1964-70
The beginnings
The first L’Arche house was established in France to respond to the plight of people with intellectual disabilities living locked away from society in institutions. In 1969, L’Arche crossed the Atlantic to begin in Canada. Over the next decades, L’Arche would grow across France, Canada and well beyond to respond to a worldwide need.
In 1970, L’Arche began in India with the name of Asha Niketan, meaning House of Welcome. The new community in Bangalore welcomed Hindus and Christians: faith diversity was now built into L’Arche.
1972
Naming the vision of L’Arche
At the first Federation Meeting in France, the group wrote the first Charter, setting out the vision of L’Arche and establishing an International Council to support the foundation of new communities.
1975-90
A time of swift growth
L’Arche grew past 60 communities worldwide with new communities throughout Europe, North and South America, India and Asia, Australia and the UK. As an act of barrier-breaking progress, L’Arche founded a community secretly behind the Iron Curtain, in Sledziejowice, Poland in 1981.
2014
An international milestone
Jean-Pierre Crépieux received the Légion d’Honneur from French President François Hollande. He became the first person with an intellectual disability to receive this award, in recognition of his role in co-founding L’Arche and pioneering work on behalf of people with disabilities.
2015
Global Leadership and advocacy
L’Arche was granted special consultative status with the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Our Federation holds the privilege and the responsibility to speak globally to the issues that impact the daily life of our members and to help further the work of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
2020
Inquiry findings
In 2020, L’Arche International published the findings of an independent inquiry confirming abusive behaviour by Jean Vanier toward several women without disabilities. L’Arche International condemned his actions unreservedly. Following this investigation, L’Arche set up an external Study Commission to understand the history and to contribute to the understanding and therefore the prevention of abuse. The Commission would publish its findings in 2023.
2023
A legal victory for inclusion
After years of legal setbacks, Edita Daugėlaitė won a landmark court victory in Lithuania, recognizing her legal capacity and affirming that disability cannot justify denying a person the right to make their own decisions. Her courage not only transformed her own life, but set a national precedent that can open doors to freedom and supported decision-making for thousands of others with intellectual disabilities.
2026
Looking ahead
L’Arche continues to grow, bringing together 160 established communities and nearly 20 emerging initiatives around the world. More than six decades after the first home was founded, people with and without intellectual disabilities continue to build relationships and work towards a more human society for all.
