 |
 Facts
About Developmental Disabilities
FAQ's
Articles
and Materials On Developmental Disabilities
Links
and Resources
The Association for
Retarded Citizens, South Florida is a local chapter of The
Arc, one of the largest volunteer organizations in the US.
Founded in 1953 by a group of concerned parents, Arc, South
Florida serves the over 60,000 Miami-Dade County citizens
with developmental disabilities. Though still governed by
volunteers through the Board of Directors, Arc, South Florida
has grown into a major community agency, providing a variety
of programs and services that affect hundreds of participants,
their families and the community each day.
When founded, Arc, South Florida’s sole mission was
one of ensuring the rights of all persons with developmental
disabilities through effective and on going advocacy. Arc,
South Florida advocates by actively working at both the local,
state and national levels on behalf of people with developmental
disabilities and against any kind of discrimination or violation
of civil rights. These activities begin at the grassroots
level with those who are most affected by these laws, and
extend to members of the state legislature who are encouraged
to pass legislation that advances equal rights and equal opportunities.
Arc, South Florida continues to act as the voice for all
persons with mental retardation and other disabilities in
South Florida. It’s ultimate goal is to help these individuals
attain an improved quality of life by providing opportunities
that will allow them to not only live and work independently,
but ultimately to make a real contribution to their communities.
At the same time, Arc, South Florida works to reduce the incidence
of mental retardation and to limit its consequences by creating
programs that promote advocacy, education, research and community
support.
|
