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For seventy years The Arc Portland Metro has existed to enrich the lives of our neighbors who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities, and support the family members and providers who care for them. Our vision is an equitable and inclusive place to call home for all Oregonians, and our mission is to advocate for the rights and wellbeing of our community members with diverse abilities. We function to overcome the barriers to optimal living created by ableist societal structures, and to create individually responsive fulfillment and belonging in all aspects of life.
We recognize the people we serve as the primary experts in their own lives. Our services have been specifically identified by impacted community members as the ones that meet their needs and improve their quality of life. Our open, transparent dialogue with the community we serve provides us with ongoing feedback to inform and direct the continuous improvement of our activities.
We provide culturally and individually responsive services designed to improve all aspects of life for people experiencing intellectual / developmental disabilities. We currently offer a variety of initiatives to respond to the priorities outlined by the community members we serve, including lifestyle enrichment programming, direct support services, and connection to resources. As we work to provide a complete spectrum of care for the whole individual, key focuses include:
Support Services
Connection to Resources
Community Building
Enrichment Programming
Integrated Workforce Development
Advocacy
The Arc Portland Metro was founded in 1953 as a grassroots disability justice movement by a small but deeply invested group of parents of children experiencing intellectual / developmental disabilities. During a time when there were few effective resources to meet the needs of this community, they emerged as a growing body of tireless champions for early disability rights and resources. Anchored in these enduring principles of equity, inclusion, and opportunity, The Arc Portland Metro continues the work of advocacy, support, placemaking, advancement, and empowerment to help people experiencing IDD achieve their greatest potential.
The Arc Portland Metro is a local affiliate chapter of The Arc of the United States and The Arc Oregon.
Behind The Arc Portland Metro is a diverse team of dedicated people who bring their unique skills and perspectives to our mission.
Christina Dillon
John Garrow
John Griffiths
Jennie Heidrick
Julia Killen
Lamar Wright
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Vicki Smead
(503) 223-7279
Support our work with a tax-deductible donation
503-223-7279
info@thearcpdx.org
