ARC Minnesota is a private, non-profit, statewide organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. While much of the activity centers in local chapters throughout the state, the state organization sponsors educational and leadership training workshops, provides publications and a newsletter which addresses concerns of parents, and helps coordinate legislative initiatives. Funds are raised from membership dues; contributions from the United Way; foundation and corporate grants; donations, memorials, and bequests; fund raising events; and fees from local chapters.
ARC Minnesota was established in 1951 as the Minnesota Society for the Mentally Retarded at a time when institutional care was substandard, community living alternatives rarely available, education and training nonexistent, and the mentally retarded and their families isolated from society. Among the first local chapters was the Minneapolis chapter (now Arc Hennepin-Carver Inc. ), which was established in 1946. Members of the Minneapolis chapter were influential in starting a national organization in 1950, the state organization a year later, and organizing many local chapters throughout the state during the 1950s. In October 1955 the state organization was reorganized at the Minnesota Association for Retarded Children, Inc.
In 1974 the name was changed slightly to the Minnesota Association for Retarded Citizens to reflect the fact that teenagers, adults, and seniors also are served by the movement. In the early 1990s, the reference to "retarded" was dropped completely, and the acronym ARC began to be used in all local, state, and national organization names.
From the guide to the Association records., 1953-1998., (Minnesota Historical Society)
