L’Arche International is a Federation of more than 130 member communities, established as independent entities in 36 countries. The communities encompass 5000 people with and without an intellectual disability, who share their lives in homes, workshops and day programmes.

People with an intellectual disability often have the remarkable capacity to touch others. They are particularly welcoming and spontaneous, and their sensitivity allows them to bring us together, to enrich and challenge us as human beings. L’Arche is convinced that our societies are in need of these qualities and that people with an intellectual disability can be real teachers who are able to lead us back to the essential.

Every L’Arche community offers people with an intellectual disability a family-style living environment that encourages them to create a home, to develop their talents, to build friendships and quite simply, to make the most of life! But L’Arche communities are also places of welcome and support for families and friends, volunteers and neighbours, churches and other social service groups. Through their day, outreach or educational programmes and the large network of former assistants who have experienced our vision, L’Arche is actively working toward social change.

L'Arche International seeks to promote respect for cultural and religious diversity and a lived international solidarity both within and outside the Federation. As an umbrella organisation, it supports its members in administrative, legal and financial matters and helps prepare L’Arche communities to meet today's challenges and fulfil L’Arche’s mission in a rapidly changing world.