THE ARC IN THE USThe Arc of the United States was founded in 1950.
At that time little was known about intellectual and developmental disabilities and there were no programs or activities for the development and care of persons with ID/DD and family support. To address this situation this fledgling organization set out 3 priorities: To change public perceptions To educate parents and others concerning potentials To procure services for persons denied day care, preschool, education and work programs The Arc of the US today is the world's largest community based organization of people and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through its 850 state and local chapters the organization has 140,000 members. The chapters range in size from small volunteer groups to large sophisticated multi-million dollar service providing operations. Vision Every individual and family affected by intellectual and developmental disability should have access to information, advocacy and skills they need to participate as active citizens of our democracy and active members of their community. We work to ensure that people with ID and DD and their families have the supports they need to live an ordinary, decent, American life. Advocacy at the federal and state levels has been effective over the years. Today the majority of persons with ID/ DD do have access to some help. While the scope of this support still needs to be improved considerable strides have been made since the early 50's. More recently The Arc of Missouri was successful in advocating the need to reduce the 'Wait List". However, today at the state and federal levels governments have the unenviable task of reducing total expenditures. Everything will be reviewed. In order to ensure that our cause is heard and understood at government levels ADVOCACY has to be stepped up into high gear. Membership numbers add credence to our cause. So now is the time to stand up and be counted and join our efforts by becoming a member of the state/local chapter and in so doing become a member of the largest organization supporting persons with ID / DD in the US. Your membership counts. |
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONNAME _________________________________________
ADDRESS _______________________________________ _______________________________________________ CITY ___________________________________________ STATE _________________ ZIP CODE ________________ TEL# ___________________________________________ CELL# ___________________________________________ EMAIL ____________________________________ REPEAT EMAIL ____________________________________ ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION Individual $10 Family $20 DONATION $ The following information will allow us to better serve our members. (Please circle appropriate information.) Age of Member Classification 1-24 Parent/ relative 25-34 Self Advocate 35-44 Educator 45-54 Field Professional 55-64 Caring Citizen Age of person with disability_________ Please return to : The Arc of Clay & Platte Counties, Inc 7400 C North Oak Trafficway GLADSTONE, MO 64118 |