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 (IDD) and their families.
Here’s what people we’ve helped have to say:
Your support makes this possible.
Every gift to our General Fund directly supports individuals with IDD—providing food assistance, scholarships, essential member services, and more.
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.
At The Arc of Aurora, we believe in a world where people with developmental disabilities are respected, included, and empowered. We partner with individuals and families every day to provide the advocacy, education, and support they need—no matter their financial situation.
Our team delivers personalized advocacy based on each person’s unique needs, from quick consultations to intensive, long-term support—all with compassion and care.
We’re also proud to lead THINK+change, our innovative education program that offers solutions-focused training and tools. Through powerful educational content, we inspire change and improve lives—because we believe education is often the most effective form of advocacy. Explore more at www.thinkchange.training.
- - - Our Story and History - - -
The Arc of Aurora was founded in 1975—originally as the Association for Retarded Citizens—to support families of people with developmental disabilities. Our first office? A corner of Aurora City Councilwoman Molly Markert’s basement, with her home phone as our official line!
As self-advocates began speaking out, they made it clear that the word “retarded” was hurtful and outdated. In response, we dropped the acronym and embraced our name: The Arc—no acronym, just advocacy.
We’re an affiliate of The Arc of the United States but operate independently under a local, community-based board of directors. In Colorado, chapters like ours were created to provide conflict-free, individualized advocacy—and that remains our mission today.
From the passage of special education laws to the Americans with Disabilities Act, we’ve witnessed real progress. And with your support, we’re just getting started.
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 RoadArapahoe County, CO, US