Overview
What Is The Arc New York?
The Arc New York is the largest provider of supports, services and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in the state.
Founded in 1949 by passionate parents and community members who wanted more for their children. The Arc New York has played a pivotal role in changing the public perception of people with disabilities and shaping the system of the system of community supports we know today. As a family-led organization, The Arc New York has sustained a 75-year legacy of advocacy, and evolved to become New York’s primary I/DD service provider.
Today, 37 local Chapters of The Arc New York support more than 60,000 people and families in every county of the state.
The Arc New York works in partnership with families and volunteers in realizing our mission to provide people with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities the ordinary and extraordinary opportunities of life.
What are Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities?
Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are differences that are usually present at birth and that uniquely affect an individual’s physical, intellectual, and/or emotional development. Many of these conditions affect multiple body parts or systems. Intellectual disability starts any time before a child turns 18 and is characterized by differences with:
- Intellectual functioning or intelligence, which include the ability to learn, reason, problem solve, and other skills; and
- Adaptive behavior, which includes everyday social and life skills.
The term “developmental disabilities” is a broader category of often lifelong challenges that can be intellectual, physical, or both.
What Does The Arc Stand For?
Throughout its history, The Arc’s name has gone through many changes.
Today, “The Arc” is not an acronym. When referring to us, please use The Arc New York, not The ARC or ARC.
Who Should I Contact for Press Inquiries?
Kate Geurin-DeVoe – Director of Communications & Public Relations
518-439-8311 ext. 289 | 518-573-4052 | geurink@thearcny.org
Casey Croucher – Communications Specialist
518-439-8311 | croucherc@thearcny.org
What’s The Arc New York’s Position On…?
The Arc New York’s position statements address critical issues related to human and civil rights, health care, and services and programs for children and adults with I/DD and their families.
People First Language
People with disabilities are first and foremost people who have individual abilities, interests, and needs. They are moms, dads, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and students. They are a part of the community.
About 54 million Americans — one out of every five individuals — have a disability. People with disabilities constitute our nation’s largest minority group, which is simultaneously the most inclusive and the most diverse. Everyone is represented: all genders, all ages, all religions, all socioeconomic levels and all ethnic backgrounds. The disability community is the only minority group that anyone can join at any time.
Words are powerful. The language a society uses to refer to persons with disabilities shapes its beliefs and ideas about them. Old, inaccurate, and inappropriate descriptors perpetuate negative stereotypes and attitudinal barriers. In contrast, using thoughtful terminology can foster positive attitudes about persons with disabilities.
What is People First Language? People First Language emphasizes the person, not the disability. By placing the person first, the disability is no longer the primary, defining characteristic of an individual, but one of several aspects of the whole person. It eliminates generalizations and stereotypes, by focusing on the person rather than the disability. All it takes is flipping the order of your words – so instead of disabled person, you refer to the person as a person with a disability.
Some people prefer identity-first language. You should always respect how a person wants to refer to themselves if they communicate a preference.
Our words and the meanings we attach to them create attitudes, drive social policies and laws, influence our feelings and decisions, and affect people’s daily lives. How we use them makes a difference, and at The Arc New York, we advocate for respect.
Media Representation
Historically, people with disabilities have been regarded as individuals to be pitied, feared, or ignored. They have been portrayed as helpless victims, repulsive adversaries, heroic individuals overcoming tragedy, and charity cases who must depend on others for their well-being and care. Media coverage frequently focused on heartwarming features and inspirational stories that reinforced stereotypes, patronized, and underestimated individuals’ capabilities.
In recent years, disability activism and improved understanding in the public and the media of disability issues have altered public awareness and knowledge, eliminating the worst stereotypes and misrepresentations. Still, old attitudes, experiences, and stereotypes die hard.
People with disabilities continue to seek accurate portrayals that present a respectful, positive view of individuals as active participants of society, included in the classroom, the workplace, and in all aspects of the community. Additionally, people with disabilities are focusing attention on tough issues that affect quality of life, such as accessible transportation, housing, affordable health care, employment opportunities, and discrimination.
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
