Since its creation in 1952, The Arc has led the county in establishing special education programs and developing opportunities for advancement and inclusion in the community. From its humble beginnings to the present day, The Arc has been on the front lines of public policy - influencing schools, businesses, government leaders, and neighborhoods to make Prince George's County a livable community for everyone.
1952
A small group of parents meet at St. Luke's Church in Bladensburg to formally establish the Prince George's County Association for the Help of Retarded Children, now known as The Arc.
1954
With the active support of The Arc, Prince George's County opens its first special education program at the Calvert School in Riverdale.
1955
The Arc begins to sponsor County teachers to receive specialized summer training to work with children with developmental disabilities. This program was instrumental in the training of hundreds of educators during the late 1950's and early 1960's.
1956
With the financial support of The Arcs in the metropolitan area, the Georgetown University Developmental Clinic, a special evaluation and diagnostic clinic, is begun.
1957
The Arc becomes a full-fledged member of the United Givers Fund, now known as the United Way of the National Capital Area. The association also formally incorporates itself as the Prince George's County Association for Retarded Children.
1959
The Arc begins its first of five county "teen clubs" at the Lake Manor Country Home. The Association also opens its first office in Hyattsville.
1960
With a $5,000 grant from The Arc, the County Health Department opens its evaluation and diagnostic clinic.
1961
The Arc opens its first sheltered workshop, known as The Occupational Training Center. Four decades later this program now operates as a separate corporation - Rehabilitation Opportunities, Inc.
1962
Boy Scout Troop 1035, sponsored by The Arc, begins and over the years introduces hundreds of boys to scouting.
1963
The four Arcs establish a weekly swim program in the metropolitan area.
1964
The Arc opens Melwood Horticultural Training Center on 6 acres of federal surplus land. Melwood goes on to be a highly successful independent corporation with an international reputation.
1967
Arc advocacy efforts lead to the planning and funding authorization of the Great Oaks Center.
1969
Special Olympics begins in Maryland with the first state Olympics at Bowie State University, and the national regional at the University of Maryland.
Arc delegates to the national convention are introduced to and inspired by the concept of "normalization."
1971
The first phase of the Great Oaks Regional Center opens.
1972
The Arc opens its first group home on Riverview Road in Fort Washington. Three former residents of the Rosewood Center get the opportunity to live in the community. - Ride-A-Bike, The Arc's annual fund-raiser begins!
1973
The Arc changes its name to "The Association for Retarded Citizens."
1974
The Arc of Maryland successfully sues the state of Maryland over the right to education and Maryland becomes one of the first states to guarantee a free and appropriate education for all children with disabilities.
1975
Arc members across the country work hard to secure the right to education resulting in the passage of P.L. 94-142, the Education of All Handicapped Children Act.
1977
The Arc cosponsors the College for Living at Prince George's Community College, providing adults with developmental disabilities a way to continue their education.
1979
Five hundred Arc members from around the state converge on the Statehouse to demand expansion of community services, setting the stage for program improvements in the 1980's.
1980
The Arc coordinates the development of the President's Committee, a coalition of Prince George's County service providers committed to meeting the needs of individuals awaiting services.
1982
The Arc achieves the passage of the first of three major community service expansion bills, HB 1496. Followed by HB 1035 in 1983 and SB 738 in 1985, hundreds of Marylanders with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to move into homes in the community.
1984
Sixteen new residents move into homes operated by The Arc as the residential program grows to serve a total of 50 residents. The Arc begins its Annual Awards Program.
1985
The Arc begins its highly successful Employment Services Program by placing thirteen individuals in seven different companies. Prince George's County Government begins to provide supplemental funding for supported employment. The Medicaid Waiver Program begins in Maryland and becomes the primary mechanism to close the Henryton Center and downsize the Great Oaks and Rosewood Centers.
1986
The Arc opens Capital Concepts to provide vocational opportunities to 40 people who have recently moved out of the Great Oaks Center. The Arc initiated its Individual and Family Support Services Program to assist individuals, or their family, in maintaining their own home. The Arc Education Committee publishes its first report on integrated education and begins a multi year effort to increase integrated education in the Prince George's County Schools.
1987
Parent-to-Parent begins a program that reaches out to families of school age children and links parents up for peer support. Capital Concepts 11 opens its door to 20 individuals with profound disabilities. The Arc moves its headquarters from Bowie to Largo Park.
1988
With United Way support, The Arc begins a childcare initiative with sitter recruitment and training and an effort to encourage generic providers to serve children with disabilities. Residential Services Monitoring Program wins a statewide award for creative volunteer-based oversight.
1989
The Arc leads the charge to kill the Governor's attempt to assess fees on families of adults receiving state-funded services. The Arc opens its respite home for children. County high school students compete for scholarships through The Arc/ Riggs Bank essay contest.
1990
With Arc support across the country, the Americans with Disabilities Act becomes law. The Governor's Transitioning Initiative begins assuring supported employment opportunities are available for special education graduates. A seven-year Arc effort on Medicaid reform pays off with the passage of Community Supported Living Arrangements' legislation.
1991
The Arc begins its annual St. Patrick's Day run at Largo Park. Despite economic downturn, state budget provides $5 million for new services to those on waiting lists. My Friend's Closet opens its doors as The Arc moves into the thrift store business. The self-advocacy movement within The Arc begins to roll.
1992
The Association changes its name once again to "The Arc", deleting the word "retarded" from its name as a result of input from self-advocates. The Infants and Toddlers Case Management Program expands to meet needs of children (and their families) ages birth to 3. The Arc joins hands with CALMRA to mentor a new residential services agency.
1993
Governor William Schaefer attends a progressive dinner party at The Arc and CALMRA homes and heads back to Annapolis with a strong commitment to community living. The Arc takes the first steps towards closing its sheltered workshop.
1994
A contingent of Arc Prince Georgians celebrates the anniversary of ADA at the White House with President Clinton. The Arc develops a Strategic Plan for the Year 2000.
1995
The Adult Respite Care Home opens its doors on weekends. The Arc celebrates Governor Parris Glendening's announcement to close Great Oaks.
1996
Great Oaks closes its doors. Prince George's County hosts The Arc State Convention.
1997
The Arc begins a statewide campaign to unlock the waiting list. Bridges, The Arc's Adult Medical Day Program, moves to a new, larger home in Largo.
1998
The Arc prepares an expansion of the services offered in the Bridges at Largo, to include weekend program.
1999
Thanks to increased funding, The Arc’s Support Services is able to assist additional Individuals and families. The Respite House in Ft. Washington gets a face-lift and new playhouse in the backyard.
2000
The Arc moves into its new headquarters in Largo. The Arc expands outreach into the Latino community. The Arc's thrift store, celebrates its tenth anniversary!
2001
Residential Services Division reorganizes into Northern and Southern teams and incorporates CSLA Services. The Arc opens two new vocational centers allowing individuals to work in smaller groups and settings.
2002
The Arc celebrates its 50th year! Over 500 Arc members, friends and supporters gather to share memories of all the years.
2003
The Laurel Vocational Center opens its doors. The Office Skills Training Center utilizes state of the art equipment, curriculum and assistive technology to train people with disabilities to successfully work in an office.
2004
Recreation and fitness are emphasized as "Out on the Town", a social club combining dinner and community outings, is initiated and opportunities open for sports and fitness activities.
2005
The Arc teams up with Prince George's Community College to provide training opportunities for direct care staff.
2006
The Residential Support Group is officially established. My Health-My Decision promotes active involvement in healthcare decisions.
2007
The Arc defines its strategic priorities for the next five years
after undergoing a comprehensive strategic planning process.
2008
The Arc creates a partnership with the Bowie YMCA to offer inclusive
childcare.
2011
The Arc takes part in the national rebranding initiative.
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