The Arc is the nation's leading advocate for all people with I/DD and their families and the premier provider of the supports and services people want and need. The Arc actively involves people with I/DD; their parents, siblings and other family members; caregivers; colleagues; neighbors; and friends as leaders and activists in a movement dedicated to the inclusion of people with I/DD in all aspects of society. The Arc assures that the human rights of people with I/DD are attained, and that sufficient resources are available to meet their needs, in every community in our nation.

The Arc is the standard bearer for best practices in supports and services for people with I/DD and has a demonstrable record of success in achieving the outcomes people want for their lives. Welcoming people of all races, ethnicities and socio-economic status, and providing both a sense of purpose and of belonging. The Arc is the resource of first choice for people with I/DD and their families regardless of the diagnosis and at all stages of life.

The Arc is active, vibrant, well-known, and respected in communities throughout the United States. With state and local chapters throughout all 50 states and the District of Columbia, The Arc is regularly sought out by elected and appointed government officials, media, business, academia, and other nonprofits as the authoritative source of information and advice about the needs, issues and concerns of people with I/DD. The Arc is an effective, responsive and sustainable organization that is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs, desires and circumstances of people with I/DD and their families. It enjoys substantial philanthropic support from individuals, corporations and foundations on par with other successful national nonprofits.

Goal I. Infants, children and youth with I/DD have access to the supports and services they need to live in their family homes, to succeed in school and to partake in all of the experiences of childhood.

Goal II. Adults with I/DD have the opportunity to lead lives of their own choosing, to be free from poverty, to be employed, to reside in the community, and to live independently with ready access to whatever services and supports they need.

Goal III. People with I/DD have the opportunity to participate in civic activities, volunteerism and community service, religion, art, culture, and recreation alongside their peers without disabilities.

Goal IV. Individual members of the public value, respect and accept people with I/DD as equal members of society.

Goal V. The Arc is a powerful advocate for people with I/DD, leading a vibrant, engaged and growing movement of people with I/DD; their family members, friends and colleagues; and the nonprofit organizations that serve them, committed to the full inclusion of people with I/DD in society.

Goal VI. The Arc is a catalyst advancing best practices among all community-based service providers and the preeminent provider of inclusive services and supports for people with I/DD and their families.

Goal VII. The Arc is a household name, well-known and respected as an effective, responsive, well-managed, responsibly governed, and sustainable nonprofit organization.