[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 109 (Tuesday, September 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1750-E1751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN HONOR OF THE ARC OF WESTERN WAYNE COUNTY, MI

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2005

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
Arc of Western Wayne County, MI, which is celebrating 50 years of 
commitment to reducing the incidence, and limiting the consequences of, 
mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.
  In the 1950's there were very few educational, employment or 
recreational opportunities available for people with mental retardation 
living in southwestern Wayne County, and families were commonly 
encouraged to institutionalize their children. Small groups of parents 
chose to seek alternative solutions for their children and began to 
band together with a common goal and commitment to promote the general 
welfare of people with mental retardation and other developmental 
disabilities. In 1954 this group of parents founded the Arc of Western 
Wayne County.
  Today, with a membership of 140 families, the Arc of Western Wayne 
County works to create opportunities for people with disabilities to 
gain assertiveness and community living skills. The organization and 
its members help to shape public policy and advocate for people who 
have traditionally been excluded from society by monitoring, supporting 
and creating progressive community programs.
  Mr. Speaker, for 50 years the Arc of Western Wayne County has been 
committed to guaranteeing, for all people with developmental 
disabilities, the opportunity to choose where they live, learn, work 
and play. I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring the Arc of 
Western Wayne County, and the many men and women who contribute their 
time and energy and make a positive impact on our communities.

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