A true grassroots movement, we were founded in 1953 after a group of parents banded together to advocate for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), officially forming the Florida Council for Retarded Children in Tampa, with J. Clifford McDonald serving as our first president.
Just four years later, the Council affiliated with the National Association for Retarded Children, opening the door for extended advocacy, connections, and support. In 1964, we strengthened our affiliation by becoming the Florida Association for Retarded Children.
During our first two decades, we worked with parent groups throughout the state to help establish local chapters, which opened specialized schools to help parents teach their children daily living skills. This was a stark contrast from previous assumptions that individuals with IDD should be institutionalized, and it paved the way for the services, systems, and opportunities The Arc continues to advocate for.
Our determination to reshape the way Florida supports individuals with IDD led us to file a class action lawsuit to close Sunland Orlando in 1979, an institution that struggled with underfunding, understaffing, overcrowding, and allegations of patient neglect. This was a pivotal moment in our work and advocacy to move Floridians with IDD out of institutions and into community settings.
Over the next 25 years, we helped pass landmark legislation prohibiting noxious and painful stimuli in training programs, sponsored legislation prohibiting the execution of individuals with IDD, and rallied thousands of advocates to protest state cuts to residential and day training services.
In 2010, we officially became The Arc of Florida, again aligning with The Arc US. The subtle name change reflects our commitment to move forward, to continue serving as the steady bridge that fiercely champions rights and opportunities for individuals with IDD.
Through the partnership and advocacy of our members, families, advocates, and self-advocates, The Arc of Florida remains a powerful voice for individuals with IDD.
