SW 644: Issues in Developmental DisabilitiesParent Advocacy, Organizations, and New

Directions Part II

Discussion and Dialogue with Jim Hoegemeier and Don Anderson

History of ARC

1949- Started in WI

ARC Expands to Homes

Address functional daily living skills for kids who were not in institutions

Small programs developed- in homes or church basements-start of special education

Push for Community Living Arrangement Kids growing up into their 20’s and wanting

to move out of the house to experience In 1970’s, there was a big push for

community living arrangements and very little government financial support

Into the 80’s the government began to realize the importance of community living arrangements and funds became more available

Funds Shift from Institutional Settings to Community Base

Aging With Disabilities

Up until the 90’s focus not on older people with developmental disabilities or older caretakers

Guardianship When a person with a developmental

disability turns 18, his or her parent becomes the legal guardian

People with developmental disabilities are outliving parents and siblings

A guardian should protect the rights of the individual

“Corporate” Guardian

Guardian works for an agency and is being paid by individual or county

Benefit: Independent Usually used as last resort Guardianship should be challenged;

independence should be respected

Legal Changes for Guardianship

One used to only need to be deemed “incompetent” in order to require a guardian

Now a person needs to be deemed incompetent and the in competency needs to pose as a risk to the person

Legal Changes for Guardianship (cont.)

Instead of assuming individual has no rights except those guaranteed by the court, the individual is assumed to have all of his/her rights, except those specifically restricted by the court

ARC’s Earlier Goals

Increasing budget to keep up with inflation

Rallying, seeking political support Rallying began in 70’s for things like

special education or community-based suppor

Rallies Now

More regionalized- people need to see their own law makers

Law makers listen to their constituents

Mobilize advocates around the state to effectively change state laws

What is the ARC doing for me? Primary role: legislative advocacy Lobby around issues such as:

How we talk about people with developmental disabilities

EducationThe ARC collaborates with other advocacy

groups for most effective routes to progress

ARC as Service Provider

Over the years, some ARC chapters have began to provide services as well as advocate for people with developmental disabilities

Membership at ARC Membership is struggling at ARC Has over 7000 members Once had over 100 chapters, now has

31 Providing services helps generate

some funding Looking to reach out to younger

families