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 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.

Winner at the KC BINGO in Highland!
12/31/2025

Winner at the KC BINGO in Highland!

Thanks to Jeffrey Cummings of Untamed Edges LLC for their kind donation to end 2025.
12/30/2025

Thanks to Jeffrey Cummings of Untamed Edges LLC for their kind donation to end 2025.

Family Support Unit Holiday Gathering! Polar Express pajama party at the Nazarene Theater 🎥
12/22/2025

Family Support Unit Holiday Gathering! Polar Express pajama party at the Nazarene Theater 🎥

12/22/2025

Feliz Navidad from the school!

12/19/2025

Nurse Chris and Laykn are very excited that it’s the last Friday before Christmas!

12/19/2025

Wells loved the toys that Speech brought to Fun Friday!

Santa visited the school today!
12/19/2025

Santa visited the school today!

John and DSP Tiana volunteered for the Salvation Army Toy Drive. Thanks for giving back to the community!
12/18/2025

John and DSP Tiana volunteered for the Salvation Army Toy Drive. Thanks for giving back to the community!

2019 Ford Transit van for sale $20,500. fully designed for wheelchair access and commute. Less than 12,000 miles. Contac...
12/17/2025

2019 Ford Transit van for sale $20,500. fully designed for wheelchair access and commute. Less than 12,000 miles. Contact the agency at 618-251-2175 and ask for Chad.

12/02/2025

ARC School Program is closed for a snow day. Stay warm!

11/26/2025
If you visit the Rock Springs Christmas Wonderland in Alton, make sure you vote for tree #1!
11/25/2025

If you visit the Rock Springs Christmas Wonderland in Alton, make sure you vote for tree #1!

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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