William M. BeDell ARC

William M. BeDell ARC A non-profit organization that provides services for individuals with developmental disabilities. In 1957, a group of parents from Madison County, IL.

Back in the 1950s there were not many services for children with disabilities and education of children with disabilities was not mandated. got together to fight for their children's educational rights. The parents pushed for funding, new legislation, and the elimination of discrimination against their children. As a result, the Madison County Association for Retarded Citizens was created. Our nam

e was changed in 1988 to The William M. BeDell Achievement and Resouce Center. ARC expanded in 1978 by adding develpmental training (DT) for adults. This program not only performs functional living skills training but is also a job for participants. Consumers can earn a paycheck for performing contract work. Our Family Support Unit (FSU) was established in 1979. This program offers services to individuals and their families, promoting each individual's ability to maintain living in the least restrictive environment appropriate for their needs in the community. Case coordination activities may include assistance with medical, financial, residential, day program, advocacy for the individual's rights, serving as liaison to social service entities and many other on-going casework services. In 1981, our administration office and school moved into a building that was donated by the American Oil Company in Wood River, Il. The school continues to operate out of this location. The School Program provides educational services for students who are referred by the local school districts. ARC serves students with severe, profound, and/or multiple disabilities, who are 3-22 years of age. ARC opened our first Residential Program, known as a Supported Living Arrangement (SLA) in 1980. The Residential Program, now known as Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA), provides an opportunity for adults with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible in the community with needed supports. These smaller group homes allow individuals to live in a house in the community and receive services in accordance with needs identified in their Individual Service Plans (ISPs). Today we serve approximately 550 individuals per month. ARC has over 125 employees working across Madison County. Our ability to provide high quality support services to people with disabilities is directly dependent on the experience, knowledge, and professionalism or our staff.

It was a wonderful Wednesday at ARC School!
06/10/2026

It was a wonderful Wednesday at ARC School!

Annie and Fiona bet on a sure thing at Horse Hookey!
06/09/2026

Annie and Fiona bet on a sure thing at Horse Hookey!

Torch run for Special Olympics State Games. Alex and John will be two of our athletes participating in Bloomington this ...
06/09/2026

Torch run for Special Olympics State Games. Alex and John will be two of our athletes participating in Bloomington this weekend!

Playoff ready!
06/07/2026

Playoff ready!

It's outdoor concert season at Grafton Music in the Park!
05/29/2026

It's outdoor concert season at Grafton Music in the Park!

This afternoon we celebrated our upcoming graduates with a Michael Jackson/Elvis dance party. Congratulations Allen and ...
05/21/2026

This afternoon we celebrated our upcoming graduates with a Michael Jackson/Elvis dance party. Congratulations Allen and KeShawn!

Shooting some hoops at the gym. 🏀
05/20/2026

Shooting some hoops at the gym. 🏀

CDS individuals enjoying a trip to the St Louis Zoo.
05/20/2026

CDS individuals enjoying a trip to the St Louis Zoo.

05/19/2026

Address

400 South Main Street, PO Box 349
Wood River, IL
62095

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4pm
Friday 8:30am - 4pm

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