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.

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

Back home in Indiana after spending a year in North Georgia, where she created the Cumming Mayor’s Disability Council, Tedesco, a disability advocate and mother of two amazing girls, one with a disability, worked with (then) City Council Member, Scott Willis, and Mayor Andy Cook to implement the Westfield Mayor’s Council on Disabilities where she focused on breaking down barriers (housing, employment, transportation), issues that individuals with disabilities often face.

Tedesco is also no stranger to the Arc, as an Arc of Indiana Advocacy Network team member, she has fielded calls from Hoosiers throughout the state looking for disability-related assistance, resources, and support, and sat on the Board. She is a graduate of the Indiana Governor's Council on People with Disabilities - Partners in Policymaking program.

Back on the ground, Tedesco continues to explore opportunities where she can utilize her gifts to help those underserved, misunderstood, and often forgotten. As the Executive Director of the Arc of Hancock County, she will support current initiatives, advocate, educate, and build partnerships within the community to deliver positive change so that people with disabilities can lead a quality life where all things ARE possible.

Before her advocacy work, Tedesco worked as a public and media relations professional where she serviced an array of clients with integrated communications and marketing challenges in Chicago and Pittsburgh and rebranded Columbia College in Columbia, MO.

When she’s not using her voice to advocate for the disability community, you can find her hanging out with her family, walking Macey, their poodle or bike riding on the various trails.