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.

EQUALITY
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)

History

The Arc of Wichita County was founded in the 1950s by parents and friends of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The Arc was initially run by volunteers and has since moved forward to having over 16 people on staff throughout the year with even more seasonal workers. Our chapter has grown significantly over the years. We are the home of People First Self-Advocates, the largest self-advocacy group in the state of Texas. Between all of our programs, we serve and represent over 200 adults and children in Wichita County and have dreams and visions to grow even more in the next 60 years!