Over 20% of Americans live with a disability at any given time, and about 2% of the population experiences intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Arc of King County, at its core, is a civil rights organization, ensuring that people with IDD can determine their life course and fully participate in their communities. Through advocacy, direct services, and education, we work to protect and promote the rights of people with disabilities, striving for a world designed to be inclusive, accessible, and equitable for all.
As one of eight Washington state chapters of The Arc, we are a recognized leader by community and state officials in advancing disability rights. We serve thousands annually through supported living services, individual and family support, and policy advocacy—ensuring that the voices and experiences of people with IDD shape the decisions that impact their lives. Recent coalition efforts include influencing state policies like Nothing About Us Without Us (RCW 43.18A.901) and leading other initiatives to increase access to inclusive learning, working to end isolation in Washington schools, and securing state funding for IDD housing.
We provide specialized services and activities in English and Spanish. For other languages, we utilize interpreters.
Our programs include:
- Information and Family Support, for people needing referral and 1:1 support
- Parent to Parent, for connection and peer support
- IEP Parent Partners, for support with special education services
- Silver Tsunami, for aging families and caregivers
- Supported Living for adults living in the community
- Healthy Relationships support for people with IDD ages 18+
- Representative Payee for individuals needing financial management assistance
- Housing Stability Services for families at-risk of losing their housing; and
- Wings for Autism®, an airport rehearsal for autistic youth and their families
- Advocacy for people who want to build inclusive communities and promote and protect the rights of people with IDD
