Mission Statement

The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

The Arc's Core Values People First.

The Arc believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are defined by their own strengths, abilities and inherent value, not by their disability.

Equity.

The Arc believes that people with intellectual and deveopmental disabilities are entitled to the respect, dignity, equality, safety, and security accorded to other members of society, and are equal before the law.

Community.

The Arc believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities belong in the community and have fundamental moral, civil and consitutional rights to be fully included and actively participate in all aspects of society.

Self-determination.

The Arc believes in self-determination and self-advocacy. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities with appropriate resources and supports, can make decisions about their own lives and must be heard on issues that affect their well-being.

Diversity.

The Arc believes that society in general and The Arc in particular benefit from the contributions of people with diverse personal characteristics (including but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, age, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender and type of disability).

Guiding Principles Participatory Democracy.

The Arc acts to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their parents, siblings, family members and other concerned members of the pblic have meaningful opportunities to inform and guide the direction of the organization's advocacy, including determining policy and positions on important issues. The Arc strives for diversity in its leadership, as well as in all facets of the work of the organization.

Visionary Leadership.

The Arc leads by articulating a positive vision for the future of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and catalyzes public and private support in realization of that vision through carefully planned and well-executed goals, strategies and actions.

Public Interest.

The Arc represents the public interest, supporting and acting with and on behalf of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families regardless of the type of disability or membership in The Arc.

Collaboration.

The Arc works with individuals, organizations and coalitions in a collaborative fashion. The Arc values and promotes effective partnerships between volunteer and staff leadership at all levels of the organization.

Transparency, Integrity and Excellence.

The Arc conducts its business with integrity, accountability, and open, honest and timely communication. The Arc is committed to quality and excellence in all it does.

The Mission of The Arc of Mississippi is:

To promote the general welfare of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the State of Mississippi
To serve as a parent support and advocacy organization
To further research on all aspects of the condition of intellectual and developmental disabilities such as the cause, prevention, medical and social treatment and methods of special education and training
To develop a better understanding of the condition of intellectual and developmental disabilities by the public and to cooperate with all public, private and religious agencies; international, federal, state and local departments of mental health, rehabilitation, education and health; and institutions
To further training, education and recruitment of personnel to work in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities
To encourage the formation of local units, to advise and aid these units in the solutions of their problems and to coordinate the efforts and activities of these units
To further the implementation of legislation on behalf of persons with disabilities
To serve as a clearinghouse for gathering and disseminating information regarding persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to foster the development of integrated programs on their behalf
To solicit and receive funds for the accomplishment of the above purposes
To further the objectives of The Arc of the United States