Summary
Organization name
The Arc of Aurora
1975
Tax id (EIN)
84-0678813
Category
Civil Rights, Social Action & Advocacy
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
1342 South Chambers RoadAurora, CO 80017
Arapahoe County, CO, US
The Arc of Aurora is a private not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Testimonials
Consider what people have said who we have helped:
- “A spectacular advocate for us. I don't know what I would have done without them." ~Leigh-Anne
- “They have given us support and advice and helped us financially and with their food bank.” ~Maria
- “I wouldn’t be where I am today without The Arc of Aurora.” ~Silas
- “Without The Arc of Aurora, I don’t think my child would have had a good education at school.” ~Asia
Mission
The Arc of Aurora helps children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families live the highest quality lives possible by providing information and referral; community training and education; individual, class and systems change advocacy; and individual, family, volunteer and community support. Put simply, The Arc of Aurora helps people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families get what they need from the systems that are designed and funded to support them.
Background Statement
At The Arc of Aurora, we believe in a world where people with developmental disabilities are respected, included, and empowered. Every day, we work alongside individuals and families to provide the advocacy, education, and support they need—regardless of their financial situation.
Our team offers personalized advocacy services based on each individual's or family’s unique needs. Whether it's a quick consultation or an intensive, ongoing intervention, our support is always tailored and compassionate.
We’re also proud of our innovative social enterprise, THINK+change—a program that delivers solutions-focused training and tools designed to shift knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Through engaging educational content, we inspire systems change and improve quality of life for people with developmental disabilities. Because we know: education is the least intrusive—and often the most effective—form of advocacy. Learn more at www.thinkchange.training.
Our Story and History
The Arc of Aurora was incorporated in 1975 as the Association for Retarded Citizens, originally founded to support families of people with developmental disabilities. Our very first office? A corner of Aurora City Councilwoman Molly Markert’s basement—complete with her home phone number as our official line.
As self-advocates began to raise their voices, they made it clear that the term "retarded" was harmful and outdated. In response, we retired the ARC acronym and embraced our new identity: The Arc—no acronym, just advocacy.
We are an affiliated chapter of The Arc of the United States but operate independently with guidance from our local, community-based board of directors. In Colorado, The Arc chapters were founded to ensure conflict-free, individualized advocacy—and that mission still drives us today.
Over the decades, we've stood witness to landmark progress: from the passage of federal laws ensuring a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities to the historic enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
We’re proud of how far we’ve come—and with your help, we’ll go even further.
Media gallery
Instagram gallery
Get Involved
View our current participation opportunities.
All opportunities
Anywhere
In-Person Volunteering
Volunteer for The Arc of Aurora!
The Arc of Aurora
Ongoing opportunity
Organization Data
Aurora, CO 80017