The following Core Values and Guiding Principles were developed and adopted by The Arc’s national headquarters.  The Arc – Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties embraces these values and principles and embodies them in our work and lives.

Core Values

Human Dignity

People with IDD have human dignity. The lives of people with IDD have value.

Personhood

People with IDD have varying strengths, abilities, and interests. Each person is unique.

Choice

People with IDD can make decisions about their lives. People with IDD should be supported to do so as requested or needed.

Rights

People with IDD have human and civil rights, which must be protected.

Community

People with IDD are part of and contribute to the fabric of society. Everyone benefits when people with IDD are present and participate.

Support

People with IDD have differing support needs. Society must support people with IDD to achieve their full potential. Society should also help families who provide support for loved ones with IDD.

Equity

Society must remove barriers and correct injustices that limit opportunities for people with IDD. Extra action is needed to help people with IDD and their families, who face other forms of bias or discrimination.

Diversity

Human diversity is beautiful and powerful. We celebrate, honor, and seek to understand the differences in our identities and life experiences.

Guiding Principles

Advocacy First

The Arc is a disability rights organization. We work with and for people with IDD, their families, and our communities to achieve change. We use the power of advocacy to improve the lives of people with IDD.

Stronger Together

The Arc unites our chapters to advance the human rights and wellbeing of people with IDD and their families. The success of our advocacy depends on the strength of the chapter network. We are stronger together.

Quality and Excellence

The Arc provides programs and services that people with IDD and their families want and depend upon in their daily lives. We strive for quality and excellence in all we do.

Shared Leadership

The Arc actively engages people with IDD and their family members in leading and guiding our work. These voices are the most important. The strong partnership between volunteer, experts, and the people we serve is critical to our mission.

Consensus

The Arc leads by building consensus around a clear vision for the future of people with IDD. We unite and mobilize people behind goals and strategies that will make that vision a reality.

For All People with IDD

The Arc works with and for ALL people with IDD. While our work also helps all people with disabilities, our priority is people with IDD and their families.

Partnership

The Arc works in coalition with other disability, civil rights, and human services groups. We value joint effort and step up to provide leadership when needed.

Open and Accountable

The Arc is accountable to people with IDD, their families, donors, and the public. We are committed to honesty and transparency.

Identity and Language

The Arc respects the rights of people with IDD to decide if or when to self-identify and the language they use when doing so.