About The Arc@School

Since its founding, The Arc has advocated for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to have access to educational supports and services. The Arc was a driving force in the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975, which required schools for the first time to educate all students with disabilities. Now, through The Arc@School, The Arc provides training, and resources to help families and other stakeholders navigate the special education system.

Advocacy Curriculum

The Arc@School’s online advocacy curriculum provides the basic information that parents, educators, and other advocates need to support students and families in navigating the special education system, including understanding IDEA and early intervention services, IEPs, Section 504, and more.

Supports, Services, and Rights for Students With Disabilities

The IDEA lays out a process that schools must follow to identify which children with disabilities require services and which supports and services a child requires. Learn more about the special education process and the rights that students and their families have in that process.

Advocacy Directory

Find links and contact information for chapters of The Arc, protection and advocacy (P&A) programs, parent centers, and state education agencies (SEAs) in your state.

The Arc at School is supported by: