Our Purpose

At present, The Arc of Tri-Cities serves approximately 2000 individuals affected by intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) Others are on waiting lists. The number of individuals needing services increases with the population grows.
The Arc provides a “life cycle” support to families and individuals whose lives have been impacted by an IDD diagnosis. These individuals and their families encounter increased costs for care, social isolation, increased risk of poverty, and shorter life expectancies. They cope with living in a society that is not accustomed to their needs.

The UI recently published a study with two important statements related to life expectancy. First, socioeconomic status is one of the determinants of life expectancy. Those at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder have a shorter life expectancy. Second, persons with IDD have a greatly increased chance of poverty. To close the current gaps in life expectancy and counter the push down the economic ladder, the UI has proposed five solutions. One of those is: Establishment of sustainable mechanisms that address health-related social needs and yield cross-sector payoffs.