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.

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.

🎉 Please join us in celebrating Jada Martinez, the recipient of our DSP Week Outstanding DSP Award for Dedication and Po...
09/15/2026

🎉 Please join us in celebrating Jada Martinez, the recipient of our DSP Week Outstanding DSP Award for Dedication and Positive Personality!

As we celebrate Direct Support Professional Recognition Week honoring the incredible frontline workers across Pennsylvania who empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live independent, included lives we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on someone who embodies this mission every single day.

Here are just a few of the incredible things people had to say about Jada:

Jada is always willing to step up wherever she is needed. Her flexibility, positive attitude, and willingness to take on any challenge make a tremendous difference for our team and the individuals we support.

A Community Champion: Jada regularly attends community events and proudly represents The Arc, helping us spread our mission, strengthen our community presence, and showcase our meaningful work.

Leading with Compassion: She consistently treats each individual with kindness, dignity, and respect. Bringing intelligence, compassion, and welcoming energy to everything she does, Jada's can-do spirit brightens the days of everyone around her!

Jada, thank you for your unwavering dedication, boundless compassion, and everything you bring to The Arc. We are so fortunate to have you on our team!

Drop your congratulations for Jada in the comments below!

At the request of PAR, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a proclamation announcing that September 13-19, 2026, is Direct Supp...
09/14/2026

At the request of PAR, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a proclamation announcing that September 13-19, 2026, is Direct Support Professional Recognition Week in Pennsylvania. This week is set aside to honor DSPs for the important work they do supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A).
We look forward to seeing everyone celebrate DSP Recognition Week!

09/14/2026

🧡💛 Celebrating Direct Support Professionals Week! 💛🧡

As we celebrate National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, September 14–19, we are excited to kick off our first video by highlighting one of our very own Whitley! 👏

Whitley has been a Direct Support Professional (DSP) since 2018, and we are incredibly grateful for the dedication, compassion, and commitment she brings to her work each and every day.

Our DSPs play an essential role in supporting the people we serve. They build relationships, encourage independence, support personal growth, and learn and grow alongside the individuals they support. Their work helps create opportunities for people with disabilities to live meaningful, connected, and fulfilling lives.

Today, we celebrate Whitley and all of our amazing DSPs at The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties for the heart, professionalism, and dedication they bring to our Day Services program and to the people we proudly support in Bethlehem, PA. 🧡💛

Thank you to all of our DSPs for everything you do! Your work matters, your dedication is valued, and the difference you make is seen every day.

🎥 And this is just the beginning!

Stay tuned throughout DSP Recognition Week for more highlighted videos featuring our very own DSPs as we celebrate the incredible people who make a difference every day!

📞 Interested in learning more about our Day Services program?

Contact us at 610-849-8076.

🌟 Join Us for a Community Support Meeting! 🌟Do you have questions about your child's development, learning, or future, b...
09/11/2026

🌟 Join Us for a Community Support Meeting! 🌟

Do you have questions about your child's development, learning, or future, but aren’t sure where to start?

The Arc of Lehigh & Northampton Counties and the Lehigh University College of Health invite you to a supportive Spanish-language gathering designed to connect families with vital local resources. Come share your experiences, ask questions, and express concerns regarding intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism in a welcoming space.

📅 Date: October 10, 2026
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Global Commons, Williams Hall, Lehigh University
(31 Williams Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015)
🗣 Language: Spanish
🍱 Lunch: Free lunch provided for all attendees!

Meeting Goals:
1️⃣ Family engagement & support
2️⃣ Learning about community resources

We warmly invite families to participate, share feedback, ask questions, and connect with local organizations dedicated to supporting children and families in our community!

👉 Register online: https://commerce.cashnet.com/lehigh_college_of_health?cname=COH_DEPT-004

📞 Or call: (610) 849-8076 ext. 324

Always remembered. Never forgotten. 🇺🇸Today, we pause to remember the lives lost and honor the courage and compassion th...
09/11/2026

Always remembered. Never forgotten. 🇺🇸

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost and honor the courage and compassion that brought communities together.

This is a WONDERFUL resource for families, please read...
09/10/2026

This is a WONDERFUL resource for families, please read...

Peace of Mind Planning
Allentown In-Person Presentation
Tuesday, September 29th
5:30pm - 8:00pm
Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL)
Allentown, PA

Join the PA Family Network in this interactive workshop to:
Plan for your loved one's future when you're no longer able to
provide support.

Leave with a free workbook that has practical tools you can use
right away.
*We can not offer legal or financial advice

FREE!
Join us for Pizza and Networking at 5:30 PM
Registration Required

pafamilynetwork.org/planning2026allentown

The contents of this Flyer were developed under grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education & Rehabilitation Services. The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this Flyer may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this Flyer does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency. (EDGAR 75.620)To register by phone, call 1-844-723-2645

Image description: Includes all of the above information including the PA Family Network Vision for Equality logo, a photo of a person filling out a form, a QR code of the provided link, and the LVCIL logo.

Arc in Action!Last week, Jeff, Wael, and Glenny are taking their talents to the bowling lanes! Whether they’re aiming fo...
09/09/2026

Arc in Action!

Last week, Jeff, Wael, and Glenny are taking their talents to the bowling lanes! Whether they’re aiming for a strike, picking up a spare, or simply enjoying some friendly competition, it’s all about getting out, having fun, and spending time together.

Moments like these are what Arc in Action is all about trying new things, building friendships, being part of the community, and making memories along the way.

Keep rolling, guys!

09/05/2026
The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Upper Macungie community fo...
09/04/2026

The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Upper Macungie community for visiting us during the Working Families Resource Fair!

It was a pleasure meeting so many wonderful people, connecting with families, and sharing information about our programs and the support and resources we provide to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

This meaningful event was organized by the dedicated team representing U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, providing an important opportunity for local organizations to come together and connect families with valuable resources.

A special thank you to the entire staff and event team for welcoming The Arc and giving us the opportunity to meet, listen to, and speak with members of the community who may benefit from our services.

We are proud to be in the community, building connections, raising awareness, and helping families find the support they need. 🧡💛

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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