ARC OF ANCHORAGE

If you or someone you love experiences an intellectual or developmental disability, you’ve come to the right place. From birth to old age, The Arc of Anchorage has a full array of disability services for Alaskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Alaskans we serve and their families are free to choose disability services that best meet their needs. We recognize each person we serve has specific dreams, ambitions and interests, as well as aptitudes and abilities apart from the disability he/she experiences. Our services are individually tailored to meet the needs and goals of each person we serve. Founded in 1957 by a group of parents who knew community living services were better than institutions, The Arc of Anchorage’s goal is to ensure the people we serve have the opportunity to lead rich, full, satisfying lives as valued members of our community.

As a member of The Arc of Anchorage, you will be helping direct our state and our nation toward a better future for all people who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities. We look forward to the day when The Arc of Anchorage is no longer necessary, when the idea that people who experience disabilities are really "just people" has been so thoroughly incorporated into the fabric of our society that the notion of paid care providers seems old-fashioned and out-of-date. But until that time, we have a promise to keep - a promise we made more than five decades ago. A promise to be here, ready to help, whenever a family comes knocking at our door. And to continue to be here for as long as we are needed. If you’re looking for hope and a helping hand, please give us a call. We can help. Our Services: Behavioral Health Services: Serves children and adults with a mental illness or severe emotional disturbance (SED) in combination with a developmental disability. Supported parenting services are available for parents who experience developmental disabilities or mental illness. Substance abuse counseling is available for those who experience developmental disabilities in combination with a mental illness and an addiction. Community Living Services: Provides support that encourages independence and participation in the community, allowing adults with developmental disabilities to live on their own, with roommates, and/or staff. Also offers in-home assistance and respite care. Daily support in a residential setting for students attending the State School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The Interpreter Referral Line (IRL) schedules American Sign Language interpreters for meetings. A two-week summer camp welcomes young Alaskans who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Behavioral Health Services are also available. Supported Employment: Assists adults in finding and keeping jobs in the community.