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 abitions.

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 formed the Otsego County Chapter of the New York State Association for Retarded Children in 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 a comprehensive list of services to over 450 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families throughout Otsego County.

Governance
As a chapter of NYSARC, Inc., 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. Our By-Laws require that at least 1/3 of our Board members are blood relatives of individuals with Mental Retardation or Developmental Disabilities and our practice is to keep ½ of our Board membership as blood relatives.

The Board meets ten times a year. Responsibility for the daily operation of the Chapter is delegated to our Executive Director, Joe S. Judd who has served in this capacity since 1980.