The Arc of South Florida

HOW IT BEGAN: The Arc of South Florida was founded in 1954 by a group of parents who were concerned about the lack of adequate programs and denial of basic dignities to children with disabilities. Today, the organization employs more than 250 professionals who serve over 1000 program participants daily. The Arc of South Florida continues to act as the voice for all persons in South Florida with intellectual and developmental disabilities

We, as an organization have been sensitive to the impact of terminology on our constituency and have adapted according. As the words "retardation" and "retarded" became pejorative, derogatory and demeaning usage, the organization change its name to "The Arc".

NATIONAL & STATE AFFILIATES: The Arc of South Florida is a local chapter of The Arc of Florida and The Arc USA, a 70-year old national grassroots organization with 140,000 members who are affiliated through approximately 700 state and local chapters across the nation. The Arc USA headquarter is based in Washington DC.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES: The Arc of South Florida strives to provide a "Circle-of-Life" program, by aiding participants from before birth family consultation to accommodations in their older stages of life. There are more than a dozen programs and services provided by The Arc of South Florida, each structured and designed to meet the specific needs of its individual clients.