SpArc Philadelphia is the non-profit parent organization of The Arc of Philadelphia and SpArc Services benefiting people with disabilities. We are committed to the vision of ensuring that people are provided with supports and services of the highest quality. Founded in 1948 by parents who sought better services for their children, The Arc of Philadelphia is one of the first Arc chapters in the United States. The parents who created The Arc labored tirelessly for the equal rights and human dignity of people with disabilities at a time when institutionalization was the norm. In subsequent years, The Arc, through its staff and membership, has become a powerful voice in shaping the service landscape for people with disabilities. In 1990, The Arc formed a service provision arm, SpArc Services. Today our diverse service options include job training on site as well as in the community, comprehensive employment services, a dynamic cultural arts program, a fully individualized program that will provide services in a person's home, employment opportunities, job-readiness classes, and exciting recreational opportunities such as a monthly dance attended by people throughout the city. SpArc Services remains devoted to continuing to find new ways to support the needs of people with disabilities, offering ever-increasing choice and self determination.