Address: The Arc of Washington State, 2638 State Avenue NE Olympia, WA 98506
Phone: (360) 357-5596 | Toll Free: (888) 754-8798 | Fax: (360) 357-3279 | Email: info@arcwa.org
Our Mission
Promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Our Vision
The Arc’s vision is for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to be valued members of their communities, with the opportunity to realize their full potential and a future that is secure.
Deeply Rooted History
The Arc was founded in 1936 by parents who believed their children with I/DD deserved more – to be included in their communities and to pursue fulfillment and happiness just like everyone else. Ever since then, The Arc has continued to grow and evolve along with the changing needs and issues people with disabilities and their families face — and has played a pivotal role in changing the public perception of disability.
Since 1936, The Arc of Washington State has been a leader in the development of services and programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages and in providing support to their families.
As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, The Arc of Washington State is composed of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, professionals, and concerned members of the community.
The Arc’s mission is to advocate for the rights and full participation of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Along with our network of members and chapters, we support and empower individuals and families; connect and inform individuals and families; improve support and service systems; influence public policy; increase public awareness; and inspire inclusive communities.
The Arc of Washington State advocates for quality services and necessary funding to meet the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families including birth to three services, special education, employment, and residential supports, health care, transportation, respite, and inclusion in the community.
The Arc is affiliated with The Arc of the United States and seven local chapters of The Arc throughout Washington State.
The Arc of Washington State Board Officers:
- Marilee Fosbre, President
- Debbie Roberts, Vice President
- Angie Ziska, Secretary
- David M. Eaton, Treasurer
- Nancy Stark, Past President
Our Core Values
People First
The Arc believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are defined by their own strengths, abilities and inherent value, not by their disability.
Equity
The Arc believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are entitled to the respect, dignity, equality, safety, and security accorded to other members of society, and are equal before the law.
Community
The Arc believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities belong in the community and have fundamental moral, civil and constitutional rights to be fully included and actively participate in all aspects of society.
Self-determination
The Arc believes in self-determination and self-advocacy. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with appropriate resources and supports, can make decisions about their own lives and must be heard on issues that affect their well-being.
Diversity
The Arc believes that society in general and The Arc in particular benefit from the contributions of people with diverse personal characteristics (including but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, age, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender and type of disability)
Our Guiding Principles
Participatory Democracy
The Arc acts to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their parents, siblings, family members and other concerned members of the public have meaningful opportunities to inform and guide the direction of the organization’s advocacy, including determining policy and positions on important issues. The Arc strives for diversity in its leadership, as well as in all facets of the work of the organization.
Visionary Leadership
The Arc leads by articulating a positive vision for the future of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and catalyzes public and private support in realization of that vision through carefully planned and well-executed goals, strategies and actions.
Public Interest
The Arc represents the public interest, supporting and acting with and on behalf of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families regardless of the type of disability or membership in The Arc.
Collaboration
The Arc works with individuals, organizations and coalitions in a collaborative fashion. The Arc values and promotes effective partnerships between volunteer and staff leadership at all levels of the organization.
Transparency, Integrity and Excellence
The Arc conducts its business with integrity, accountability, and open, honest and timely communication. The Arc is committed to quality and excellence in all it does.
For People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
7 Local State Chapters in Washington
Along with local advocacy, The Arc’s seven local chapters sometimes offer direct services, such as representative payee-ship, problem-solving, and crisis intervention. Although programs and services vary from chapter to chapter, they all help individuals and families gain access to services offered by other agencies. For more information about the services offered by a specific chapter, please contact your local Arc chapter office.
