In 1936, a group of parents who’s children where in the institutions formed The Children’s Benevolent League of Washington (CBL). In 1960’s CBL changed its name to Washington Association for Retarded Children (WARC), later becoming the Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC).Back in the day (which is, unfortunately, not so long ago) the word retarded was commonly used when referring to people with developmental disabilities, just as African and Native Americans where referred to as Indians, negro’s, and blacks. As the years passed, many professionals working in the field of Mental Retardation started to perceive the term “retarded” as degrading and started pushing those labeled as such to seek another change in the name of the organization. Thus, the current name for The Arc of Washington State evolved (Advocates for the Rights of Citizens with developmental disabilities). Today The Arc of Grays Harbor acronym stands for Advocacy, respect, community for ALL people with developmental disabilities.

Back at the beginning families had nothing, no mandated laws, schooling, or an employment protection.It was up to them to assist their love ones in belonging and having the right to a better life. The seed was planted for The Arc movement in church basements as parents, professionals and other caring community members came together and began educating their communities, their schools, their state legislatures and the U.S. Congress about people with developmental disabilities.

In the early fifties, a shift in attitudes – away from institutional care – began to emerge.During this time, Washington experienced a growth in the number of parents who started looking at educating and raising their children in their homes and communities.As a result, Washington was a pacesetter in providing expanded local educational opportunities for children with disabilities.

In 1969, the organization recommended that The Arc support mandatory public schooling for all children. Support was tremendous, and the final passage of the bill in 1973 made it law. Attention was focused on the federal level by passing the Education for all handicapped children act of 1975--Public Law 94-142.

Meanwhile for the residents of Grays Harbor and Pacific County The Arc (formally know The Arc of Twin Harbors) was very active. Members/partners were determined to see positive changes in our area:

• Families entered the doors of Stevens’s school and enrolling for the first time their children with special needs for public education. The beginning of what many of us are receiving today without a second thought.




• Adults with developmental disabilities had the opportunity to continue to develop skills and socializing outside of their family home at what is known today as Timberland Opportunity. The birth of community training and employment. Look where it has grown today, people with disabilities working in our grocery stores, state offices, corporations, etc.




• Collaborating with county commissioners and securing the land and funding to build Kimberly Group Home in Aberdeen in 1979. This home continues to provide community residential living opportunities for people with developmental disabilities today.




• Initiating and the spun off of the community residential program known today as Harbor Alternate Living Association (HALA) in 1980. This program supports individuals with developmental disabilities (including those with significant needs of 24 hour support) who want to rent their own apartment, house, and live independent from their families. Individuals live by themselves or with one to three other people.

In the mid 80’s and 90’s chapters began having difficulties.The next generation of families with children with special needs where not aware that public education, services and programs for their children came about only because of the relentless efforts of the pioneering parents, professionals and caring citizens and not because the State of Washington simply saw their child and families need and wanted to fill it. As more children were being diagnosed and put in the Developmental Disability system there was less people advocating for increased funding to cover services which lead to the waiting list and the inadequate funding for services we are experiencing today.

In September of 1999 Grays Harbor County sponsored an “All in the Family” Conference, through that conference The Arc of Grays Harbor was revitalized obtaining Articles of Incorporation status in December 1999 and operating under The Arc of Washington State until July 1^st, 2004 when it became its own chapter.

Today, The Arc of Grays Harbor, Washington State and U.S. continue to embody the passionate advocacy of its rich history as it strives to promote inclusion in all aspects of life for people with developmental disabilities.