Our History
Founded in 1936, The Arc of King County is the oldest non-profit organization serving children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in the Greater Puget Sound area, and is one of the oldest such organizations in the United States. It is an affiliated chapter of The Arc of Washington and The Arc of the United States.
Who We Help
We work with children and adults with all forms of developmental disabilities and their families. Developmental disabilities are conditions that occur prior to the age of 18 and are expected to last for life, and include Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and intellectual disabilities.
About Our Services
The Arc of King County provides direct, hands-on support to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. We assist people through:
Outreach - By working to increase the knowledge and competence of the community at large in serving and interacting with people with developmental disabilities and their families.
Advocacy – By ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities and the people who support them receive the information they need to access and influence community resources and services.
Direct Support - By facilitating the choices, inclusion and skills of people with developmental disabilities to live in our communities.
Most of our services are provided free of charge. These services include:
- Outreach to senior parents caring for their adult children with disabilities.
- Peer support for parents through support groups, advocacy activities, and e-mail lists.
- Peer support and leadership training for self-advocacy.
- Parent classes on numerous topics.
- Direct support for adults living in their own homes.
- Outreach through our Information and Referral phone line and on-line resource guide at http://web.npowerseattle.org/arckc-development/resource-guide
- We serve approximately 6,000 individuals annually, including people with disabilities, family members, advocates, other professionals, school districts, and other organizations.
- We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, with funding from the United Way, local, city, and state contracts, and private contributions.
- We are a local chapter of The Arc of the United States and The Arc of Washington.
Sylvia Fuerstenberg, MSW, was appointed Executive Director of The Arc of King County in March 2008. Throughout her career, Sylvia has demonstrated a passion for disability rights, a strong understanding of the issues, a great reputation with a wide range of advocacy and interest groups, and a demonstrated history of leadership excellence. Sylvia previously worked at S.L.Start where she was the Vice President New Business Development / Legislative Liaison and previously their Director of Supported Living in King County. She was formerly the E. D of Residence East. Sylvia has stated, “I have a vision for the future of people with disabilities. I believe that people of all abilities have a place and will contribute to our collective communities. In return, our communities should recognize each person’s unique value and be inclusive and responsive to all people with developmental disabilities and their families as they navigate their lives. The Arc has a critical role to play in advocating and assuring that all people are included, valued and an active participant in their community.”
