The Arc of Chester County remains at the forefront of advocacy for the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

With more than 70 years of dedicated service, the organization intensified its efforts in 2025, focusing on urgent legislative priorities at the federal, state, and local levels, and raising critical awareness about the needs of people with disabilities.

The Arc of Chester County has been unwavering in its defense of essential programs like Medicaid and SNAP for individuals with disabilities.

On April 9, the organization led a group of advocates and self-advocates to Washington, D.C., to participate in Hill Day during the 2025 Disability Policy Seminar.

Partnering with other Arc Chapters, they attended a powerful rally on Capitol Hill, where chants of “I am Medicaid! Don’t cut me!” echoed as a clear message against proposed funding cuts.

Following the rally, the group met with staff from Representatives Chrissy Houlahan, Mary Gay Scanlon, and Madeleine Dean to share personal stories and emphasize how vital Medicaid is in supporting individuals with disabilities to live fully and inclusively within their communities.

The Arc of Chester County also joined The Arc of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg on May 6 for their annual Advocacy Day—an event dedicated to championing the rights and needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A), as well as strengthening Early Intervention (EI) services.

The day was marked by purposeful collaboration, powerful storytelling, and a unified call for action.

Following a press conference, advocates and self-advocates met with several lawmakers and their staff, including Representative Dan Williams, Paul Friel, and Amen Brown, as well as Senators Katie Muth and Carolyn Comitta, including the latter’s Chief of Staff, Michael Hartman.

They urged legislators to protect the $175 million proposed in the governor’s budget for critical ID/A services and to maintain the additional $10 million designated for EI birth-to-three service rates.

These services are vital lifelines for thousands across Pennsylvania. Continued funding is essential to reduce growing waitlists and to support Early Interventionists and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), whose work is foundational to providing care.

The ongoing staffing shortage isn’t just a staffing crisis—it’s a human rights issue. Without stable, quality support, individuals with ID/A face a loss of independence and opportunity, and children needing early intervention risk prolonged delays and greater disability.

Advocates also pushed for long-overdue policy changes, such as removing restrictive hourly caps on family members providing billable care. This adjustment would not only ease staffing shortages but also empower families and reduce dependence on public assistance.

In addition, last month The Arc of Chester County hosted a legislative breakfast, organized by MAX Association. The event brought together several local legislators and their staff to engage with advocates, families, and self-advocates.

These advocates discussed how ID/A and EI services directly impact their daily lives and the potential consequences of insufficient funding, including the impact on the already dire staffing shortages.

Throughout the event, participants shared impactful and moving personal stories and compelling data, emphasizing the growing concerns surrounding the lack of care.

They highlighted the immense toll it takes on individuals and families striving to lead fulfilling, inclusive lives within their communities. Their voices were heard clearly and powerfully.

Looking ahead, The Arc will continue to educate and rally community members, allies, and local leaders to join in their advocacy efforts.

Strategic and ongoing communications will continue to be sent urging people to connect with their legislators with clear, unified messaging.

In addition, ongoing calls and meetings with key representatives are driving these advocacy efforts forward. The Arc of Chester County believes that advocacy goes beyond funding; it’s about dignity, inclusion, and creating a future where every individual is valued and supported.

Arc of Chester County has been a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families since 1952.

Its primary mission is to advocate, educate and provide services to empower individuals with disabilities to enhance the quality of their lives.

The Arc runs a preschool, provides home services, community support and employment opportunities.