The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties

The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties The Arc champions a life of inclusion, opportunity and equity for local people with IDD. Like every parent of any child, they wanted more for their children.
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As the Lehigh Valley’s only provider of advocacy services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties touches the lives of more than 2,000 local individuals and families each year. The Arc provides a variety of quality programs and services and serves as a clearinghouse of information on help that is available for people with

disabilities across our community. We provide individuals and families the services and support they need to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live full and productive lives. The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties is affiliated with The Arc of Pennsylvania, The Arc of the United States and local chapters of The Arc across Pennsylvania. As a national organization, The Arc has a rich history spanning 60 years and marked by accomplishment. We continue to carry out the mission and vision of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their parents and siblings. The national movement started in 1950, as a small group of parents and other concerned individuals came together to act as voices for change. At the time, little was known about the condition of intellectual disabilities (at the time referred to as ‘mental retardation’) or its causes. There were virtually no programs and activities in communities to assist in the development and care of children and adults with intellectual disabilities or to support families. It was common at that time for doctors to tell parents that the best place for their child was in an institution. Emboldened by their collective desire to raise their children in the home and their stubborn refusal to accept that institutionalization was the only option, The Arc’s founders fought even harder. They wanted their children to lead fulfilling lives out in the community and not shuttered away in dark institutions. It was in that spirit that The Arc was born. Our local chapter took shape in 1967, and was known as the Lehigh County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc. (LC PARC). We were officially incorporated on January 6, 1975. Since that time, the chapter has grown in scope and size, has changed locations several times and has undergone name changes in response to changes at our State and National organizations.

06/12/2026

🧡💛 Technology is opening doors to greater independence, creativity, and opportunity! 💛🧡

The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties is excited to highlight the innovative technology opportunities available through our Day Services Program! 🌟

Today, we are proud to showcase our newly renovated Technology Center, a space designed to inspire learning, creativity, and growth for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Autism. This transformation would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors and supporters. We are incredibly grateful for your investment in our mission and for helping us create a space where participants can thrive. 🧡💛

Through access to technology, participants can:

💻 Build communication and social skills
📱 Increase independence in daily living activities
🎨 Explore creativity through digital art, media, and design
🧠 Strengthen cognitive skills, learning, and problem-solving abilities
🤝 Expand opportunities for community engagement and inclusion
🎯 Work toward individualized goals and personal growth

We believe everyone deserves access to tools that empower them to learn, connect, create, and succeed. This renovated Technology Center represents more than just a new space it represents opportunity, inclusion, and a commitment to helping every individual reach their fullest potential.

🧡 A heartfelt thank you to our donors, community partners, and supporters who made this redesign possible. Your generosity is helping create brighter futures and meaningful opportunities for the people we serve. 💛

🧡💛

The Arc in Action ~ CHEERS to a GREAT week! 👏Our individuals had plenty to celebrate this week! From raising a weekly to...
06/10/2026

The Arc in Action ~ CHEERS to a GREAT week! 👏

Our individuals had plenty to celebrate this week! From raising a weekly toast with their favorite diet sodas to staying active at the YMCA, there were smiles all around.

We also showed off our team spirit by posing with some awesome Philadelphia Phillies swag and gearing up for another exciting summer season! ⚾

One of the highlights of the week was a special visit from our local fire department! 🚒

Back at home base, our green thumbs were hard at work tending to plants in our very own greenhouse! Caring for our growing plants helps build responsibility, confidence, and pride while creating a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy. 🌱

Every day brings new opportunities for learning, friendship, and fun, and this week was no exception!







📚 Need Help Understanding Your Loved One’s IEP or 504 Plan?Navigating the special education system can feel overwhelming...
06/09/2026

📚 Need Help Understanding Your Loved One’s IEP or 504 Plan?

Navigating the special education system can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

At The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties, our goal is to help families understand and navigate the complex challenges they face within the special education system. Whether you have questions about an IEP, a 504 Plan, educational rights, accommodations, or school supports, our team is here to help.

Every child deserves access to the services and supports they need to succeed, and every family deserves to understand the process.

📞 Have questions about your loved one’s IEP or 504 Plan?
Contact us today at 610-849-8076 to speak with our advocacy team.

💬 Call to Action: Share this post with a parent, caregiver, or educator who may benefit from special education advocacy support.



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📚¿Necesita ayuda para entender el IEP o el Plan 504 de su ser querido?

Navegar por el sistema de educación especial puede sentirse abrumador, pero no tiene que hacerlo solo.
En The Arc de los condados de Lehigh y Northampton, nuestro objetivo es ayudar a las familias a comprender y navegar los complejos desafíos que enfrentan dentro del sistema de educación especial. Ya sea que tenga preguntas sobre un IEP, un Plan 504, los derechos educativos, acomodaciones o apoyos escolares, nuestro equipo está aquí para ayudar.

Cada niño merece acceso a los servicios y apoyos que necesita para tener éxito, y cada familia merece entender el proceso.

📞¿Tiene preguntas sobre el IEP o el Plan 504 de su ser querido?
Llamenos hoy al 610-849-8076 para hablar con nuestro equipo de defensa.

💬Llamado a la acción: Comparta esta publicación con un padre, cuidador o profesional que pueda beneficiarse del apoyo en defensa de la educación especial.

🌟 What an incredible day at the Lehigh Valley Women’s Summit yesterday! With more than 850 women in attendance, the ener...
06/05/2026

🌟 What an incredible day at the Lehigh Valley Women’s Summit yesterday!

With more than 850 women in attendance, the energy, inspiration, and sense of community throughout the day were truly remarkable! Bravo, hashtag ! 🫶

The event was thoughtfully planned and impeccably executed, creating meaningful opportunities for attendees to learn from one another, celebrate achievements, and strengthen the community. 🌸

At The Arc of Lehigh & Northampton Counties, these same values guide our work every day. Just as the Summit highlighted the importance of lifting one another up, The Arc remains committed to building a more inclusive community for everyone we support. 🥰



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🧡💛 Do You Need Help Understanding Transition Services? 💛🧡Is your loved one with a disability or autism preparing for lif...
06/03/2026

🧡💛 Do You Need Help Understanding Transition Services? 💛🧡

Is your loved one with a disability or autism preparing for life after high school? Transition planning can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone.

The Advocacy Department at The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties can help families understand:

✅ Transition services available through the school system
✅ Planning for life after graduation
✅ Employment, education, and community opportunities
✅ Adult service systems and supports
✅ ODP waivers and eligibility information
✅ Resources that promote independence and quality of life
✅ How to connect with local programs and services

Whether your child is currently in school or approaching graduation, having the right information can make a significant difference in creating a successful transition to adulthood. Our advocates can help you navigate available services, understand your options, and connect you with valuable resources for the future.

📞 Need support? Contact The Arc's Advocacy Department today at 610-849-8076 ext. 321.

🌟 Together, we can help build a pathway to a successful future!

🧡💛

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🧡💛 ¿Necesita ayuda para entender los servicios de transición? 💛🧡

¿Tiene un ser querido con discapacidad intelectual o autismo que se está preparando para la vida después de la secundaria? La planificación de la transición puede resultar abrumadora, pero no tiene que enfrentarlo solo(a).

El Departamento de Defensa para The Arc de los condados de Lehigh y Northampton puede ayudar a las familias a comprender:

✅ Servicios de transición disponibles a través del sistema escolar
✅ Planificación para la vida después de la graduación
✅ Oportunidades de empleo, educación y comunidad
✅ Información sobre exenciones y elegibilidad del ODP
✅ Recursos que promueven la independencia y la calidad de vida
✅ Cómo conectarse con programas y servicios locales

Ya sea que su hijo(a) esté actualmente en la escuela o esté acercándose al jardín de infantes o a la graduación de secundaria, tener la información adecuada puede marcar una diferencia significativa para crear una transición exitosa hacia la adultez. Nuestros Navegadores de Discapacidad pueden ayudarlo a orientarse en los servicios disponibles, comprender sus opciones y conectarlo con recursos valiosos para el futuro.

📞 ¿Necesita apoyo? Comuníquese con el Departamento de Defensa para The Arc hoy al 610-849-8076 ext. 321.

🌟 ¡Juntos, podemos ayudar a construir un camino hacia un futuro exitoso!

🧡💛

🎼 🏋 Let’s Get PHYSICAL! 🏋‍♀️ 🎼 (An ode to Olivia Newton-John’s iconic 80s hit!)Our individuals brought the energy into ...
06/02/2026

🎼 🏋 Let’s Get PHYSICAL! 🏋‍♀️ 🎼
(An ode to Olivia Newton-John’s iconic 80s hit!)

Our individuals brought the energy into the first two days of June, proving that staying active can be both HEALTHY and FUN!

From dancing their hearts out during Zumba classes BOTH in-house and at The Y, to enjoying some friendly outdoor ball games in the sunshine, there was no shortage of movement and SMILES! 😁

And after all that activity? A relaxing visit to our local Cabela’s to watch the fish swim by was the perfect way to unwind and recharge. 🐠

Whether they’re dancing, playing, exploring, or simply enjoying the world around them, our individuals continue to show us that an active lifestyle comes in many forms, and each moment is worth celebrating! 🥳







Congratulations to the Medical Home Project on celebrating 20 years of making a difference for individuals and families ...
05/29/2026

Congratulations to the Medical Home Project on celebrating 20 years of making a difference for individuals and families throughout our community!

The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties is proud to partner with the Medical Home Project in supporting the health and well-being of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Katie Siwy, Vice President of Programs at The Arc, serves on the Medical Home Project Committee and recently attended the Bethlehem Chamber Awards Dinner on behalf of the program.
Pictured with fellow committee member Nicole Sandt, Katie joined in celebrating this important milestone and the lasting impact the Medical Home Project has made over the past two decades.
Thank you to the Medical Home Project, Lehigh Valley Health Network, and all those who have contributed to 20 years of success!

The Arc in Action!!!! 🏃 🌟 What a memorable few days for some of our amazing individuals! From cheering on the Lehigh Val...
05/27/2026

The Arc in Action!!!! 🏃 🌟

What a memorable few days for some of our amazing individuals! From cheering on the Lehigh Valley IronPigs to learning about safety from one of Pennsylvania’s finest, SMILES and EXCITEMENT were EVERYWHERE! ⚾

During a special visit, a Pennsylvania State Trooper shared important safety tips, showed off his patrol car, and even let everyone learn about the tools on his belt. One unforgettable moment came when Issa was chosen to wear the Trooper’s hat! Issa said he was chosen to wear the hat because “he looks like a hero”, and we couldn’t agree more! 👮 🦸

Moments like these remind us how powerful community connections, inclusion, and kindness truly are! 💛 🫶 🧡








05/25/2026
05/22/2026

Address

2289 Avenue A
Bethlehem, PA
18017

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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