The Arc of Greensboro was organized in 1953 by parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The initial focus of this grassroots effort was changing public perception of children with mental retardation as well as educating the community about the extraordinary potential of this special population. Much time and effort was spent advocating for services for children and adults who were denied access to day care, preschool, education and vocational training programs.
The Arc of Greensboro was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1961 and is affiliated with a nationwide network of similar entities that promote and advocate for opportunities that empower people with developmental disabilities to have choices as they live their lives in the community. The Arc of Greensboro is a membership organization – the members elect the Board of Directors and approve the organization’s by-laws. The organization strives to recruit directors and staff who are sensitive to the community’s racial and ethnic diversity, as well as the special concerns of people with disabilities.