Our mission is to support and empower persons with developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy and education, expanding individual choices and promoting community inclusion.
Implementing Our Mission
The Arc of the United States Missouri Chapter implements our mission by working side by side with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to advocate on issues important to people with disabilities in Missouri.
We can provide information and technical support to individuals, families and organizations to assist them in fulfilling their dreams. At some point in his or her life each person with developmental disabilities may need an advocate. Advocacy takes place at the personal, local, state and national level.
This advocacy occurs with the executive and legislative branches of government, administrative agencies, school districts and other providers and provider organizations.
The Arc of the United States Missouri Chapter and the national Arc office advocate for specific policies and programs that benefit people with developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc of the United States Missouri Chapter also educates policymakers, people with developmental disabilities, service providers, families and others on the best practices and issues that impact people with developmental disabilities and their families.
The Arc's goal is to be a state wide and national force that creates the environment and the opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and their families to have choices as they live their lives in the community.
Our Purpose
- Organizing a grassroots organization of families and people with developmental disabilities to expand community choice and promote community inclusion.
- Empowering families including people with disabilities of all ages with new ideas, approaches and information.
- Educating legislators and communities on maximizing independence, productivity, inclusion and self-determination for all people with developmental disabilities.
- Advocating for system change so that services and supports are fiscally and ethically responsible to all citizens in Missouri.
Goals of the Missouri Chapter
- Increase the number of parents, persons with disabilities and their supporters in the statewide chapter.
- Support and develop local chapters of the Arc.
- Build a recognized, statewide organization that represents all people with disabilities and their families in Missouri.