Dear Friend of The Arc Eastern Connecticut,
April is beaming with excitement. After years of preparation and anticipation, she is finally moving into her own apartment—a milestone many of us take for granted, but one that represents a significant step toward independence for April. She is one of “The Arc Seven,” the first
occupants of a newly constructed, mixed-income apartment building in New London,
CT—a community project that offers independent-living options to people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
April’s journey to independence is supported by The Arc Eastern Connecticut’s
innovative and inclusive programs. Through her longtime involvement in our
Community Life & Advocacy (CL&A) program, she developed the skills and
confidence needed to thrive in her new environment. CL&A programs,
such as personal enrichment, cultural education, and volunteer activities,
helped April grow socially and emotionally, empowering her to embrace
new opportunities and build connections with neighbors in her community.
April’s story is one of many that exemplify the transformative impact of
The Arc ECT.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Inclusion
Since 1952, The Arc Eastern Connecticut has been a beacon of hope and opportunity
for people with IDD and their families.
Our story began when two groups of parents of children with IDD teamed up to raise
money to fund an education program focused on people with IDD. They had no choice.
You see, before 1975, when the Education for All Handicapped Children Act was passed
in the U.S., young people with IDD were not welcome in public schools.
The grassroots fundraising and advocacy efforts of the families succeeded in building an education
program for children with IDD. Over time, the program grew and evolved, becoming The Arc Quinebaug
Valley and The Arc New London County and igniting a social and civil rights movement that advocated
for all people with IDD. In 2019, those two agencies merged, becoming The Arc Eastern Connecticut.
Founded on the principles of full inclusion and the belief that all people have the right to fully live their
dreams and goals, The ArcECT continues to promote inclusion, independence, and equality for people
with IDD.
Our mission, “In Partnership for Full Equality,” drives us to provide person-centered services that touch
every aspect of life, from housing and employment to education and community involvement. We are
a forward-thinking agency, leading with innovation and investing smartly in programs that make a
difference in the lives of people with IDD—today and into the future.
We Can’t Do This Alone
Fundraising is critical to our success. We rely on the generosity of donors like you to empower participants
like April to reach their life goals. Please consider making a donation today. Whatever amount is right for
you will help.
Together, with your support, we can continue to provide life-changing services that transform lives and
strengthen our communities.

Please visit TheArcECT.org/donate to make a difference today.
In Partnership for Full Equality,
Kathleen Stauffer
Chief Executive Officer

Diane Aubin
President, Board of Directors

Supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
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Chances are, you know someone we support.
People with IDD are employed in our community, thanks to programs like ours. Folks volunteer at road races, fairs, and town cleanups. They advocate at the State Capitol and testify before legislators on issues affecting people with disabilities. Your partnership maintains these vital community connections for the nearly 1,000 people we support each year.
How YOU can make a difference NOW
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$35 covers 2 months of transportation for a
participant Volunteer.
-
$100 allows 20 self-advocates to attend the national
Disability Conference
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$500 allows someone with IDD to live independently in
their home through assistive technology:
remote monitoring and medication support,
appliance shutoffs, telehealth, etc.