The Arc is an association formed in 1954 by family members and friends of people with mental retardation. Today there are 120,000 members and nearly 1,000 state and local chapters. The primary objective of the Arc is to secure for all people with mental retardation the opportunity to choose and realize their goals of where and how they learn, live, work, and play. The Arc is further committed to reducing the incidence and limiting the consequence of mental retardation through education, research, advocacy, and the support of families, friends, and the community.