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About Us


History
For many years, people with developmental disabilities were considered unteachable and incapable of living a meaningful life; many were treated with scorn and abused physically, sexually and emotionally.  Parents who had a child with a developmental disability were often told to send them to an institution and forget about them. 


But in the 1950s, parents began to think differently about their children with developmental disabilities.  Many chose to raise their son or daughter at home instead of having them institutionalized, and what they discovered was remarkable.  Perceptive, tenacious, and able, many people with developmental disabilities were found capable of far more than commonly believed.  Even among those whose language and motor skills were significantly limited, parents delighted in a child who had passions, interests and capabilities that were unique and enriching.  Banding together, these parents met regularly to share the triumphs and challenges that come with raising a child with a disability.  One parent group began in Spokane in 1950.  Today, it's known as The Arc of Spokane.


           

Knowing what their children were capable of, these parents saw what needed to be done.  They had to work for change.  They had to make the world a better, more understanding place for their sons and daughters, and they've been working to achieve that dream ever since.  Click here for a timeline of important dates in The Arc of Spokane's history.


Board of Directors
The Arc's board of directors is elected each year at an annual meeting of members. Our bylaws require at least half of our board to be constituents of The Arc: self-advocates with a developmental disability or people closely related to someone with a developmental disability.  Click here for a complete list of our current board of directors. 


Annual Report
Click the icon to download a PDF copy of our latest Annual Report. 


Current Initiatives
The Arc of Spokane continues to make a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families through various grassroots efforts.  Click here to learn more about some of our current initiatives.   


Affiliations
The Arc of Washington State
www.arcwa.org

The Arc of The United States
www.thearc.org

The Spokane Alliance
www.spokanealliance.org
 


© 2007