About Us

Who We Are

Created in April 1961 by parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), The Arc of Hancock County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the human rights of individuals with I/DD. Through proactive advocacy, educational outreach, and access to valuable community resources, we empower individuals and families to navigate the journey of disability with confidence and support. Our goal is to build a more inclusive and informed community where every person is valued and supported.

We are an Advocacy chapter of The Arc of Indiana and affiliated with The Arc of the United States, one of the nation's largest grassroots human rights movement for the I/DD population.

Our mission

To deliver person-centered support, advocacy, and education through ethical, responsive, and collaborative practices that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and strengthen our community.

Advocate.
We stand up for the rights and dignity of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through proactive, person-centered advocacy.

Educate.
We raise awareness, foster understanding, and equip our community with the knowledge needed to support and empower every individual.

Provide Quality Resources.
We connect individuals and families with meaningful, accessible resources that help them navigate the world of disability with confidence and support.

Support.

We walk alongside individuals and their families to support them by providing helpful, timely resources and inclusive programming that encourages individuals to be all that they were designed to be!

Our Core VAlues

Inclusion: We believe every person deserves to be included, respected, and valued as a meaningful member of the community.
Advocacy: We champion the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through education, empowerment, and policy change.
Empowerment: We strive to empower individuals and families with the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to thrive.
Compassion: We meet people where they are—with empathy, understanding, and a deep respect for their unique journey.
Person-Centered: We prioritize the unique needs, goals, and voices of every individual we serve.

Collaboration: We build strong partnerships with families, providers, educators, and community leaders to create a lasting impact.
Integrity: We operate with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all that we do.
Education: We are committed to raising awareness and providing resources that help our community understand and embrace disability.

Our Operational Values

Accountability: We hold ourselves to high standards, ensuring transparency, responsibility, and ethical practices in all that we do.
Collaboration: We work in partnership—with families, providers, and community stakeholders—to create a unified, supportive network.
Responsiveness: We are attentive and adaptable, always ready to meet evolving needs with compassion and efficiency.
Excellence: We are committed to providing high-quality services, resources, and advocacy through continual learning and improvement.
Respect: We treat everyone with dignity, kindness, and cultural sensitivity, fostering a safe and inclusive environment.
Innovation: We embrace creativity and forward-thinking to develop new solutions and improve outcomes for the disability community.

Meet Our Executive Director

Joanne Tedesco

Joanne Tedesco is a passionate advocate, communicator, and nonprofit leader committed to building inclusive communities rooted in connection, dignity, and hope. As Executive Director of The Arc of Hancock County, she works alongside individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, caregivers, and community partners to create programs that foster belonging, confidence, and joy.

With more than two decades of experience in public relations and strategic communications, Joanne brings a unique blend of professional expertise and heart-led leadership to her work. She has spent her career telling stories that matter—stories that raise awareness, inspire action, and strengthen communities.

At the core of Joanne’s work is a belief that everyone has value, purpose, and God-given abilities. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve, advocate, and help open doors so that individuals and families can thrive.

Tedesco has developed two disability advisory councils (Westfield (IN) Mayor's Council on Disabilities (WMCD), Cumming (GA) Mayor's Disability Council (CMDC)) to bring and keep important topics (housing, transportation, employment, accessibility) that impact people with disabilities to the forefront and is a graduate of the Indiana Governor's Council for People with Disabilities - Partners in Policymaking program.

When Tedesco's not using her voice to advocate for the disability community, you can find her hanging out with her family, walking their poodles (Macey & Milo) or bike riding on the various trails around the county.

We believe inclusion is not an event—it’s a relationship.