The Arc Of Oklahoma

In the U.S., there is a tradition of people coming together to address common concerns. It was this belief in the advantage of mutual action that brought a group of families who had children with developmental disabilities together in 1952 to address their shared concerns about the lack of education services available to their children. TARC was born out of their shared frustration with the lack of options available in the community for their children. The organization these families formed 62 years ago was infused by the passion of these founding families. This passion has continued throughout the history of the organization and continues to drive the organization in 2014. The overriding mission of TARC today is to ensure a high quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families. This mission is grounded by the core beliefs that individuals with developmental disabilities are entitled to dignity and respect and that empowerment of these individuals is the most effective way to help them achieve their dreams. It is envisioned that achieving this mission will lead to a world in which individuals with developmental disabilities have a right to make their own choices and that their voices will be reflected in all decisions affecting their lives. Current programs provide advocacy, education, information, and support to families who have children with developmental disabilities and adults with developmental disabilities.