What is inclusion?
Inclusion means people with intellectual disabilities are not just supported – they participate, make decisions, and contribute. L’Arche supports the full rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and supports their leadership in L’Arche and society. All L’Arche members are supported in helping to shape community life and take their place as full citizens in our world.
What is an intellectual disability?
An intellectual disability (in some countries referred to as a learning disability) is a difference in how a person learns, understands information, or communicates. It may affect reading, memory, abstract thinking, or independent living skills. Following the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, L’Arche understands disability not only as an individual condition but as a relationship with the environment. Barriers in society such as social perception or attitude, systems, or lack of accessibility often create real limits to participation. L’Arche International supports a society in which people with intellectual disabilities are supported in their rights to make choices, form relationships, contribute, and belong.
Language varies across countries. For example, in the United Kingdom, learning disability means what is commonly called intellectual disability in North America and in many international contexts. Across L’Arche, we use language in a way that respects local usage while always placing the person first.
How is L’Arche governed?
L’Arche is a worldwide federation of communities. Inclusive representation by people of all abilities and from around the globe helps guide the international mission through assemblies, councils, and leadership teams.
We have an International Stewardship Board that is responsible for the financial and legal oversight of L’Arche International as well as an International Leadership Team committed to the mission and values of L’Arche.
L’Arche International is responsible for the leadership of the federation by ensuring the mission of L’Arche is lived and resourced throughout the federation. In addition to this work, it also provides leadership and financial support to L’Arche communities in developing economies and those communities without a national leadership structure.
Is L’Arche a religious organization?
L’Arche communities around the world include people from a diversity of faith and spiritual traditions and cultures who find welcome and belonging here. L’Arche is inspired by our core values and united by our shared commitment to our Charter.
What is a core member of L’Arche?
A core member is a person with an intellectual disability – core members are not defined by the support they receive but by their place in the community. They share decisions, relationships, celebrations, and responsibilities, and their presence shapes the identity of the community itself. The term “core” expresses that people with intellectual disabilities are at the heart of L’Arche’s life and mission – not as clients or residents, but members and citizens.
What is an assistant?
At L’Arche, an assistant is a person who shares daily life and offers practical and relational support. Assistants help with everyday routines – cooking, transportation, personal care, work, and community activities.
Assistants may be employees or volunteers; they are closely involved in the community. In all cases, assistants are more than caregivers, they are dedicated friends. At L’Arche community is mutual, we are on the journey together.
How does global solidarity funding support L’Arche’s work in the world?
L’Arche communities are funded in different ways depending on the country where they are located. Some receive government support for much of their work; others rely either in full or almost exclusively on private donations. Economic conditions, public funding policies, emergencies, conflict, public perception, and stigma can significantly affect funding gaps.
Because L’Arche is a global federation, we share responsibility for one another. Global solidarity supports the workings of L’Arche as an international Federation and is directed where it is most needed in the form of financial assistance. This shared effort helps ensure stability, continuity, and growth of L’Arche both as an international community of members and in our worldwide presence and action.
How can I get involved?
See our Get Involved page to learn more about the many ways you can be part of L’Arche!
