Our Mission
The Arc Otsego creates opportunities and provides supports to assist people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to fulfill their personal dreams and ambitions.
Our Vision
Our vision is that all people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities will be afforded the same rights and opportunities as all citizens and will be accepted by and enjoy participation in the full spectrum of community life.
Our Values
We affirm the rights and dignity of all people and believe that each individual, through his or her unique abilities, makes a valuable contribution to the community in which he or she lives. We are committed to the use of sound and ethical business practices.
Our History
A group of dedicated and caring parents, relatives, friends and concerned professionals, formed the Otsego County Chapter of the New York State Association for Retarded Children on May 10, 1965. The group served primarily as a support organization until 1974 when The Arc Otsego opened a sheltered employment facility. Soon after, day services became available at the Hartwick Day Treatment facility. With the founding of our first residential intermediate care facility, The Arc Otsego became a 24/7 operation. In 1989, the agency built Oneonta Day Services and expanded day services to include more individuals with physical disabilities. In 1993, The Arc Otsego enrolled in the NYS Home and Community-Based Waiver and began offering more services to families in their own homes. Today, the agency offers comprehensive, community-based services, support and programs to over 450 individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families throughout Otsego County.
Governance
As a chapter of The Arc New York, The Arc Otsego is governed by a local Board of Directors who have the responsibility for overseeing the programs and services provided by our Chapter. The Board sets policies and provides the agency administration with direction in meeting the service needs of our county. In keeping with the important role that families played in our founding, our bylaws require that at least 1/3 of our Board members must be related to an individual with an intellectual or other developmental disability.