Our Mission
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
The Arc of New Mexico’s Core Values
The Arc Shares a Committment to Core Values Which Influence and Inform Our Work
People First
The Arc believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are defined by their own strengths, abilities and inherent value, not by their disability.
Equity
The Arc believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are entitled to the respect, dignity, equality, safety, and security accorded to other members of society, and are equal before the law.
Community
The Arc believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities belong in the community and have fundamental moral, civil and constitutional rights to be fully included and actively participate in all aspects of society.
Self-determination
The Arc believes in self-determination and self-advocacy. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with appropriate resources and supports, can make decisions about their own lives and must be heard on issues that affect their well-being.
Diversity
The Arc believes that society in general and The Arc in particular benefit from the contributions of people with diverse personal characteristics (including but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, age, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender and type of disability).
Participatory Democracy
The Arc acts to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their parents, siblings, family members and other concerned members of the public have meaningful opportunities to inform and guide the direction of the organization’s advocacy, including determining policy and positions on important issues. The Arc strives for diversity in its leadership, as well as in all facets of the work of the organization.
Visionary Leadership
The Arc leads by articulating a positive vision for the future of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and catalyzes public and private support in realization of that vision through carefully planned and well-executed goals, strategies and actions.
Public Interest
The Arc represents the public interest, supporting and acting with and on behalf of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families regardless of the type of disability or membership in The Arc.
Collaboration
The Arc works with individuals, organizations and coalitions in a collaborative fashion. The Arc values and promotes effective partnerships between volunteer and staff leadership at all levels of the organization.
Transparency, Integrity and Excellence
The Arc conducts its business with integrity, accountability, and open, honest and timely communication. The Arc is committed to quality and excellence in all its does.
Vision for The Arc of New Mexico
The Arc of New Mexico is a leading advocate for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families and the premier provider of the supports and services people want and need. The Arc actively involves people with I/DD, their parents, siblings and other family members, caregivers, colleagues, neighbors and friends as leaders and activists in a movement dedicated to the inclusion of people with I/DD in all aspects of society. The Arc assures that the human rights of people with I/DD are attained, and that sufficient resources are available to meet their needs, in every community in our nation.
The Arc is the standard bearer for best practices in supports and services for people with I/DD and has a demonstrable record of success in achieving the outcomes people want for their lives. Welcoming people of all races, ethnicity and socio-economic status, and providing both a sense of purpose and of belonging, The Arc is the resource of first choice for people with I/DD and their families regardless of the diagnosis and at all stages of life.
All people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are included and participate as full members of the community. Infants, children and youth with I/DD experience the security of family, while living and learning with their peers. Adults with I/DD lead lives of their own choosing, fully integrated in the community, have the opportunity to engage in productive work for fair wages, participate in civic and community affairs, have good health and enjoy meaningful relationships.
People with I/DD have access to the full range of home and community-based supports and services necessary to control their own lives; their families have access to needed family supports. Families enjoy the freedom and peace of mind that comes from knowing that their loved ones have the supports they need to live a full and satisfying life.
Valued and accepted, people with I/DD enjoy the respect, dignity, equality, safety and security accorded to other members of society. As self-advocates, they have a powerful and united voice on the issues that affect their lives and well-being, and enjoy the broad support of family members, friends, colleagues and community members. People with I/DD and their families fully embrace The Arc as their preferred partner for advocacy, services and supports.