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About The ArcPlease click the link to view Board Members, Officers and Staff of The Arc. Or click this link if you want to see our Affiliate Chapters of The Arc.History Of The Arc1950Mrs. I. E. (Ruth) Davis placed her daughter Diane in Haven School, a Miami, Florida residential school. 1951 Ms. Davis traveled the state to evaluate present services. The only service in the state was the Gracewood institution in Augusta. Gracewood had been founded in the 1920's, had 750 residents, a waiting list of 300 and two teachers. The institution was overcrowded and antiquated in the services provided. Ms. Davis began to recruit parents who were interested in creating a nonprofit residential center. She received help locating parents from an Atlanta Journal article. Sixteen parents were recruited for the first meeting. 1952 In January the group decided to incorporate. They did so in Fulton County as the Georgia Association for the Help of Retarded Children, Inc. In August they voted to join the National Association. Their primary interest was education. At this time Georgia had a total of 39 special education teachers. 1953 The Association started a summer program in Atlanta. That fall they opened the Fairhaven private day school, which served 20 students. 1954 - 1955 Georgia legislature funded 80 classrooms. The community demand was greater than these available classroom spaces. The Association began schools in Augusta, Albany, Macon, Savannah, Americus, and Cartersville. Most schools were joint projects with churches, and civic groups spearheaded by local ARC chapters. 1956 Change of name to Georgia Association for Retarded Children. 1957 189 classes existed across the state. 1968 State legislative expansion of "Training Centers" serves over 8000. The Georgia Retardation Center (Brook Run) was built. Federal money was plentiful. 1970's The newly created Department of Human Resources took over most of the day programs established by the ARC Chapters. A movement to move people back to the community began. 20 more group homes were funded in 1978. 1972 The Department of Human Resources was created. Four group homes for MR were begun. The Georgia Community Service Act was passed. 1975 National Public Law 94-142 passed, called the "Education for All Handicapped Children Act". Later (1976) authorized as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Georgia ARC membership is over 20,000 people. 1977 Changed the name to The Georgia Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc. 1980's Much expansion and growth in services such as supported work, supported living, family support, inclusion, etc. Mid 80's the Georgia Network began as a loose knit informal group of providers, advocates and parents who found common ground in advocating for more community funding. Georgia is 7th in the nation for MR funding. In 1988 there is a failed attempt to close a MR institution. Georgia ARC receives the state grant from the federal Department of Education grant for a Parent Training and Information Center. Late 80's informally changed the name to "The ARC" and broadened the target of services and advocacy to all people with disabilities. 1989 Conflict disrupts the MR Community in Georgia. Some ARC chapters break off from the organization. The Georgia Network for Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities is formally incorporated as separate entity. The Network also includes many different organizations that provide services for MR/DD. 1993 House Bill 100 passes creating Regional Boards consisting of 50% parents of and people with disabilities. There is solidarity with other disabilities. 1994 104th Congress and the "Republican Revolution." Move towards state control and reduction of federal funding. Beginning of "Managed Care" and welfare reform. Entitlements are challenged. Georgia is 48th in the nation in funding for MR. 1997 The Georgia ARC Network, Inc. is formed. It is a combination of the two organizations for combined strength and voice. 1,200 parents and 50+ organizations make up the collaboration. The General Assembly considers a proposal to close the Brook Run institution and move the resources to community services. Federal Social Services Block Grants cuts are slated for MR/DD. 2003 Changed the name to The Arc of Georgia. |
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