Mission
The Arc of Oklahoma’s mission is to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and actively support their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Vision
Our vision is for Oklahomans with IDD to be valued members of their communities, with the opportunity to realize their full potential and a future that is secure.
Core Values
People First
The Arc believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are defined by their own strengths, abilities, and inherent value — not by their disability.
Equity
The Arc believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are entitled to the respect, dignity, equality, safety, and security accorded to other members of society, and are equal before the law.
Community
The Arc believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities belong in the community and have fundamental moral, civil, and constitutional rights to be fully included and actively participate in all aspects of society.
Self-determination
The Arc believes in self-determination and self-advocacy. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with appropriate resources and supports, can make decisions about their own lives and must be heard on issues that affect their well-being.
Diversity
The Arc believes that society in general and The Arc in particular benefit from the contributions of people with diverse personal characteristics (including but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, age, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender, and type of disability).
Guiding Principles
Advocacy First
The Arc is a disability rights organization. We work with and for people with IDD, their families, and our communities to achieve change. We use the power of advocacy to improve the lives of people with IDD.
Stronger Together
The Arc unites our advocates to advance the human rights and wellbeing of people with IDD and their families. The success of our advocacy depends on the strength of our community network. We are stronger together.
Quality and Excellence
The Arc provides programs and services that people with IDD and their families want and depend upon in their daily lives. We strive for quality and excellence in all we do.
Shared Leadership
The Arc actively engages people with IDD and their family members in leading and guiding our work. These voices are the most important. The strong partnership between volunteer, experts, and the people we serve is critical to our mission.
Consensus
The Arc leads by building consensus around a clear vision for the future of people with IDD. We unite and mobilize people behind goals and strategies that will make that vision a reality.
For All People with IDD
The Arc works with and for ALL people with IDD. While our work also helps all people with disabilities, our priority is people with IDD and their families.
Partnership
The Arc works in coalition with other disability, civil rights, and human services groups. We value joint effort and step up to provide leadership when needed.
Open and Accountable
The Arc is accountable to people with IDD, their families, donors, and the public. We are committed to honesty and transparency.
Identity and Language
The Arc respects the rights of people with IDD to decide if or when to self-identify and the language they use when doing so.