The Arc Minnesota - Making a Difference
Promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Meeting the Needs of Minnesotans with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
In Minnesota, an estimated 90,000 people live with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including conditions like autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and cerebral palsy. People with IDD represent a diverse group with varying support needs, but many face common barriers related to housing, employment, healthcare, and transportation.
Continued advocacy, policy change, and investment are needed to ensure that all Minnesotans with IDD have access to the services they need to live independently, participate fully in their communities, and make choices about their own lives.
Self-Advocates Leading the Way
The Arc Minnesota works beside disabled leaders to promote human rights and disability justice. Through self-advocacy groups and events, we help build connections, support leadership development, and help the IDD community to drive systems change and inclusion. In 2024, an estimated 1,124 self-advocates and supporters were involved in over 200 self-advocacy meetings, events and classes across Minnesota. 100% of materials, resources, trainings, educational events co-created with people who have disabilities.
According to survey results:
indicated that events held were accessible.
feel they are better able to make informed choices.
feel they are better at advocating for themselves.
have or would refer someone to The Arc Minnesota’s self-advocacy programming.
Public Policy - Advocating for Disability Rights
Since 1950, The Arc has been at the forefront of the fight for the civil rights and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through nonpartisan legislative advocacy, we support public policies founded in the principles of human & civil rights, self-advocacy & self direction, and equity & true belonging.
In 2024 we:
- Fought alongside parents and families to close institutions and make life in the community possible.
- Helped open up schools for students with disabilities to be included in the classroom alongside peers.
- Advocated for affordable health care access, employment, financial security and more.
- Participated in every major public policy fight and advancement impacting the lives of people with disabilities.
Capitol Connector Meetings were held.
people participated at Disability Advocacy Day at the MN state capitol.
REVUP MN events were held.
2024 Legislative Wins
Subminimum Wage Elimination
- 40 support letters were submitted by The Arc Minnesota, the MN Coalition for Disability Wage Justice, and self-advocates.
- The bill didn’t pass, but strong progress was made in building legislator and community support.
Ableism Teacher Training
- Minnesota teachers will now receive ableism training led by a person with a disability—marking the first use of the word “ableism” in U.S. legislation.
Inclusive Playgrounds
- Bipartisan support for a new inclusive playground in Stillwater.
CDCS Reform
- Consumer Directed Community Supports Service (CDCS) improvements made directing lead agencies to follow and implement state policy so there is consistency across the state.
A Home of Their Own
Our housing programs help people with disabilities and those experiencing housing instability access affordable, accessible, inclusive housing in their communities. Team members also connect people with other resources, services, and supports that will help lead to stable and sustainable housing long-term.
2024 Housing Highlights
Housing Access Services
Helped 202 people with disabilities find and move into homes of their choice. Support included:
- Housing search assistance
- Help applying for housing
- Budgeting
- Lease review
- Moving costs
- Financial application assistance
- Solving housing issues
Arc’s Value Village Thrift Stores & Donation Centers
Arc’s Value Village Thrift Stores and Donation Centers generate significant funding for The Arc Minnesota’s programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1982, the three stores—located in Bloomington, New Hope, and Richfield—sell donated items in-store and on eBay.
The Arc Minnesota and Arc’s Value Village Thrift Stores work together toward our goal—a future where people with disabilities live a life they choose with hope, confidence, and belonging.
Store Visitors
Purchases
Donation Drop Offs
Items Sold