The  Arc - Past and Present

The Arc began in 1936 when a group of parents whose children were in institutions formed The Children's Benevolent League of Washington, now know as The Arc of Washington State. Emerging from our own local and statewide struggles to change public attitudes and governmental policies affecting persons with developmental disabilities. The Children's Benevolent League of Washington grew to become a major contributor to the founding of the national organization known as The Arc.

Focusing their efforts on improving the conditions and treatment of people with developmental disabilities residing at the only specialized residential facility in the state, near Spokane Washington, the organization worked to establish a state facility west of the mountains to end the imposed isolation from family members. This was accomplished in 1939 when Rainier School in Buckley, Washington was created.

During the 1950's parents began to recognize the value of raising their children at home rather than in state residential facilities and identified the need for public school education.

In 1969 the Twin Harbors Arc and The Arc of Washington State placed a focus on mandatory public schooling for all children. The final passage of the bill in 1973 made it law. Next attention was focused on the federal level by passing Education for all Handicapped Children Act of 1975 is known as Public Law 94-142.

Legislatively, The Arc of Washington spends most of its time on appropriation for obtaining adequate funds for community services to ensure that all people with developmental disabilities have choices about where and how they live, work, and enjoy life.

In Washington State, developmental disabilities include autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders manifesting before the age of 18.

The Arc of Grays Harbor is proud of our members accomplishments; whose efforts throughout the Harbor during the past half century have made a positive difference for people with developmental disabilities.

During the late 1960's The Arc of Grays Harbor and adults in the community with developmental disabilities identified the need for informal vocational programs that could offer employment and greater independence. Through donations of community members and the fundraising efforts of The Arc of Grays Harbor, a vocational training program was developed. The Arc of Grays Harbor then spun the work training program off to a newly formed non-profit organization, Timberland Opportunities Association. With the assistance of County Commissioners, The Arc of Grays Harbor  and its members also secured land and funding to build Kimberly Group Home in 1979. The Arc of Grays Harbor members also initiated a community residential program known as Harbor Alternative Living Association in March of 1980. This program supports individuals with disabilities who want to rent their own apartment or house and live by themselves or share the expenses with 1-3 other individuals.

Currently The Arc of Grays Harbor sponsors workshops on such issues as Special Needs Education Issues, Guardianships, Wills and Special Needs Trusts, and in helping families plan for transition from school to adult life in the community. It also sponsors the Parent to Parent program which focuses on emotional support for families and parents by linking them with trained Helping Parent volunteers.

The Arc of Grays Harbor sponsors a summer camp program with staff supported, organized activities to provide social interaction, leisure and recreational choices, and community activities to individuals 13 and up with developmental disabilities. At camp participants enjoy swimming, arts & crafts, recreational activities, music, dancing , community activities, socialization, friendship building, and continuing education courses.

The Arc of Grays Harbor is in the process of developing a "One- Stop Resource Center" which will provide information and referral about developmental disabilities and county services that address them. The Parent to Parent program will also be expanded by holding workshops in our community throughout the Harbor and establishing a Farther's Network and Sibling support groups.

Long range plans include the integration of people with disabilities into all aspects of their communities, To support and enhance already existing programs and services, to develop new programs to fill unmet needs, and the development of a business to provide funding supplement public revenue.

The Civil Rights movement for people with disabilities has been less strident than those of other minorities. The Arc of Grays Harbor and other groups strive to pave the way for people to work and gain independence, decreasing their dependence on income from public sources and to be full participants in their communities. While legislation has been helpful, it alone can not overcome the barrier of other people's attitudes which limit the options of people with disabilities. If you are not yet a member of The Arc of Grays Harbor, Please join today. It is through your support that we have a voice.