The Arc Central Chesapeake Region

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region was founded in 1961 by parents who wanted their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have the same rights and opportunities as any other community member. More than six decades later, The Arc continues to be a leader and change-maker throughout the region dedicated to building the services people tell us they want and need while removing the barriers people face in accessing their communities. We don’t wait for others to take action—we believe it is our responsibility to meet people where they are, address the overlapping needs of our communities, and make a profound impact on people’s lives.

Our Mission is to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live the lives they choose by creating opportunities, promoting respect and equity, and providing access to services.

Our Vision is for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live the lives they choose in communities that are equitable, accessible, and fully inclusive.

We are able to achieve incredible things throughout our community because we have energetic, thoughtful leaders at every level of our organization who feel supported in their work. When passionate professionals feel a deep sense of inclusion and belonging in their workplace, they are able to support the people we serve and create innovative new initiatives from a place of security and empowerment. A major part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at The Arc is ensuring employees feel safe and secure bringing their whole selves to work. When we meet our employees’ needs, we are meeting our communities’ needs. When our employees are supported, their families and support systems are supported, and our communities become even healthier, stronger, and more resilient.