Who We Are

We are a nonprofit corporation that was established in Santa Paula in 1954 by a group of parents and teachers who knew their children deserved a full life. Nearly 70 years have passed since that small group made their commitment and dreams a reality: to promote and protect the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Today, our mission remains the same and is achieved through person-centered services that actively support full inclusion and participation in the community.

We have had many name changes throughout our history… Ventura County Association for the Retarded, Association for Retarded Children, and the Association for Retarded Citizens. Finally, in 2008, we eliminated the acronym “ARC” and renamed the organization, The Arc of Ventura County. Now, when asked what “The Arc” stands for, we proudly reply, “Equality, respect and self-determination for all people, regardless of ability.”

The Arc of Ventura County is financially supported by several federal and state departments, The Arc Foundation of Ventura County, public and private grants, as well as individual and community partners.

The organization is one of 700 state and local chapters throughout the country affiliated with The Arc, the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. In 2012, we adopted The Arc national logo – the “catalyst,” which symbolizes our embracing nature and commitment to independence for people with IDD.