When was the Arc founded?

 

The Arc was founded in 1952 by a small group of parents and other concerned individuals.  At the time, little was known about the conditions of developmenal disabilities or its causes.  There were virtually no support programs or activities in communities to assist families in the development and care of children and adults with developmental disabilities. 

 

In the early days the association worked to change the public’s perception of children with developmental disabilities. They did this by educating parents and others to show the potential of people with these disabilities.  The Arc also worked to procure services for children and adults who were denied day care, education and work programs.