Who is The Arc of Tennessee?

The Arc of Tennessee is a grassroots, non-profit, statewide organization on intellectual and developmental disabilities. It was founded in 1952 and is affiliated with The Arc of the United States. The Arc of Tennessee is also a membership organization composed of people with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities, their parents, friends, and the professionals who assist them in reaching their goals.

The Arc of Tennessee values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, age, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender or level of disability.

What is intellectual disability?

• Intellectual disability is a condition, not a disease.
• One of every ten American families has a member with an intellectual disability.
• More than 7.5 million people in the United States are identified as having an intellectual disability.
• It is estimated that there are 178,643 Tennesseans with intellectual disabilities, of which 8,250 are currently receiving services and supports.
• People with intellectual disabilities can care for their needs and be educated and integrated into their communities.

To read about The Arc's history, please visit our History page, an account by Pat Butler, a long-time and current member of The Arc of Tennessee Board. 

Read The Arc of Tennessee's 2006-07 Annual Report in Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, you can download it from our Legislative Monitor page.

Read the Developmental Disabilities Task Force Executive Summary. 

Read the Division of Mental Retardation Services Training Schedule. 

Doria Panvini was recently honored as The Arc of Tennessee's Volunteer of the Year at Community Health Charities Champions in Health Dinner Celebration! Congratulations Doria!

Please note that The Arc of Davidson County, not The Arc of Tennessee, administers the clothing pick up service. If you wish to donate clothing or household goods, please call 615-248-4112.

This project is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee.