The Arc of Southeast Iowa

Founded in 1957, The Arc of Southeast Iowa celebrated its 53 anniversary in 2010. The Arc is the oldest, longest-running agency serving the disability community in the Johnson County area.

The Arc of Southeast Iowa serves more than 450 children and adults with mental retardation, Downs Syndrome, brain injury, autism, cerebral palsy and other cognitive and developmental disabilities and their families.

The Arc of Southeast Iowa provides advocacy, information and referral and an array of programs and services for the individual with intellectual and or developmental disabilities as well as education, support groups and fellowship for their families. Our nonprofit organization works to empower families, strengthen our community, knock down barriers to independence, foster inclusion, integration, independence and full-participation and rights of citizenship for all persons.

The Arc was the first programming and advocacy agency of its kind in the area. ARC initially was an acronym for Association for Retarded Children which evolved to Association for Retarded Citizens. Now Arc no longer serves as an acronym, but to promote the general welfare of children and adults with mental retardation, and now includes children and adults with any cognitive or developmental disability.

Prior to the Arc's efforts, children and adults with mental retardation were commonly referred to as "idiots-imbeciles and mongoloids" by professionals. Parents were encouraged "for the good of the family" to have their child institutionalized.

The Arc is committed to being a good neighbor, community partner and leader and to continue its 50-plus year history of service to children and adults with disabilities, their families and the community.