A History of The Arc: Serving People with Disabilities since the 1950s

1. What is the History of The Arc? In the past there were no programs or services in communities for people with disabilities or no help for families. There were only State institutions. Doctors would tell families that this was the best place for their children with disabilities. These parents or individuals wanted something better for their children or family members; and wanted them to have more fulfilling lives in the communities they were born into.

2. What do you know about the 1950’s? Icons of the 1950’s are the “Baby boom generation”, Rosa Parks and Elvis Presley. Minimum wage was $.75 per hour, the price of a loaf of bread $.13, median home price was $7,354, Korean War begins, the comic strip Peanuts by Charles Schultz is printed and Walt Disney’s Cinderella plays in theaters. The Arc of the U.S. began in 1950 in Minneapolis, MN by a group of parents and individuals concerned about services in the community for their loved ones with disabilities. The next year they met in Michigan. Many years later The Arc of the U.S. moved to Washington D.C. to help facilitate discussions with legislators and that is where the office is today. One of the first things they needed to accomplish was to change people’s perceptions and myths of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

3. Disabilities are inherited • Disabilities are contagious • There are cures for disabilities • People with disabilities should be locked away • We do not know what causes disabilities • Rubella, RH Factor, Meningitis, chromosomal abnormalities…. • People with disabilities are potentially violent • People with disabilities are all the same • People with disabilities cannot learn • People with disabilities should not be a part of the community

4. What to do next? • Procure services for children and adults with disabilities. • Give them the right to an education, the right to attend day care and preschools, and the right to work. • The Arc advocated for the passage of state and federal legislation as they do today via The Arc – U.S. in Washington D.C. and The Arc-WI in Madison. • Looked into establishing a network of state and local Arc chapters ranging from small voluntary groups to large, professional organizations. Each chapter is unique. Arc’s are not in every county. • The Arc becomes the first organization to put money into research. The Waisman Center in Madison is dedicated to the advancement of the knowledge of human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative disabilities.

5. After this agency was dissolved by the three county boards, Dunn County Human Services Board asked The Arc of Dunn County, Inc. to form a private non-profit corporation to operate the center. This was done in 1971. The Arc had a big hand in building a sheltered workshop, Indianhead Enterprises, Inc. The Arc also started a program here in Dunn County called House Calls. Both of these organizations separated from The Arc and operate independently in Menomonie today. • In 1987 The Arc was able to open an office and hire an Executive Director. This made The Arc more accessible to the public. In November of 1987 The Arc started the Residential Program. A Residential Director was hired and group homes, apartments and homes were provided for people coming out of the Institutions that were looking at downsizing. • In August of 1989 The Corporate Guardianship Program was established and a Guardianship Director was hired. The program was licensed by the State of Wisconsin to serve 20 people. Since that time the amount of wards we serve has grown. • Part of The Arc’s function is to find new ways to serve people with disabilities in our community. As a result The Arc has been instrumental in starting more programs or services throughout the years.

6. Continued….. • In August of 1989 The Corporate Guardianship Program was established and a Guardianship Director was hired. The program was licensed by the State of Wisconsin to serve 20 people. Since that time the amount of wards we serve has grown. • Part of The Arc’s function is to find new ways to serve people with disabilities in our community. As a result The Arc has been instrumental in starting more programs or services throughout the years.

7. How else can we serve? • In 1997 The Arc purchased a home to be used as a group home for men, thanks in part to a WHEDA grant. In 1998 thanks to an Otto Bremer Grant, The Arc was able to do some remodeling to the home. There have been many grants since then to improve the home. • In 2003 The Arc was able to purchase an assisted living building to house it’s offices, to open a Respite Program and a Day Activity Center. An Otto Bremer Grant was obtained for remodeling costs of the building. In 2008 this building became an adult family home for adults after the office was moved into it’s new office building. • In 2008 The Arc built an office building at 2602 Hils Court in Menomonie. This was to sustain new programs in the community and to show a presence in Menomonie.

8. Continued…. • Community Programs have been in operation since 2010. These programs started with the Art at The Arc (Arc provides for creative expression through monthly art classes and arts activities). From there it has grown to include many community options such as, Arc Action (A health and wellness program), Arc Awareness and Advocacy (Offers support for self-advocates and provides opportunities to inform our communities), Arc Adventures (Participating in activities inside and outside our community), Connections Day Services (Social and learning program that meets twice a week to build skills and connect to their community), and Sibshops (Interactive program for brothers and sisters of kids with special needs). • In 2016, the Workforce Readiness Program was started. This is an exciting program to help students with disabilities who are getting ready to graduate. The program goes into schools and works with young adults on disability awareness, being able to share about their disability and what accommodations they need to be successful, preparing for the world of work.

9. Other things we have done • Scholarships to college students majoring in special education or related field of study • Camperships (For many years gave away camperships for people to attend camp) • Education programs in local High Schools, as well as UW-Stout • Transition services • Dunn County Coalition for People with Disabilities (An organization that came together of many different organizations – no longer exists.) • Support Meetings, Banquets, Picnics • Involved with United Way and many other organizations

10. Some About The Arc • Did you know that The Arc is a non-profit organization? • The Arc is run by a Board of Directors that meets monthly at The Arc office. • The Executive Director runs the day-to-day activities of The Arc. • The Board has a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and many board members. There are committees to help with decisions that need to be made. • Each program has a person that heads each department, be it the Residential Services Coordinator, Guardianship Director or Community Services Coordinator.

11. Mission/Vision Statements • Mission Statement The Arc is dedicated to advocating for and providing quality services that enable people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their full potential, enhance their quality of life, promote independence and be active participants in their community. • Vision Statement The Arc will be the premier provider of services to individuals with intellectual, developmental and related disabilities, and their families, in Dunn County and the surrounding area. *Approved 4-6-2011