The Arc of Chester County, a dedicated champion for individuals with disabilities and their families, is proud to partner with Penn State Great Valley for a dynamic lineup of events this spring. These initiatives, including a powerful speaker series and a step challenge, highlight the importance of advocacy, inclusion, and community involvement.
As the non-profit beneficiary of VISTA NextGen Superstars—a prestigious program recognizing 40 young professionals under 40 in Chester County, The Arc of Chester County will be honored at the VISTA Awards Reception and Celebration on May 8 at the Penn State Great Valley Conference Center.
In recognition of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, The Arc of Chester County and Penn State Great Valley launched a free speaker series to foster awareness and education about the disability rights movement.
“The Arc is committed to advocating with and for individuals with disabilities and their families every day,” said Jeanne Meikrantz, CEO of The Arc of Chester County. “March is a time to amplify these efforts and inspire action.”
On March 18, Meikrantz delivered a compelling talk on the human rights movement for individuals with disabilities. The series will conclude with an extraordinary session on April 1, featuring Jim Conroy of the Pennhurst Memorial & Preservation Alliance who will present “Threshold of Freedom: The Arc, Pennhurst, and the End of Public Institutions in America”, exploring the pivotal role The Arc of Chester County played in transforming disability rights. This free talk for staff and faculty is sponsored by the Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies. Attendees will gain insight into the legal victories that paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
From March 31 to April 25, Penn State Great Valley’s community will take part in a campus wide Step Challenge. This initiative, open exclusively to Penn State Great Valley faculty, staff, students, and their friends and family, encourages participants to engage in weekly walking challenges across campus while supporting The Arc of Chester County.
Throughout the four-week challenge, the Penn State Great Valley community members will take themed walks, sporting Arc or Penn State gear, and share photos. The challenge will culminate in a celebratory lunch, where participant photos will be shared.
While this initiative is internal to the Penn State Great Valley community, those interested in supporting The Arc’s mission can still get involved by participating in The Arc’s Annual Bubble Walk & Fun Day on May 18 at West Goshen Community Park. It’s a perfect opportunity to get all your steps in, set personal step challenges, and walk alongside a community dedicated to inclusion and advocacy for individuals with disabilities their families.
About The Arc of Chester County
Since 1952, The Arc of Chester County has been a beacon of advocacy, education, and support for individuals with disabilities and their families. Serving over 3,000 individuals annually, The Arc provides essential services including preschool programs, home services, community support, and employment opportunities. For more information or to make a donation, visit The Arc of Chester County.
