The Arc of San Diego, a private, not-for-profit corporation, is one of the region's largest human-service agencies. Founded in 1951 by a determined group of people who felt they had to "do something" for children with mental retardation, Arc blends a long history of service with a national reputation for success. Today, we are guided by the same sense of purpose and dedication that inspired those parents over forty years ago.

The Arc of San Diego has a rich tradition of developing quality programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities. All of our programs promote social, economic, and personal independence. We stand by our belief that people with developmental disabilities have unlimited potential and the right to equality of opportunity.

California identifies developmental disability as a diagnosis originating before age 18, of one or more of the following conditions: mental retardation, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and autism.

Federal statutes apply a non-categorical, utilitarian designation: a severe chronic disability caused by physical or mental impairment that is evident before age 22.