The Arc Dearborn
The Arc Dearborn was founded in 1954 by a group of local families concerned with ensuring their children with developmental disabilities would not be forgotten by the educational system. For nearly sixty years, The Arc Dearborn has provided advocacy and community inclusion opportunities for community members with disabilities and their families. Unique among the affiliated Arc chapters of Southeast Michigan, The Arc Dearborn offers a Community Program - the focus of which is to provide opportunities for community involvment and inclusion, and provide enriching opportunities to socialize and integrate with and among the social fabric of the Metro Detroit area as a whole.
Our Mission
The Arc Dearborn provides a wide range of supportive services, information and advocacy to improve the quality of life for children and adults with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc promotes opportunities to live, learn and work in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and surrounding communities among family, friends and neighbors.
Our Affiliation
The Arc Dearborn is part of a network of affiliated organizations with over 730 chapters in the United States. The Arc Dearborn is affiliated with a State and National Arc with more than 160,000 members collectively. All Arcs are devoted to assure that citizens with developmental disabilities are valued and that they and their families can participate fully in and contribute to the life of their community.
Our Organization
A 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, The Arc Dearborn operates under the guidance of a Board of Directors comprised of community leaders, parents, and members of the disabled communities in which it serves. Organizationally, The Arc Dearborn revolves around two major functions, the Community Program, which enables people with disabilities to be fully involved in the activities of the greater community, and advocacy, including Systems Navigation, Parent Mentorship, and the promotion of Dignified Lifestyles for all people.
Our Values
The Arc believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have strengths, abilities and inherent value; are equal before the law; and must be treated with dignity and respect. The Arc represents, supports and acts on behalf of individuals and their families regardless of level of disability or membership in The Arc. The Arc believes in self-determination by empowering people with the supports needed to make informed decisions and choices.
We endorse, support, practice and live by the Credo For Support.
