Seeing the Possibilities, Not the Disabilities for 60 Years

DISABILITY ACTION CENTER CELEBRATES 60TH ANNIVERSARY

The Disability Action Center (DAC) is a non-profit agency serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in North Central West Virginia. Formerly known as the ARC of Marion County, the DAC has been providing programs and services for children, adults, and their families since 1958.

The founding chapter of the ARC (Association of Retarded Citizens) of Marion County, WV was comprised primarily of parents of children and adult children with mental retardation. The group lobbied for better educational and vocational opportunities for all people with mental retardation or developmental disabilities. As society progressed and the term mental retardation took on a negative connotation, the Association of Retarded Citizens changed their name to simply, The ARC. The mission and goal of The ARC was to always further the lives and opportunities of people with developmental disabilities.

In 2008, the ARC of Marion County, WV took a step further by incorporating and changing their name and mission to a more positive and proactive organization: The Disability Action Center (DAC). With a newly remodeled 11,000 square foot facility, the DAC has broadened the scope of our programs to focus more on employment readiness, adult transition, independent living, health and wellness, education and training. Core Services include: Career Readiness, Experience IT Co-Op, Education and Training, Health and Wellness, Life Skills and Independent Living, Social and Recreational, Exercise and Fitness, Self-Advocacy, and Information and Referral.

The DAC is a comprehensive education, training, and enrichment center for individuals with disabilities and their families: a place for individuals of all abilities to learn, train, work, recreate, advocate, and be supported in setting and reaching life goals.

The DAC is a United Way of Marion County agency and is funded by membership and support of the community through grants, fundraisers and donations. The DAC is also a Community Rehabilitation Program with the WV Division of Rehabilitation, member of the Workforce WV Partner Network, member of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, and partners with many organizations on a local, regional, and state level.

Special recognition events to honor longtime supporters and volunteers will be held throughout the year and a special fundraiser “Super 60 Society” will be ongoing to raise funds for the organization with hopes of continuing for another 60 years.

Join us in celebrating the DAC’s 60th birthday with a $60 donation. Gifts may be made directly to the DAC or to the DAC’s Endowment Fund at Your Community Foundation (YCF). All donors will be recognized on the DAC’s website, annual report, and at the 60th Anniversary Party held on August 4, 2018.

Contact the DAC for more information at 304-366-3213 or jsole@disabilityactioncenter.com.

The Disability Action Center, 102 Benoni Ave. Fairmont, WV 26554. Julie Sole, Executive Director.

For more information on the DAC’s Education and Resource Endowment Fund, including providing long term, permanent support for the center, contact Your Community Foundation (YCF) at 304-296-3433.