One mother’s three-line ad in the New York post ignited our entire system of support for people with disabilities.
In 1949, Ann Greenberg placed a classified ad in The New York Post, seeking other parents in need of support for their children with disabilities. Her son Jerry had been denied admission to public school due to his intellectual and developmental disabilities. A handful of parents responded to the ad and started meeting in Ann’s NYC apartment. Within just a few months, hundreds of parents got involved. There were virtually no supports or opportunities available at the time, and it was common for doctors to tell parents that the best place for their child was in an institution. But these parents wanted more for their children.
The organization they founded evolved to become The Arc New York, the largest provider of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New York state. Today, 35 local Chapters of The Arc New York provide supports and services for more than 60,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in every county of New York state, and The Arc’s full reach extends nationally.
In the 75 years since its founding, The Arc New York has driven transformation and progress in the lives of people with disabilities, fought and ended the abuses of institutionalization, and developed a robust system of community support in our mission “to provide people with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities the ordinary and extraordinary opportunities of life.”
AHRC Suffolk is a proud chapter of the Arc New York and we are dedicating this year’s fundraising in celebration of the 75 years of opportunity they have created for the disability community!
Please join us by becoming a 2024 Member today as we continue to push advocacy efforts and strengthen our voice as a chapter of the Arc New York! Every person counts.
