Partnerships Make it Possible!

Throughout the year, The Arc of Chester County receives wonderful support from many partners in our community in support of our individuals with disabilities and their families. The Arc has come to rely on our dedicated supporters, especially during these challenging and unsettling economic times.

A Wild Day of Learning at Jungle Land for The Arc's Preschoolers!

The Arc of Chester County Inclusive Preschool recently enjoyed a fun and engaging field trip to Jungle Land in Malvern, where students had the opportunity to explore, play, and learn in a vibrant indoor environment designed just for young children. From imaginative play areas to sensory-friendly spaces, the experience allowed children of all abilities to interact, build confidence, and connect with their peers in a joyful and supportive setting.

These types of positive sensory experiences are especially valuable for preschool-aged children, as they support developmental growth in areas such as motor skills, social interaction, and emotional regulation. For children in an inclusive setting, environments like Jungle Land provide a safe and stimulating space to explore new activities, practice independence, and strengthen communication skills—all while having fun. Opportunities like this reinforce The Arc’s mission to create meaningful, inclusive experiences that help every child thrive. The Arc's Preschool is now accepting students for enrollment. Please contact our Director, Erica Shippen, at eshippen@arcofchestercounty.org or by calling 610-696-8090 Ext. 217.

As legislators from across the Commonwealth gather in Harrisburg in the coming weeks to start discussions that will hopefully lead to the passage of a budget by June 30, 2026, equally important across Pennsylvania, advocates are mobilizing to urge lawmakers to act now.  This advocacy effort focuses on asking lawmakers to make people with an intellectual disability and/or Autism (ID/A) and 

infants needing Early Intervention services a priority. Advocates will urge them to make the necessary financial investments during the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget negotiations and approval process.  

For ID/A, it is essential to both add funding that was not included in the Governor’s proposed budget and to also protect funding that was included. First, the Governor’s proposed budget did not include an annual increase for funding services for individuals with ID/A. To keep pace with inflation and to address low reimbursement rates, an increase of 6.9%, totaling $182M dollars in state funds is necessary to be added during the budget negotiations. This investment is critical to stabilizing the workforce and supporting access to essential services for individuals with ID/A. While advocates push for the needed $182M, they also are advocating for legislation that would require an annual increase be included in the budget every year for ID/A. This legislation is outlined in Senate Bill (SB) 617.

Equally important is keeping what is already included in the Governor’s proposed budget which includes a $77M investment to reduce the ID/A waiting list. There is also strong support for the inclusion of House Bill (HB) 700 to be added to the fiscal code during this budget cycle to ensure that savings from ID/A state center/institution closures are reinvested into the ID/A community system rather than being diverted to the state’s General Fund. This would help strengthen the ID/A community-based service system.  In addition, advocates continue to call on the PA Department of Human Services to eliminate harmful policies and implement common ones policies that do not cost any money but would enhance the quality of life for people with ID/A, their families, and the providers who deliver services.  

For Early Intervention services for infants ages birth through three years old, we urge legislators to add $14M dollars to address the gap in funding for provider reimbursement rates identified in the EI Rate Study, that outlined the need for $71M dollars. The Governor’s proposed budget does not include any investment in this line item but rather included a decrease in state funding despite the hard evidence for increased funding as outlined in the 2024 rate study.

Your continued advocacy is essential. Now is the time to contact your legislators to urge support for the critical financial investments and common-sense actions noted above. It is time for all advocates to make their voice heard to ensure individuals with ID/A and infants needing Early Intervention services have access to those services and supports they need to live and thrive in their communities.

Click the button below to contact your legislators about funding for Early Intervention Serves.

The Arc is a leading provider of a lifetime of programs and services for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Our 23rd Annual Bubble Walk & Fun Day is quickly approaching!

We have a fantastic day planned for the entire family.

Come out and enjoy music, games, Bingo, balloon creations, face painting,
BUBBLES galore and much more!

The Arc of Chester County's

Annual Membership Meeting & Awards Ceremony

Wednesday, June 17,2026
6 PM

900 Lawrence Drive, West Chester, PA

Donors have many options when it comes to making gifts. The method of giving depends on both your financial situation and your philanthropic goals. There are many ways to make a difference for the The Arc of Chester County. Click the button below to learn more about it.

The mission of The Arc of Chester County is to advocate, educate and provide services to empower individuals with disabilities and their families to enhance the quality of their lives. The official registration and financial information of The Arc of Chester County may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. The Arc of Chester County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization-contributions to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

The Arc of Chester County is affiliated with The Arc of Pennsylvania and The Arc of The United States.

Phone: 610-696-8090 Fax: 610-696-8300

900 Lawrence Drive, West Chester, PA 19380

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm