ARC Gateway

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The Arc Gateway

ARCGatewayLogo.png

Established 1954
(incorporated August 24, 1972[1])
Location 3932 North 10th Avenue
Website [1]

The Arc Gateway, Inc. is a non-profit organization that serves children who have or are at risk of developmental disabilities as well as adults with developmental disabilities.

ARC was initially an acronym for "Association of Retarded Citizens," but was deprecated as the phrase "mentally retarded" grew in disfavor and officially changed in 2002.[2]

History

The Arc Gateway dates back to 1947, when a small group of local parents opened a one-room school house for their own developmentally disabled children. The parents drafted an organizational constitution in 1954, appointed Pearl Nelson their first president, and became members of the state and national Associations for Retarded Children.

Over time, the parents who began The Arc Gateway developed new programs, including the Pollak Activity Center and the Pollak Rehabilitation Workshop, day programs that gave developmentally disabled adults opportunities to learn and work. Programs for children continued to expand as well. In 1974, ARC Gateway began the Infant Stimulation Program, and in 1977, the Pearl Nelson Center became the Pearl Nelson Preschool, serving children ages two to five. Arc's first group home, the Women's Residential Training Center, opened in 1978.

Services & facilities

The Arc Gateway provides programs and services to more than 1,200 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Our programs and services include Early Intervention, Children’s Therapy, Vocational Training, Recreation, Employment, Transportation, Education, and Residential Support and help to provide life-enhancing opportunities which promote independence and community inclusion.

Board of Directors, 2020-21

External links & references