In 1958, a small group of community volunteers joined together to advocate for the rights and needs of people with disabilities in Palm Beach County. The volunteers, many of them parents of children with disabilities, envisioned the creation of local community-based programs to educate and train their children to lead productive lives. They did not want their children placed in an institution which would provide little, if any, training to help them reach their greatest potential. They dared to

Imagine a world without limitations.... Imagine the possibilities

They envisioned a community accepting and supportive of their children, a place where a child with a disability could receive the support and encouragement needed to reach their dreams.

Now in its forty-eighth year, The Arc's families, staff and Board of Directors continue the mission of the agency's founders. Through ongoing efforts to break down the barriers that have limited the progress of people with disabilities, they continue to raise the standards of service and encourage people with disabilities to dream - dreams that guide The Arc in its ceaseless efforts to provide innovative programs and services. In our efforts to continually improve services, The Arc received CARF accredidation and NAEYC accredidation for The Arc's childcare centers.