The Arc Ontario

OUR MISSION: To foster lifelong fulfillment through active citizenship and enriched community living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other challenges.

OUR VISION: All individuals with disabilities or other challenges are one with their communities.

OUR HISTORY: The Arc Ontario, formerly Ontario ARC, was founded in 1954 when opportunities for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities were extremely limited. They had no rights, were not encouraged to attend school, find employment, or become contributing members of the community. Overall, very limited expectations were placed upon them. A pioneering group of parents from Geneva, NY recognized this growing issue and thanks to their perseverance and persistence, they founded our agency. Today, we’ve successfully grown to offer over 40 wide-ranging services for hundreds of families and we continue to work with the community, making it a place where people with disabilities or other challenges are welcomed, involved, and respected

At the Arc Ontario, we take pride in celebrating the unique strengths and achievements of the people we support. The Arc Ontario is one of 40+ chapters of The Arc New York. Here, we believe that nurturing uniqueness opens the door to endless, exciting possibilities. Whether that means landing a job and excelling in your career, finding new ways to creatively express yourself, or learning the skills needed to live on your own, we help people to realize the numerous ways they can fulfill their potential as valued, respected members of society. Our agency offers 40 programs and services including day programs, transportation, residential services, career programs, clinical services, work opportunities in our social enterprises which include Bad Dog Boutique, North Star Café, FLX Premier Bottling and Spot On Cleaning Company and College experience programs at Finger Lakes Community College and Hobart William Smith Colleges. We thrive on our values of integrity, respect, teamwork, commitment, quality, and innovation, which guide us in all of our decision making.