When Jerry McCarthy arrived at Northeast Arc in 1979, the organization was supporting just a couple of hundred individuals in 19 communities. By the time he retired 36 years later, the agency was supporting more than 10,000 people in 200 communities. In this interview, McCarthy reflects on that growth — highlighting what it took and the challenges along the way.

About Northeast Arc

Northeast Arc was founded in 1954 by parents of children with developmental disabilities who wanted to raise their sons and daughters as full members of the community. By having the courage to challenge professionals who told them their children could not be educated and would not live to become adults, these parents created the systems that enabled them to attend public schools, develop friendships, reside in the neighborhoods of their choice and to earn a paycheck. Over the years, our programs have expanded to support children and adults with a broader range of disabilities, including autism and physical disabilities. Today we serve thousands of people in nearly 200 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The goal of the Northeast Arc is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life and play in the community. We work toward that goal by offering a wide variety of programs including Autism Services, Day Habilitation, Deaf Services, Early Intervention, Employment Services, Family Support, Personal Care Assistance, Recreation, Residential and Transition Services. Northeast Arc is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of individuals with disabilities, parents and siblings of people with disabilities, and business and community leaders.

Learn more at ne-arc.org.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NortheastArc

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeastarc/

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NortheastArc

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northeast-arc

This year, Northeast Arc is celebrating 70 years of changing lives and discovering abilities. And to celebrate that anniversary we are speaking to the agency’s early leaders who helped pave the way for the work we do.

Our organization was founded by people who challenged the status quo for people with disabilities and pushed for inclusion in all facets of life.

In this episode, you'll hear from Jackson Skane, a youth ambassador to our Board of Directors, a passionate Autism Advocate, and an important voice as we shape our organization’s future. Jackson will explain how Northeast Arc helped him find acceptance and inclusion, and how he wants to use his experiences to help other kids with unique abilities.

About Northeast Arc

Northeast Arc was founded in 1954 by parents of children with developmental disabilities who wanted to raise their sons and daughters as full members of the community. By having the courage to challenge professionals who told them their children could not be educated and would not live to become adults, these parents created the systems that enabled them to attend public schools, develop friendships, reside in the neighborhoods of their choice and to earn a paycheck. Over the years, our programs have expanded to support children and adults with a broader range of disabilities, including autism and physical disabilities. Today we serve thousands of people in nearly 200 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The goal of the Northeast Arc is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life and play in the community. We work toward that goal by offering a wide variety of programs including Autism Services, Day Habilitation, Deaf Services, Early Intervention, Employment Services, Family Support, Personal Care Assistance, Recreation, Residential and Transition Services. Northeast Arc is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of individuals with disabilities, parents and siblings of people with disabilities, and business and community leaders.

Learn more at ne-arc.org.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NortheastArc

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeastarc/

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NortheastArc

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northeast-arc

This year, Northeast Arc is celebrating 70 years of changing lives and discovering abilities. And to celebrate that anniversary we are speaking to the agency’s early leaders who helped pave the way for the work we do.

Our organization was founded by people who challenged the status quo for people with disabilities and pushed for inclusion in all facets of life.

In this episode you'll hear from Robert Herlich, who has been involved in NeArc programs for half a century, served on the Board of Directors for 14 of those years and was an early leader in the self-advocacy movement in Massachusetts. Robert played an instrumental role in removing the "R-word" from the Massachusetts agency that eventually became the Department of Developmental Services. Please note: This episode does include a few mentions of the "R-word" in the context of the renaming discussion.

About Northeast Arc

Northeast Arc was founded in 1954 by parents of children with developmental disabilities who wanted to raise their sons and daughters as full members of the community. By having the courage to challenge professionals who told them their children could not be educated and would not live to become adults, these parents created the systems that enabled them to attend public schools, develop friendships, reside in the neighborhoods of their choice and to earn a paycheck. Over the years, our programs have expanded to support children and adults with a broader range of disabilities, including autism and physical disabilities. Today we serve thousands of people in nearly 200 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The goal of the Northeast Arc is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life and play in the community. We work toward that goal by offering a wide variety of programs including Autism Services, Day Habilitation, Deaf Services, Early Intervention, Employment Services, Family Support, Personal Care Assistance, Recreation, Residential and Transition Services. Northeast Arc is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of individuals with disabilities, parents and siblings of people with disabilities, and business and community leaders.

Learn more at ne-arc.org.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NortheastArc

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeastarc/

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NortheastArc

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northeast-arc