In 1952 parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) united to create “The Wyoming Valley Council for the Mentally Retarded”, the forerunner of The Arc of Luzerne County. The organization dedicated itself to providing advocacy, education and development of programs for people with IDD. Since its founding The Arc has been instrumental in advancing services and supports for people with IDD and their families.

Today The Arc of Luzerne County is a vibrant and exciting organization dedicated to its mission to improve the quality of life of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As an affiliate of The Arc of the United States, The Arc of Pennsylvania, and local chapters of The Arc throughout the country this chapter is connected to a great history and the vast membership of the community volunteers that has given us the reputation as the single most respected organization on IDD in the United States.