The Arc of Madison County, Incorporated was established in 1952 under the name of Aid for Retarded Children. Concerned parents needing service for their children and seeking to educate the public about intellectual disabilities founded the program. Eventually, the Agency became known through the Huntsville/Madison County area as the Opportunity Center because it provided education, job-skills training, and supportive services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, thus giving them an "opportunity" to succeed in life. The Agency was later referred to as the Association for Retarded Citizens. In 1992, the Agency officially changed its name to the current form -- The Arc of Madison County, Inc. which aligns with The Arc of the United States.

The Arc of Madison County, a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, provides services for individuals of all ages who have intellectual disabilities and/or developmental delays. The Arc provides educational and supportive services to adults at three separate day program facilities. In addition, the Agency provides life skills training and job support and supervision for some individuals within the community through the MASE program.

Services to infants and toddlers, ages 0-3 years, include physical and developmental evaluation and stimulation programs to ensure these children the best start in life possible. This program includes parent education and training to enable parents to understand the needs and limitations of their children.

In 1998, The Arc of Madison County began a residential group home program. These group homes have a family-type atmosphere offering 24-hour care, supervision, and supportive services. These adults take great pride in their "independent" life-styles as they assist in household chores such as cleaning their rooms, washing dishes, helping to prepare meals and cleaning up after meals. They also learn self-care skills such as bathing, good grooming and personal hygiene. As with many families, these adults enjoy the social outings of the program such as dining in a restaurant, shopping for groceries, watching a movie, or going to the swimming pool. For many of these adults who have never lived apart from their families/parents before, this supportive program offers them a sense of independence and self-sufficiency.

Accomplishments

• Awarded Non-Profit Business of the Year in 2005 by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce
• Finalist for the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics in 2005.