Empowering people with developmental disabilities and their families by providing a lifetime of high-quality services, family support, and advocacy. Empowering people with disabilities to live their best lives. Founded in 1950, the St. Louis Arc empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and more) to lead better lives by providing a lifetime of high-quality services, family support and advocacy. Our commitment begins with each family-- with each person-- who comes to us for help, for hope, and to build a quality life. We are successful when people with disabilities can live the fullest, richest lives possible and achieve their goals as active, contributing members of the St. Louis community; and when families have the capacity to support their loved ones throughout the lifespan.