Jean Vanier

Jean Vanier is the founder of L’Arche (‘The Ark’), an international family of 130 communities in 30 countries in which people with learning disabilities and their assistants live and work together. L’Arche believes that whatever their gifts and limitations, people are all bound together in a common humanity.

Founded by Vanier in France 40 years ago, L’Arche is based on the principle of welcoming individuals of all faiths and none into a unique and inspiring group where people with disabilities are at the centre of their community. L'Arche first arrived in the UK in 1974. With help from Jean's sister, Thérèse (a doctor in London and first community leader), the Archbishop of Canterbury, Ann and Geoffrey Morgan and others, the first UK L’Arche opened in Kent. There are nine L’Arche communities in the UK, in Kent, Inverness, Liverpool, London, Bognor Regis, Brecon, Edinburgh, Preston and Ipswich, with a tenth planned in Glasgow. They provide homes in ordinary houses to more than 100 people with learning disabilities and a similar number of assistants.

Jean Vanier currently spends his time counselling, encouraging and accompanying assistants in their personal journey through L’Arche. He travels a great deal visiting L’Arche communities, lecturing, encouraging new projects and offering retreats. L’Arche welcomes men and women with learning disabilities aged 18 and over. These are people with a wide range of different abilities and disabilities, independence and needs, from varied backgrounds and of different ages. Historically, many of the members come from institutions or long stay hospitals where it was impossible to lead a normal life. Nowadays people come in order to build an individual life away from care homes or hospitals. Some residents have lived in L’Arche communities for over 24 years.

L’Arche’s charter notes among its aims that it “ …seeks to respond to the distress of those that are too often rejected, and to give them a valid place in society”. Vanier has been integral in the global drive to recognise the rights and dignity of people with disabilities, and today, is seen as a pioneering advocate for the learning disability community.

“He reaches out to those who may be thought of as at the margins of society, as people who have something to contribute to the heart of it.”

Tessa Till, L’Arche, Overseas Development Fund Coordinator

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