Looking at the meaning behind The Arc

Published 5:00 pm Saturday, March 26, 2011

By JAMEY HELGESON

The Arc of Mower County

More and more, staff members at The Arc across the country find themselves answering the question: What does The Arc stand for?

Email newsletter signup

The answer to this question can be a bit complicated. More than 59 years ago when The Arc was formed, its formal name was the Association for Retarded Citizens.

Today, it is no longer appropriate to refer to a person as “retarded” so that meaning has become a part of history. Now, The Arc is spelled with a capitalized “A” and a lowercase “rc.” This is because the name is no longer an acronym with each letter corresponding to a word. The Arc continues to support children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The Arc has a rich history of championing the rights of people with disabilities, and so the name remains after all these years as a testament to the grassroots work of those involved with The Arc since it was founded. If you ever wonder what The Arc stands for, remember that it is not an acronym, but The Arc will always stand for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities through advocacy and services.

Are you interested in attending a new Down syndrome support and networking group? We have had about five to six families express their interest in starting a group in Mower County. This group will offer a safe place to share the joys and challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome. You’ll find support, information, new ideas and other parents of children with Down syndrome who understand. Please call our office at 507-433-8994 for more information on this new group.

The Arc is driven by opportunity. The opportunity for hope, for growth, for change; the opportunity for everyone to become a valued, contributing member of their community. We strengthen people with disabilities, their parents and family members, and dedicated professionals by connecting them across our national network of community based chapters. Our collective voice provides the opportunity for all of us to make a difference.

The Arc fosters respect and access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, giving them the power to achieve

a full and satisfying life.

Annual Rose Sale ends April 1

Let someone know that you care and support the work of The Arc of Mower County by supporting our 16th Annual Rose Sale.

Order forms are available on our website at www.arcmowercounty.org.

You may email your order to roses@arcmowercounty.org.

All proceeds from Arc’s Rose Sale benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy. One in ten families has a member with a disability. Your participation in Arc’s Rose Sale provides critical funding for programs and services.

Upcoming Events

· Monday: PACER Workshop — Six Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.. Learn six important skills you can use to become a more effective advocate for your child with a disability.

· Tuesday: Cooking for Comfort, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

· Wednesday: Special Olympics Bowling, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

· Thursday: Movie and Munchies, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

· Friday: Last day to order roses.

· April 16: Prom. Theme: Light Up The Night at St. Edwards Corcoran Center

· ­ April 30: Rock and Bowl-A-Thon at Echo Lanes, 2 to 4 p.m.