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

William M. BeDell ARC

Home
United States
Wood River, IL
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 name 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.

11/18/2025

Congratulations to Mary! She won the Blues ticket raffle. Thank you to everyone that bought a ticket! This helps us provide fun activities for the students at our school.

11/01/2025

The school had a door decoration contest. Here are the results: Classroom 7 👻🎃 was the winner. Excellent work, everyone!

10/31/2025

Halloween Hijinx!👻

10/22/2025

Don't forget to buy your tickets to the 44th annual dance fundraiser!

10/17/2025

Susie having a blast at Boo at the Zoo last night!

10/02/2025

🎉 44th Annual Dance – A Night to Celebrate Community & Purpose 🎶

For nearly seven decades, the William M. BeDell Achievement and Resource Center (arc) has been a beacon of hope for children and adults with developmental disabilities. With three program locations, seven group homes, and over 500 individuals served, arc is more than an organization—it’s a lifeline, a family, and a place where people flourish.

🎉 This year, be part of something extraordinary…

💃 Join Us for the 44th Annual arc Dance
🎤 Chaired by Shawn Long & Katherine Burton
📅 Saturday, November 8th, 2025
📍 Knights of Columbus – McNicholas Club, Godfrey, IL
🕖 Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
🎟 Tickets: $25 per person
🎶 Featuring DownRight DJ
🌮 Catered by Qdoba
🍺 Free Beer & Soda | 💵 Cash Bar Available
🍰 Bring your favorite dish or treat to share!

💖 Why Sponsor? Your support helps maintain our transportation fleet—ensuring individuals with disabilities can access vital services, attend medical appointments, and participate in enriching community experiences.

🚐 Every mile driven is a step toward inclusion, independence, and dignity.

Interested in being a Sponsor for this event?

Sponsorship Levels:

Diamond – $1,000

Platinum – $500

Gold – $300

Silver – $200

Bronze – $100

📬 Donations can be mailed to: arc, P.O. Box 349, Wood River, IL 62095 📞 Questions? Contact Alexandria at 618-251-2175 🎫 Scan or visit www.bedellarc.org to buy your tickets now!

Let’s dance with purpose. Sponsor with heart. And keep our community moving forward—together. 💙

09/21/2025

Yesterday Alice and DSP Shelly helped pack over 40,000 dry rice meals for people in Haiti affected by disasters. Alice said it was hard work, but she's really glad she could help out!

09/19/2025

We are collecting for the Knights of Columbus at Alby & Elm in Alton today. Stop and say hello!!

09/17/2025

Today, the St. Louis Cardinals provided us with a warm welcome at the ballpark. Everyone had a fantastic time! ⚾️🏟️

09/13/2025

John, Alex, Fiona and Lisa volunteer for the Bethalto Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive!

09/04/2025

🎉 We're Hiring a Teacher’s Aide! 🎉
Looking for a rewarding full-time job with great hours and awesome benefits? Come join our School Program team at William M. Bedell ARC!

🕘 Hours:
Mon–Thurs: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Fri: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

💼 Perks:
✔️ Excellent benefits
✔️ Supportive team
✔️ Meaningful work

📍 Apply online at bedellarc.org
Or stop by in person:
400 S Main St, Wood River, IL 62095

Know someone who’d be a great fit? Tag them below or share this post! 💬👇

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

Website

http://bedellarc.org/

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