Our Story

Our History
We have come a long way in the past sixty-nine years, but sometimes as we dream and believe what is yet to be, we need to remember our earliest beginnings. Imagine for a moment, a time in the early 1950’s when a new and radical story began to take hold within the nation regarding the enhanced care, opportunities and hopes for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

It was during this time that a group of loving Midland parents formed The Arc of Midland as a grassroots response to the lack of educational opportunities for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These “pioneer parents” as they became affectionately known, did it all. They operated the school, hired the teachers and made children’s lunches in the cafeteria and helped to create new and enriching programs for their kids.

From their strident beginnings and earnest efforts, the “pioneer parents” became a positive force of change within our community. Public support services were developed. The public school system began to offer integrated curriculum for their children with disabilities. As their efforts grew and evolved new programs and services were also developed.

Today, we find ourselves once again at the forefront of change, as we dream, believe and remember all of the great things an inclusive community is capable of and able to accomplish when we all work together.