The Arc of Greater Brockton

The Arc of Greater Brockton has a rich history spanning more than 60 years and marked by accomplishment. We continue to carry out the mission and vision of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their parents and siblings. In 1950, a small group of parents and other concerned individuals came together to act as voices for change. At the time, little was known about the condition of intellectual disability (at the time referred to as ‘mental retardation’) or its causes. There were virtually no programs and activities in communities to assist in the development and care of children and adults with intellectual disability or to support families. It was common at that time for doctors to tell parents that the best place for their child was in an institution. Emboldened by their collective desire to raise their children in the home and their stubborn refusal to accept that institutionalization was the only option, the hard work of the Arc of Greater Brockton founders resulted in the legal creation of the Brockton Area Arc on December 8, 1952. Like every parent of any child, they wanted more for their children. They wanted their children to lead fulfilling lives in the community and not shuttered away in institutions. It was in that spirit that The Arc of Greater Brockton was born.

The Arc of Greater Brockton is a non-profit local chapter of The Arc, a national advocacy organization, and The Arc Massachusetts. Our mission is to work in partnership with, and for, the community to provide advocacy, information, and direct services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and autism spectrum disorder. Our services provide choice and empowerment while supporting individuals as they strive to realize their personal goals. We promote independence, respect, and dignity. We fulfill this mission by advocating on a local, state and national level for the rights and general welfare of children, adults and their families. We operate locations in Brockton and neighboring Easton, and we service individuals throughout our region.