As we welcome 2026, we reflect on a year of momentum, resilience, and the meaningful impact your voice and the voices of others have made on The Arc of Chester County. Over the past year, as we continued advancing our five-year strategic plan—strengthening our foundation, sharpening our focus, and turning vision into action, we also remained a leading voice advocating with and for individuals with an intellectual disability and/or Autism (ID/A), and infants and toddlers needing Early Intervention (EI) and their families who we are privileged to serve.

Guided by our strategic priorities and deeply committed to our mission and our advocacy roots, the priorities for 2026 and forward include protecting and strengthening funding for ID/A and EI, safeguarding Medicaid, addressing the ongoing workforce crisis, and advancing person-centered system transformation while continuing to promote respect, inclusion, and dignity for all individuals with disabilities.

To help support our advocacy goals, The Arc has invested in a new advocacy tool called Voter Voice. The new platform will reside on our website and enable you and others to more easily write and contact your local, state and federal legislators and make your voice heard. Your voice matters!

Our In The News section below, highlights our current advocacy issue. Make your voice matter and let Governor Shapiro know how important funding is for individuals with disabilities and their families BEFORE he announces the PA Sate budget on February 3, 2026. Together, our voices will help create a future where individuals with disabilities are valued, supported, and empowered to live full, meaningful lives.

Champion of Kindness and Inclusion Receives PAR's "WE ARE WORTH IT AWARD!"

The Arc of Chester County proudly announces that Ben Hartranft, founder and CEO of Benergy1, has been awarded the “We Are Worth It” Self-Advocate Employee of the Year Award for his extraordinary leadership, advocacy, and compassion in promoting inclusion and kindness for all.

Diagnosed with Autism at age two and once knowing only twenty words, Ben has far exceeded every expectation. Today, he is a nationally recognized speaker and entrepreneur whose mission is simple yet powerful: to show that one kind person can change the world.

Ben first gained national attention after appearing on The Ellen Show, following his inspiring participation in the Eagles Autism Challenge. That moment sparked a lifelong movement—Benergy1, through which he travels across the country to share his story and message of hope, inclusion, and perseverance.

“Having Autism is not a bad thing—it doesn’t define who we are,” Ben says. “Everyone is unique and special, just like a rainbow.” His motto, “Be The One!,” has become a rallying cry for schools, businesses, and communities to act with kindness and inclusion in everyday life.

Ben is supported through self-directed services with The Arc of Chester County, which champions his independence, voice, and goals. His success highlights the power of inclusive employment and person-centered supports in helping individuals with disabilities achieve their dreams.

“Ben embodies the spirit of this award,” said Jeanne Meikrantz, CEO of The Arc of Chester County. “He shows us that advocacy and leadership start with believing in yourself—and then using your story to lift and empower others.”

Through his work, Ben continues to inspire thousands to celebrate differences, embrace inclusion, and lead with empathy.

To learn more about Ben’s story and watch his inspirational videos, visit www.benergy1.com/videos.

Your Voice Matters!  Supporting ID/A and Early Intervention in Pennsylvania

As the Governor prepares Pennsylvania’s 2026–2027 Executive Budget, advocates are urging for critical investments in Intellectual Disability/Autism (ID/A) and Infant/Toddler Early Intervention (EI) services. Workforce shortages and rising costs continue to threaten access to these essential supports.

Advocates are requesting a 6.9% increase to ID/A State-set rates, which support nearly every individual served in the ID/A system. This investment is vital to stabilizing the provider workforce and maintaining services for individuals with an intellectual disability and/or autism.

For Early Intervention, advocates recommend a minimum investment of $116.2 million in the DHS budget, including $110.3 million to increase provider rates and address workforce shortages. This funding would help ensure services remain available to at least 56,200 infants and toddlers statewide during the critical developmental period.

Our Governor needs to hear directly from individuals, families, providers, and advocates regarding prioritizing funding for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and Autism. 

Click HERE to make your voice heard and advocate for increased funding in the 2026-2027 PA State Budget. Your voice matters!

The Arc of Chester County is proud to celebrate compassion, inclusion, and the incredible contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities. Throughout March, we'll be spreading awareness and hosting activities that highlight the importance of creating a community where everyone belongs. Check out our EVENTS CALENDAR for the month of March. 

The Arc of Chester County is proud to announce the return of a heartwarming partnership with Partners in Outreach, a local nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children in Chester County and its surrounding communities. In conjunction with Partners in Outreach, The Arc will kick off the 2nd Annual Operation Easter Basket. Hundreds of thoughtful Easter Baskets tailored specifically to children and adults with disabilities will be available.  More information and registration is coming in early March.   

The Arc of Chester County offers a FREE virtual Education & Systems Advocacy Speaker Series covering a variety of topics which empower people to learn about education and systems advocacy. To register for some or all of these events Click HERE. 

During March, The Arc of Chester County is partnering with Sedona Taphouse in West Chester,  Please consider dining in or taking out on March Mondays the 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th at Sedona Taphouse in West Chester! Tell your server your are dining in support of The Arc of Chester County.

January, February, March 

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 US & The Arc of Pennsylvania.

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