Karen Shoemaker

The Arc of DeKalb County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), supporting their inclusion and participation in community life. The private company is based in Fort Payne, AL. The organization operates nearly 600 independent state and local chapters, providing services such as advocacy, education support, residential and vocational programs, and person-centered planning. Key initiatives include education advocacy, digital literacy programs, addressing sexual violence against people with IDD, and promoting community-based long-term supports and services. The Arc offers resources like webinars, toolkits, advocacy training, and a virtual program library, and engages in policy advocacy, legal support, and grassroots efforts to advance disability rights. The CEO of the company is Peter V. Berns.