareness for those not connected in readily served areas, especially those that will bring greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to our efforts.

We focus or legislative and policy efforts to have the highest impact short and long-term, seek to keep our movement relevant, and work in collaboration across the state. For further information about The Arc of Colorado, please click The Arc of Colorado.

The Arc of Colorado Mission Statement: The Arc of Colorado provides leadership opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to achieve their goals by influencing public policy, promoting integration through public awareness and community engagement, showcasing best practices of the chapter network, and collaborating with national, state, and local organizations sharing the same values