ARCA is an organization of rehabilitation counseling practitioners, educators, and students who are concerned with improving the lives of people with disabilities.

Its mission is to enhance the development of people with disabilities throughout their life span and to promote excellence in the rehabilitation counseling profession.

ARCA's goal is to provide the type of leadership that encourages excellence in the areas of rehabilitation counseling practice, research, consultation, and professional development.

ARCA is equally interested in eliminating environmental and attitudinal barriers so that more opportunities are available with regard to education, employment, and community activities to people with disabilities. These goals are addressed by ARCA through public education and legislative activities.

One of ARCA's primary goals is to increase public awareness of rehabilitation counseling as a profession and to extend its influence by encouraging members to become involved in the association's outreach and educational efforts. Other goals are to help members develop their leadership skills through participation in ARCA's organizational activities and to work with state officials to develop appropriate licensure requirements.