Debbie Roberts

Founded in 1936, The Arc of Washington State has been a champion for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families for decades. What started as a small group of parents in Pierce and King Counties has grown into a statewide grassroots advocacy network of individuals, family members, service providers and other interested community members. It is an affiliated chapter of The Arc of the United States and supports 9 local county chapters. Developmental disabilities occur prior to the age of 18 and are expected to last a lifetime, and include Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, intellectual disabilities and other genetic and neurological syndromes. People with developmental disabilities have inherent potential and value and deserve a fully inclusive life in the community with their family, peers, neighbors and friends.