Advocacy
POSITION STATEMENTS
The Arc’s position statements address critical issues related to human and civil rights, health care and treatment, and services and programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Our position statements are used to advance our public policy agenda at all levels of our work – federal, state, and local. The statements also serve to inform our constituency, stakeholders, media, and the general public on the prevailing organizational view on key issues.
QUALITY OF LIFE
The primary goal for all persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities1 is to enjoy and maintain a good quality of life.
RIGHTS
People with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities have the same basic legal, civil, and human rights as other citizens. They may need accommodation, protection, and support to enable them to exercise these rights. Their rights should never be limited or restricted without due process.
LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY
All people, regardless of disability, deserve the opportunity for a full life in their community where they can live, learn, work, and play alongside each other through all stages of life. People with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities1 need varying degrees of support to reach personal goals and establish a sense of satisfaction with their lives.
SYSTEMS
Systems are necessary to support people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families to enable them to live their lives like other people. These support systems must be of high quality and focused on the people and their families, not the staff.