Upcoming Events
The Arc of Cass County is celebrating Disability Pride month through July. This is a time to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. The Arc of Cass County has been an integral part of advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our Mission
The Arc of Cass County promotes inclusion, independence and self-determination through advocacy and education for people with developmental disabilities.
History of The Arc of Cass County and Disability Achievements in North Dakota
1950 – First Convention of Parents and Friends of Children with Disabilities. This later became The Arc of the United States
1956 – The Arc of Cass County was formed (April 10, 1956)
1959 – The Arc of Cass County worked to establish a law in North Dakota which mandated training of professional personnel which helped train leaders to educate children.
1970’s – The Arc of Cass County’s first thrift store opened
1980’s – Our chapter partnered with The Arc of North Dakota in a lawsuit that dramatically impacted living conditions for people with disabilities. The lawsuit ignited the movement of institutional care to community-based care. More than 1,000 people who were institutionalized in poor conditions were moved to communities throughout North Dakota. Today, approximately 50 people spend time in the Life Skills and Transition Center. Their goal is no longer to house people with disabilities but to serve as a crisis and stabilization center as well as a safety net for people whose needs exceed community resources.
1983 – Fire burned down the entire thrift store building leaving nothing but a small chain and pendant behind.
1987 – San Haven Sanitorium closed which housed many people with disabilities in North Dakota.
1990 – Americans with Disability Act that was signed by George H.W. Bush. U.S. legislation that provided civil rights protections to individuals with physical and mental disabilities and guaranteed them equal opportunity in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.
1990 – North Dakota joined the movement to make higher education more inclusive for people with disabilities starting with Minot State University.
1999 – The Olmstead Act was a Supreme Court decision was based on the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Supreme Court held that people with disabilities have a qualified right to receive state funded supports and services in the community rather than institutions when the following three-part test is met:
1. the person’s treatment professionals determine that community supports are appropriate;
2. the person does not object to living in the community; and
3. the provision of services in the community would be a reasonable accommodation when balanced with other similarly situated individuals with disabilities.
2003 – The Arc of Cass County office moved to its current location adjacent to The Arc Attic Treasures on North University Drive.
2006 – The Arc Attic Treasures on 32nd Ave was opened and The Arc of Cass County Celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
2007- The Arc of Cass County had its first ever Fashion Show.
2014 – Became a Giving Hearts Day charity
2016 – The Arc of Cass County and The Arc of ND pushed for updates to a tax credit given to workplaces employing people with disabilities.
2021 – 65th Anniversary of The Arc of Cass County.
Some of the programming over the last 25 years:
United Voices – self-advocacy group
Arc Buddies – companionship program
Lead your Healthy Life –healthy living coaching rewarding healthy habits and exercise
Retail Training Internship – Job training program in our thrift stores
Life Academy – self-advocacy and future planning
Yes! I am Creative – art classes that encourage self-expression
Higher Learning Scholarship – scholarships awarded to people with I/DD in higher education
Book Club – virtual book club developed to engage people in literature
Grow with Us – gardening program
