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 befor 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 support, 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 contributions of people with diverse personal characteristics including however, not limited to, race, ethnicity, religion, age, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender and type of disability.
Guiding Principles
Participatory Democracy
The Arc acts to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their parents, siblings, family members and other concerned members of the public have meaningful opportunities to inform and guide the direction of the organization's advocacy, to include; determining policy and positions on important issues. The Arc strives for diversity in its leadership, as well as in all facets of the work of the organization.
Visionary Leadership
The Arc leads by articulating a positive vision for the future of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and catalyzes public and private support in realization of that vision through carefully and well-excited goals, strategies and actions.
Public Interest
The Arc represents the public interest, supporting and acting with and on behalf of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families regardless of the type of disabilities or membership in The Arc.
Collaboration
The Arc works with individuals, organizations, and coalitions in a collaborative fashion. The Arc values and promotes effective partnerships between volunteer and staff leadership at all levels of the organization.
Transparency, Integrity and Excellence
The Arc conducts its business with integrity, accountability with openness, honesty and timely communication. The Arc is committed to quality and excellence in all that it does.
We exist to...
- To promote the general welfare of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community
- To serve as a parent support and advocacy organization
- To further research on all aspects of the condition of intellectual and developmental disabilities such as the cause, prevention, medical and social treatment and methods of special education and training.
- To develop a better understanding of the condition of intellectual and developmental disabilities by the public and to cooperate with all public, private and religious agencies; international, federal, state and local departments of mental health, rehabilition, as well as educational and health institutions
- To further training, education and recruitment of personnel to work in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities
- To encourage the formation of local units, to advise and aid these units in the solutions of their problems and to coordinate the efforts and activities of these units
- To further the implementation of legislation on behalf of persons with disabilities
- To serve as a clearinghouse for gathering and disseminating information regarding persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to foster the development of integrated programs on their behalf
- To solicit and receive fund for the accomplishment of the above purposes
- To further the objectives of The Arc of the state of Mississippi and the United States