The records of The ARC date primarily from the 1980's until 2007, with some documents from the 1950's through the 1970's. They include meeting minutes, surveys, grant proposals, project documentation, correspondence and publications. These records document the various projects of this organization, including advocacy and individual care. The records are arranged into eight series as follows: Board and Governance, Committees, Conferences and Collaborations, Reports and Programs, Publications, Affiliates, and Visual Materials.
The Arc Michigan is an association dedicated to positively affect the lives of people with disabilities and their families through advocacy, education and monitoring. It is directly affiliated with The Arc, a national association, which was founded in the 1950's by a group of parents whose children needed special assistance.
In 1953 the name was changed to "Michigan Association for Retarded Children" and in 1982, after numerous name changes their current name was selected.
During the early days, The Arc concentrated on public education and advocacy and individual and family support. By 1989, there were a total of 62 local units and about 6300 member families advocating for the rights of the disabled and mentally retarded.
The Arc Michigan conducts yearly strategic planning to update its goals and to stay current with the evolving needs of people with disabilities. This plan is what determines future activities, budgets, programs, staff and volunteer recruitment to provide services such as civil rights, health care and early intervention and education.
