1. Discussion and Dialogue with Jim Hoegemeier and Don Anderson
SW 644: Issues in Developmental Disabilities Parent Advocacy, Organizations, and New Directions Part II
Discussion and Dialogue with Jim Hoegemeier and Don Anderson

2. History of ARC
1949- Started in WI

3. 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

4. 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

5. Funds Shift from Institutional Settings to Community Base

6. Aging With Disabilities
Up until the 90’s focus not on older people with developmental disabilities or older caretakers

7. 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

8. “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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. What is the ARC doing for me?
Primary role: legislative advocacy
Lobby around issues such as:
How we talk about people with developmental disabilities
Education
The ARC collaborates with other advocacy groups for most effective routes to progress

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

15. 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