1848 - The first residential institution in the U.S. for people with mental retardation is founded in Boston, M.A. Education is initially the goal, but the institutions quickly become “dumping grounds” for people with disabilities.
1921 - “The Florida Farm Colony for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic” was founded in Gainesville.
1950 - The ARC of the United States (then known as the National Association for Retarded Children) is founded by parents, families, and others concerned about the well-being of persons with developmental disabilities.
1953 - The ARC of Florida is founded.
1955 - The Junior Service League of Clearwater starts the Play PARC School for local children with disabilities.
1957 - “The Florida Farm Colony for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic” becomes Sunland Gainesville (now known as Tocachale.) By 1960, six more Sunland training centers are opened.
1958 - A small advocacy group of six Clearwater families banded together and created the organization known as Parents and Friends of the Retarded which would become UPARC.
1950's to 1970's - People with developmental disabilities were commonly sent to state institutions. In these institutions, abuse, neglect and exploitation were common. Clients were often locked in cage-like beds or tied to furniture. As an example of the terrible conditions in Florida, Florida institutions became nationally known for relying heavily on tube feeding because “trying to feed the patients took too long and was a burden to the staff.”
1962 to 1972 - UPARC is chartered as a unit of the Florida and National ARC in May 1962 and became incorporated in 1963. UPARC develops workshop programs, merges with Play PARC School and moves to a newly constructed facility on Calumet Street.
1970's to 1980's - UPARC merges with the Resident Home Association. By 1991, UPARC operated 16 homes and a 25 unit Supported Living Apartment Complex. Nationally, deplorable conditions in state institutions lead to the deinstitutionalization movement and many of these facilities were closed in favor of community based facilities like UPARC’s group homes.
1982 - Supporters of UPARC, led by William Hale, M.D., founded UPARC Foundation with the mission of helping to secure the financial future of UPARC.
1990's
The 90’s saw further expansion of UPARC’s programs including moving to the newly constructed Long Center facility which remains UPARC’s main campus. UPARC grew to 31 group homes in addition to Waterfall Apartments. Employment Services included 3 Habilitation Centers and Supported Employment Programs. The Tarpon Springs Facility was opened to expand day program options.
2000 - In 2000, UPARC became the first in the world to open specialized homes to serve the needs of elderly people who have developmental disabilities, who also may have Alzheimer’s disease. UPARC’s homes also specialize in serving people with Autism, Prader-Willi, and those who have mental health issues in addition to their other disabilities.
2003-Today - Beginning in 2003, repeated funding cuts by the State of Florida placed our clients’ well-being in jeopardy. UPARC was forced to close 9 homes but discontinued services to only 6 people. In 2005 UPARC was able to open Harborside Studios, an art studio and gallery in Safety Harbor. It is a Day Program with many talented Clients participating.
The Future - Although we never know the extent of the next funding cut or when it may come, UPARC and UPARC Foundation remain committed to the idea that each of our consumers deserves a life of dignity, respect, and the prospect of dreams fulfilled. We will continue to strive to secure the future for the individuals that we currently serve and for the generations of people with developmental disabilities yet to be born. They too will one day need UPARC and the UPARC Foundation as we continue to be "A Spirit of Hope for the Developmentally Challenged".
