Over The Years

The Arc of Bay County has been an affiliated chapter of The Arc of the United States since 1952.  We started with a small group of parents who - unlike society of the day - saw beyond their children's disabilities, and believed in their A-bilities.

These dedicated people laid the foundation for the organization we are so proud of today.

As we develop our website, we will include information about our beginnings, our founders, leaders, and membership.  Many members have submitted stories that we will be sharing with you as well.*

Our photo gallery is in development and we will bring that to you soon.

1952 Proposed Letterhead This letterhead was submitted but not adopted due to the multicolor symbol being too expensive for local units to use, and the motto was felt to be too long. A different and more simple image and slogan was chosen and adopted by committee.	National ARC Logo 1953-1973 The triangular shape and boy's image, with the slogan "Retarded Children Can Be Helped" was the official logo for the National ARC for 20 years.	National ARC Logo 1973-1981 The triangular shape was retained and the boy's image replace with an updated image. The motto in the logo was replaced with the name of the organization.	National ARC Logo 1981-1992 The Arc at this time was still known as the 'A.R.C.', utilizing the organization name in conjunction with the acronym. This change in its logo reflected the changes of the times, and the changes and growth in the organization.	The Arc Logo 1992-present In October 1991, members, chapter leaders, parents and people with disabilities had become increasingly uncomfortable over inappropriate, careless, misuse of the word "retarded." The negativity associated with the word became unacceptable in the association's name. The new name became simply "The Arc."

Also view A History of Developmental Disabilities at www.mncdd.org

*Please note that information, stories, and photos that are submitted and used within this website are taken in context from the author. Much of the information, events, and terminology are from a different time in the development of services for people with disabilities.  These are used within this site to reflect the change and growth in our society over time, and to educate others in our quest to achieve our mission.

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This site was last updated 03/31/08