Much done, much more to do at Arc

By Delaine Petersen

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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, thanks to a 1987 presidential proclamation by President Reagan that was the direct result of advocacy efforts of The Arc. By bringing intellectual and developmental disabilities to the forefront, the proclamation underscores the pride and the promise for people with those challenges to achieve the same dreams as every American.

This month, The Arc of East Central Iowa is working with the national office to launch a new logo and invite the community to “Achieve with us.” Locally, The Arc is hosting the Arc March beginning at 8:30 a.m. on April 2 at Lindale Mall. The community is invited to attend and support the goals of full community inclusion and acceptance. Visit www.arceci.org for full details.

The Arc of East Central Iowa is one of 700 chapters in the nation's largest and oldest organization working with and advocating for people with intellectual and related developmental disabilities. Our local chapter was founded in 1953 by parents who knew community-based services were better than institutions. The Arc's goal is to ensure the people we serve have the opportunity to lead full, satisfying lives as valued members of our community. The Arc of East Central Iowa offers a wide range of services and support to people who are impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities. Assistance is available to individuals and their families, regardless of age or circumstances.

The Arc has been a leading voice promoting inclusion and opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Today, more people with those disabilities are living and thriving in their communities rather than simply surviving in institutions. Many of those advancements were hard-won, and there is still much to be done.

The Arc invites you to advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and to learn more about the public policies that can help make that happen. Because many people with disabilities rely on publicly funded services to participate fully in their communities, policy makers need to know you are concerned about continuing those services in the face of budget cuts during tough economic times.

Get involved with our local chapter by volunteering, donating or becoming a member and advocate. Speak up against the use of the r-word, and promote respect for people of all abilities. The Arc of East Central Iowa invites you to “Achieve with us.”

Delaine Petersen is the executive director of The Arc of East Central Iowa, serving more than 650 people and their families in eight east central Iowa counties. Comments: dpetersen@arceci.org