The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties

The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties stands as a premier advocacy and human service organization dedicated to securing the civil rights, personal independence, and community inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the Lehigh Valley. Headquartered on Avenue A in Bethlehem, the multi-million-dollar agency serves thousands of children, adults, and families throughout Lehigh and Northampton Counties. Guided by a core belief in equity, human dignity, and self-determination, the organization combines professional direct service delivery with grassroots advocacy to eliminate systemic barriers and ensure people of all abilities can live rich, self-directed lives in the communities of their choice.

Direct day programming is anchored by the SPARC program, an innovative, state-licensed adult training facility and community-based habilitation service. Operating on weekdays, SPARC offers person-centered programming that blends on-site personal enrichment, computer literacy, and cooking instruction with active community participation. Participants engage in wellness instruction, culinary skill-building, creative arts, expressive therapies, and structured volunteer service projects with local charitable partners. Community exploration outings allow adults to navigate local public transit, visit cultural destinations, explore regional parks, and build meaningful relationships across the greater Lehigh Valley.

Systemic and individual advocacy represents the historical cornerstone of the chapter's mission. Dedicated advocacy coordinators provide one-to-one assistance to families navigating complex service systems, including early intervention programs, county mental health and intellectual disability offices, and adult Medicaid waiver services. Educational advocacy specialists support parents during the development of individualized education programs, attending school evaluation meetings, resolving IEP disputes, and ensuring that students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations, behavioral supports, and inclusive academic placements in public schools.

Professional education and family empowerment further expand the chapter's regional reach. Through The Arc at School curriculum, the agency conducts training workshops and informational webinars for parents, educators, school psychologists, and service coordinators, translating complex state and federal disability regulations into practical strategies. The organization also administers family-directed support services through its Agency with Choice model, enabling individuals and caregivers to exercise personal choice and direct control over the supportive workers they recruit, interview, schedule, and employ in their own homes.

Public awareness and inclusive community events build regional solidarity and celebrate neurodiversity. Signature initiatives include Wings for All, a collaborative airport rehearsal program that allows neurodivergent individuals and families to practice airport check-in, TSA security screening, and aircraft boarding in a supportive, stress-free environment at Lehigh Valley International Airport. The chapter also coordinates annual fundraising events, including the Allen D. Deibler Golf Classic and community gala dinners, which sustain critical advocacy and family support programs. Through a combination of licensed day services, family education, systemic policy advocacy, recreational activities, and community partnerships, the organization ensures individuals with developmental disabilities remain valued, included, and empowered members of Lehigh Valley society.