Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

DEI at The Arc

At The Arc, we promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across all of our programs and organizational practices. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities—a population that is often discriminated against and excluded— and our six core values of people first, community, transparency, self-determination, diversity, and respect are central to realizing this goal. As an organization, we strive to enhance inclusion, maximize personal choice, and support individuals in achieving their full potential.

In 2021, we created the agency’s first DEI policy, and in 2022, we developed a three-year strategic plan that promotes improved equity and justice in all agency practices. This plan builds the core values of DEI into all of our operations and identifies strategies to model these values as we advance our mission. For example, we completed a CLAS training with our Board and implicit bias training with staff, created a diversity committee, added a DEI section to the employee newsletter, and created a speaker’s series. We also installed new “All are Welcome Here” stickers at each of our offices and program locations, and in 2023, we received an Honorable Mention for ADDP’s DEI Award.

In the coming year, we will continue our extensive staff training and will host additional speakers and seminars to train staff on DEI principles as well as share stories of diversity. For more information, please contact Brenda Linden, Chief Strategy and Engagement Officer. 

All are welcome at The Arc.

DEI Speaker Series