ARK Advocates stands for Advocacy, Respect, and Knowledge. We are a not-for-profit organization which creates a greater awareness in the Dubuque area for what types of services the ARK can provide for persons with disabilities. ARK Advocates is a group of concerned adults and parents advocating with and for the needs of persons with disabilities.

HISTORY - Events Regarding People with Disabilities in the Tri-State Area

2000's

• Dropped affiliation with United Way
• Dropped affiliation with Arc of US and Iowa
• New Organization formed and by-laws adopted
• New name “ARK Advocates” adopted
• Continuation of support for services and programs we’ve started or helped with over the past 50 years

1990's

• Mission statement developed at retreat
• Helen Keller School merged with Eisenhower Elementary
• Age appropriate education began in the Dubuque Community School District
  
  
• Tag line added to name…"Advocates for and with persons with mental retardation"
• Integrated schools and sports programs
• Sabbath Sunday
• Annual Essay Contest
• Group Homes expanded in Dubuque County
• Up with Families Program begins
• Iowa Cooks Cookbook sales
• Goodwill starts up in Dubuque
  
  
• TASK (Talk about Special Kids) started
• Roy Schmeichel retires
• Stakeholders Committee
• Information & Referral Directory of Service developed
• Child at Home Grant Project
• Buddy Walk
• "Handicapped" taken out of the Iowa Code

1980's

• Name change to Arc of Dubuque Area
• Boy Scout Troop started
• Child drivers seats purchased and gift bags distributed to new parents
• Transition Programs developed
• Helen Keller School opens
• DCARC has largest membership in the state
• Candidate's Night held
• People first language
  
  
• IDEA Act passed
• Bill of Rights for the disabled passed
• Christmas card sales
• Kids on the Block started

1970's

• Hills and Dales started
  
  
• West Dubuque ARC started
• Name change to Dubuque County Association for Retarded Citizens
• Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Fund Drive
• Care Review Committees started
• Camp Albrecht Acres started in 1975
  
  
• State Convention in Dubuque
• Respite Care Program started
• Very Special Arts started
• Pilot Parent Program started

1960's

• Move to office at 1533 Central
• Buddy Club started
• Sheltered Workshop started (Opportunity Center)
• Religious education classes started
• Camperships provided
• Formation of Area Residential Care
  

1950's

• Organization began as a parent's meeting
• First Dubuque Community School classes for trainable students started at Audubon School
• State Convention held in Dubuque
• Joined United Fund (United Way)
• Summer playground and recreation programs started at Flora Park