History
The Arc of Greater Brockton has a rich history spanning more than 60 years and marked by accomplishment. We continue to carry out the mission and vision of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their parents and siblings.
In 1950, a small group of parents and other concerned individuals came together to act as voices for change. At the time, little was known about the condition of intellectual disability (at the time referred to as ‘mental retardation’) or its causes. There were virtually no programs and activities in communities to assist in the development and care of children and adults with intellectual disability or to support families.
It was common at that time for doctors to tell parents that the best place for their child was in an institution. Emboldened by their collective desire to raise their children in the home and their stubborn refusal to accept that institutionalization was the only option, the hard work of the Arc of Greater Brockton founders resulted in the legal creation of the Brockton Area Arc on December 8, 1952.
Like every parent of any child, they wanted more for their children. They wanted their children to lead fulfilling lives in the community and not shuttered away in institutions. It was in that spirit that The Arc of Greater Brockton was born.
The Early Days
At the outset, the organization was committed to altering perceptions of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to educate parents and others regarding the potential of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Arc also worked to procure services for children and adults who were denied an education, the right to attend day care and preschools, and the right to work.
Growing with the Times
Over the last 60 years, The Arc of Greater Brockton has grown and adapted to the changes that people with disabilities face across their life span. Over the decades, The Arc of Greater Brockton has changed its name to reflect current acceptable titles, advocates on behalf of people with disabilities and creates a place where those with intellectual and developmental disabilities can gather together to learn, socialize, work and grow.
