The Arc of Philadelphia

The Arc of Philadelphia Advocate to promote active citizenship, self-determination, and inclusion for all.

Overview

The Arc of Philadelphia has led the way in protecting the rights of and promoting opportunities for children and adults with disabilities by advocating with and for all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to promote active citizenship, self-determination and full inclusion. The Arc of Philadelphia affiliated with The Arc of Pennsylvania and The Arc of the United States and is a member of SpArc Philadelphia. The Arc of Philadelphia follows its Guiding Principles of:

INTEGRITY AND EXCELLENCE - we fulfill our mission with integrity and transparency and are committed to quality and excellence in all we do. PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY - we commit to the principle that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and other citizens have meaningful opportunities to inform and guide the direction of The Arc. VISIONARY LEADERSHIP – we lead by articulating a positive future for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. COLLABORATION - we work with individuals and organizations in a collaborative fashion that promotes effective partnerships. History

Founded in 1948 by parents who sought better services for their children with developmental and other disabilities, The Arc of Philadelphia is one of the first of now more than 700 Arc chapters in the United States. The parents who created The Arc labored tirelessly for the equal rights and human dignity of people with disabilities at a time when institutionalization of newborns with intellectual disabilities was the norm. Over the past 65 years, The Arc through its volunteer board, staff and membership has become a powerful voice in shaping the service landscape for people with disabilities. As an early pioneer, The Arc of Philadelphia advocated for the right of education for school age children, the closure of Pennhurst, and promoted integrated, community and school based services for children and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. At every step in the struggle for equal rights, The Arc of Philadelphia has been a vibrant catalyst for change at the local, state and national level. Our relationship building with our state and national legislators is noteworthy and we are seen by them as a leader regarding disability-related system issues. The mission of The Arc is to advocate with and for all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, to promote active citizenship, self-determination, and full inclusion.

It's time to start thinking about the next election, it will be here before we know it! Are you ready for the Primary El...
02/26/2026

It's time to start thinking about the next election, it will be here before we know it! Are you ready for the Primary Election on May 19, 2026? Click the link below to register, sign up for a mail in ballot, and check the location and accessibility of your polling place.

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/vote

The SpArc Philadelphia family of organizations, which includes The Arc of Philadelphia is closed, Monday, February 23, 2...
02/22/2026

The SpArc Philadelphia family of organizations, which includes The Arc of Philadelphia is closed, Monday, February 23, 2026. Stay safe and stay warm Philly!

The SpArc Philadelphia family of organizations is closed, Monday, February 23, 2026. Stay safe and stay warm Philadelphia!

The Arc of Philadelphia facility is closed tomorrow, 1.30.26, please go to ArcPhiladelphia.org if you need assistance!
01/29/2026

The Arc of Philadelphia facility is closed tomorrow, 1.30.26, please go to ArcPhiladelphia.org if you need assistance!

SpArc Philadelphia, CLOSED January 30, 2026

Due to ongoing weather issues, SpArc Philadelphia, The Arc of Philadelphia, and SpArc Services will be closed on Friday, January 30, 2026. Stay warm out there, Philadelphia, we'll see you soon!y

Our building will be closed tomorrow, January 29, 2026. If you need us, please go to ArcPhiladelphia.org!
01/29/2026

Our building will be closed tomorrow, January 29, 2026. If you need us, please go to ArcPhiladelphia.org!

Due to ongoing weather issues, SpArc Philadelphia, The Arc of Philadelphia, and SpArc Services will be closed on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Our building will be closed tomorrow, 1.28.26 due to ongoing weather issues. If you need assistance please go to our web...
01/27/2026

Our building will be closed tomorrow, 1.28.26 due to ongoing weather issues. If you need assistance please go to our website at, arcphiladelphia.org

Due to ongoing weather issues, SpArc Philadelphia, The Arc of Philadelphia, and SpArc Services will be closed on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Due to ongoing weather issues our building is closed Tomorrow, January 27, 2026. Stay warm out there Philly, we'll see y...
01/26/2026

Due to ongoing weather issues our building is closed Tomorrow, January 27, 2026. Stay warm out there Philly, we'll see you soon!

Due to ongoing weather issues, SpArc Philadelphia, The Arc of Philadelphia, and will be closed on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Stay warm out there Philadelphia, we'll see you soon!

*Action Alert* Students with disabilities have the right to a free, appropriate public education. Federal law protects t...
01/22/2026

*Action Alert*
Students with disabilities have the right to a free, appropriate public education. Federal law protects that right. But right now, those protections are being threatened. Staff who enforce special education laws are being laid off, and programs are being moved away from education experts.

Make sure educators have accurate information about the law. Students with disabilities deserve to be supported and educated, not ignored. Click the link to sign the petition!

Sign the Petition to Protect Special Education.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Arc of Philadelphia and The SpArc Philadelphia family of organizations!
11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from The Arc of Philadelphia and The SpArc Philadelphia family of organizations!

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween!

10/30/2025

A message from The Arc of Philadelphia on the importance of this November 4th.

Are you a parent of a student with disabilities?Join the Local Task Force (LTF) for support, guidance, and solutions! ...
10/06/2025

Are you a parent of a student with disabilities?
Join the Local Task Force (LTF) for support, guidance, and solutions!

✅ Get help with special education concerns
✅ Problem-solve services and supports
✅ Connect with school staff and other parents
✅ Learn about community resources

Meetings are virtual, monthly, and free to attend. Click the link below to register and let’s work together to support your child’s success!
http://bit.ly/4paNgpY

Address

2350 W Westmoreland Street
Philadelphia, PA
19140

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12152294550

Website

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