A Big Surprise: The Arc Visits the White House

President Barack Obama drops by The Arc community leaders briefing in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building South Court Auditorium, Feb. 10, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

One thing I have learned in my 3 ½ years as CEO of The Arc is that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their parents, siblings and family members are a passionate lot.   So when the White House invited us to bring in 150 of The Arc’s chapter leaders, including people with I/DD, I knew we would have an enthusiastic response.  Yet little did I expect the extraordinary energy that erupted when President Obama entered the room to speak to the group.  Our leaders from throughout the country were quick to their feet with a rousing welcome, rising again when the President concluded his remarks telling the disability community “I’ve got your back.”