About Us

The Arc Fayette’s roots go back to 1959 when a group of concerned parents in Fayette County came together to advocate for educational opportunities for their children with severe disabilities.

At the time, children with disabilities were not being provided access to public education, so these parents formed what was initially known as The Association of Retarded Citizens of Fayette County. As a direct result of their efforts, a daycare program was started with primarily parent support.

The Pennsylvania Legislature passed the Mental Health/Mental Retardation Act, which provided funding for state-supported daycare programs.

A landmark court decision, by the Pennsylvania Courts in coordination with the initially known PA Association of Retarded Citizens, mandated that all individuals with disabilities, ages 5-21, had the right to free public education. This was a significant victory for the community, and it allowed adolescents to attend public schools.

During this time, The Arc Fayette expanded its services. In 1972, the organization began providing Early Intervention Services for children.

The Arc Fayette also launched the Adult Training Program, which has continued to serve individuals with disabilities ever since.

The Arc Fayette started its own employment program, using its own funds to create supported employment opportunities, with the first program being a car wash. This demonstrated the organization’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation began funding The Arc Fayette’s supported employment program, which allowed the organization to expand its efforts even further.

While Arc Fayette had been providing In Home and Community Supports for many years prior, in 2006, the program was restructured leading to its most current form.

The expansion of the In-Home and Community Program allows The Arc Fayette to reach more families and individuals, providing them with enhanced, personalized services and the care they need to thrive.

The Arc Fayette held its first rally at the Fayette County Courthouse to “Spread the Word to End the Word”, a campaign aimed at ending the use of the derogatory term “retard(ed).”

In the years to follow, The Arc Fayette’s commitment to awareness-raising continued, and in March 2017, participants and staff were invited to speak at the State Capitol Courthouse to advocate to address the hurt caused by the R-word and to promote respect in words and actions toward individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Arc Fayette opened its first two residential houses, just 11 days apart, expanding services and providing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities a safe and supportive place to call home.

This expansion allows The Arc Fayette to offer more comprehensive residential support, fostering independence and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.