The Arc of Benton County is a local chapter of a the nation’s largest advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our mission and values align with theirs, though programs may differ between chapters. While we don’t align with any particular political party, we advocate for policies that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As new issues and discussion topics arise, The Arc releases position statements to let the public know where we stand on them.
Before supporting a nonprofit organization, you probably want to know where they stand on issues that are important to you. The Arc’s position statement PDF is 104 pages long, so this article will address some of the most relevant topics in 2025.
Anti-Racism
The Arc recognizes that to this day, people face systemic prejudice and discrimination due to their race – usually when they identify with a minority or marginalized group. Chapters of The Arc collaborate with people with IDD from marginalized groups, and we consider the impact public policies can have on them.
Position Statement: “To be anti-racist, all policy reform efforts must include the voices of and perspective of people of color with disabilities. Policy work then must move forward to enact necessary changes with and in support of the efforts of people of color and disability-led organizations.”
View this entire section on pages 17-19.
Criminal Justice System
People with IDD are 4-10 times more likely to become a victim of a crime than those without a disability. They may also need accommodations when navigating the criminal justice system, whether they’re a victim, witness, or defendant. The Arc believes that people with IDD deserve fair and equal treatment in our justice system, which may include providing them with support to navigate the system. To us, this also applies to undiagnosed individuals. In states where the death penalty is a possible outcome, The Arc insists that people with IDD must continue to be exempt from it.
Position Statement: “People with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities must receive justice in the criminal justice system, whether as victims, witnesses, suspects, defendants, or incarcerated individuals.”
View this entire section on pages 25-28.
Employment
People with IDD can work alongside peers without disabilities, all while being compensated fairly for their work. Despite that, there’s still a misconception that they cannot. People with IDD have the right to meaningful employment that aligns with their interests and strengths. Their workplace should offer reasonable accommodations and be free of discrimination.
Position Statement: “People with IDD should have the supports necessary from individuals and systems to enable them to find and keep community jobs based on their preferences, interests, and strengths, work alongside people without disabilities, receive comparable wages, and be free from workplace discrimination.”
View this entire section on pages 61-63.
Housing
The Arc wants people with IDD to have housing in their community. Adults should be able to decide who they live with, whether to buy or rent, and where they live – regardless of disability. We also advocate for funding to be shifted away from large institutions and towards community support systems.
Position Statement: “People with IDD have the right to live in safe, accessible, affordable housing in the community”
View this entire section on pages 71-73
Our position statements cover many more topics than the ones addressed in this article. If you’d like to learn more, we encourage you to skim through the PDF or send us a message.