The Arc Erie County

The Arc Erie County was founded in 1952 by Dr. Gertrude A. Barber and a group of dedicated parents sitting around a kitchen table. Together they worked to procure services for children and adults who were denied an education, the right to attend daycare and preschools, and the right to work. Today, more than 70 years later, The Arc continues to build on the strong traditions of the past by serving all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the county.

As part of a national organization, our primary goal is to improve supports and services available for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. That’s our responsibility. But locally, we see ourselves as much more! Together, we are a “family” of individuals working together to improve the quality of life for those in the greater Erie area facing challenges. Siblings, parents, friends, teachers, physicians, employers, and social workers – we see everyone as a valuable member of the community.

The Arc Erie County is an affiliate of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh as a member of the Achieva Family of organizations. The affiliation supports advocacy services needed by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Erie County when navigating complicated special education and adult service systems and gives them access to professional, compassionate, and innovative disability services offered by Achieva’s other affiliate organizations.