ARK Advocates stands for Advocacy, Respect, and Knowledge. We are a not-for-profit organization consisting of parents and community members advocating with and for the needs of persons with disabilities. We hope to inspire and increase awareness regarding services and opportunities available for persons with disabilities in the Tri-State area.
1950’s
1960’s
Formed the Dubuque County Association for Retarded Citizens
Assisted with Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll drives
Buddy Club started
Camperships provided for Albrecht Acres
Parent support group formed
1970’s
Name change to Dubuque County Association for Retarded Citizens and joined the State ARC
State Convention in Dubuque with ARC advocating politically for changes
Respite Care Program started
Very Special Arts started
1980’s
Name change to Arc of Dubuque Area
Many bills passed legislatively which allowed the local Association to continue to grow and advocate for persons with disabilities
Child driver’s seats purchased, and gift bags distributed to new parents
Christmas card sales with art drawn by persons with disabilities
Kids on the Block started
Candidate’s Night held
Assisted Boy Scouts to start an inclusive troop
1990’s
Annual Essay Contest started
Up with Families Educational Program begins
TASK (Talk about Special Kids) started – Merged with Kids on the Block
Child at Home Grant Project partnership
Buddy Walk started and then became the ARK Walk
Information and Referral Director of Services was developed
Schools were now integrated and the word “handicapped” was removed from the Iowa Code
2000’s-2010’s
The group continued raising money for camperships and a financial assistance program
New Organization formed and by-laws adopted as ARK Advocates, dropping affiliation with United way and Arc of US and Iowa
Awards presented for advocates of persons with disabilities (gave out 100’s of awards throughout the years at annual meeting)
Respite events began in partnership with Loras DuBuddy Club
Buddy Walk evolved into the ARK Walk
First office in Millwork District-Was in our homes prior to that
Lending library established 2012
Roll & Sole-a-Thon started to create opportunities for individuals to try adaptive bikes and raise money for our lending library
Adaptive sports events in partnership with DBQ Leisure services including powerchair soccer, snow skiing, sit volleyball and wheelchair basketball
2020’s and Our Future
We saw several changes in service delivery throughout the state
More resources to parents/families became available, including internet access
ARK was having difficulties sustaining membership, volunteers, and fundraising
The board decided to streamline services to those most used and Community members step up to advocate and help sustain ARK’s lending library
New by-laws with new board members established 2024
Legacy campaign to recognize all the work that has gone into ARK leading up to this change placing of a memory bench in the Miracle League Park and an accessible sign campaign.
Seasonal bike shed maintained with city support so the public has access to adaptive bikes
Beginning in 2024, ARK Advocates continues the Lending Library as the Durable Medical Equipment Loan Program with a large adaptive and durable medical equipment inventory. This program is sustained in partnership with EasterSeals Iowa.
As ARK regroups and grows, we hope to continue supporting persons with disabilities in a variety of ways and bring back adaptive sports nights events.
Current Projects
A “Keep it free, think of me” sign campaign is underway. ARK Advocates is launching this awareness campaign to put a local face on and enhance the standard issued designated ADA accessible blue signs throughout our community. There are occasions when people with unauthorized vehicles think a quick use of an accessible space doesn’t impact anyone, however, it can prevent individuals with disabilities access to businesses, services, and spaces. The signs serve as beacons of inclusion, indicating to customers and visitors that their needs are recognized and accommodated. If you are interested in placing a sign at your establishment, please contact ARK Advocates at [email protected] or call 563-556-1785.
