Our History

Celebrating its 55th anniversary in 2009, the Arc of Cape Cod established in 1954 as a voluntary not-for-profit organization. The Arc of Cape Cod is devoted to helping improve the quality of life of Cape Cod residents with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Arc of Cape Cod, like Arc Massachusetts and the Arc US began as an outgrowth of parent sponsored groups, which began forming around the country in the late 1940s. The Arc of Cape Cod in concert with other Arcs continues to function within this distinguished tradition as partners in advocating for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

From its founding, the Arc has played an important role in advocating changes to improve and enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

This advocacy continues today and has resulted in legislation on both state and federal levels, examples of which include Massachusetts Chapter 766, which provides free and appropriate education for individuals with developmental disabilities and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

While each local Arc maintains complete autonomy, they work closely together based on their common values as part of the state and national confederation. This grassroots involvement continues to provide a strong voice for those we serve.

For nearly 30 years a cornerstone of the Arc of Cape Cod's services has been to assist adults with developmental disabilities to live independently as valued members of their communities through an integrated service model that includes case management, individual supports, representative payee services, personal care assistant surrogacy, housing assistance and emergency availability 24/7. These services are individualized and adapted to meet the needs of each program member in the manner that is most helpful to them.

A strong recreation program has grown out of the Arc of Cape Cod's commitment to family support and community integration and continues today as the 250 member-strong Sandpipers Club.