The ACL-- Then and Now

The doors of the ACL we know today are open, thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bowers, who opened their home in June of 1962 to what was then called the Boulder County ARC (BCARC), which then focused on children with cognitive disabilities. Two years later this became a local unit (the 1188th chapter) of the NARC. It was during that time when public schools would not enroll students with cognitive disabilities, and once those children were adults, they were forced to live in state institutions called regional centers.

In 1973 BCARC received a $900.00 grant from the IBM Citizen Advocacy Program for seed money to expand and enrich its existing platform. Thus in 1974 BCARC became a 501(c)3 organization, and in 1976 changed its focus from only children to citizens, which spanned all age ranges in Boulder County.

In 1983 the NARC became simply ARC as we know it today, and in April of that same year Strength through Early parent Support Program(STEP) Began. Advocacy services, parent training and information, as well as available resources for young kids with cognitive disabilities were passed along, and a group of parents met monthly for support.

In 1990 the name was once again changed to Association for Community Living in Boulder County to stress the an interest in life in the community, rather than focus on the medical label identifying a particular disability. The recognition of personal capability and opportunities to participate fully in community life are fundamentally important!

Thus in 1991 was our first ADA training. Then a new Act, the information was presented by association staff and volunteers, including a board member who is an attorney. There were several installments of the training over a 2-year period.

In Oct. 1999, the ACL acquired property and began planning for a beautiful large Learning Center, located in a large house on 5 acres in the middle of Boulder County. The Hendricks family, who sold the house to the ACL, generously opened the door for the ACL to create a Learning Center in addition to relocating their offices.

In 2002, the ACL celebrated the opening of the lovely new Learning Center as well as the 40th anniversary of the association! Course began to fill up the schedule and the property began to hum with activity.
It's 2011 now, and the ACL is still singing with activity! Cooking, acting, finance, reading, self-advocacy groups, plus advocacy and public policy are all in constant motion under and out from under one roof: The Association for Community Living, ACL.

It's important to mention that none of this would be possible if it were not for the guidance of a board of volunteer trustees, many of whom are relatives or friends of individuals who have cognitive disabilities. Recognizing the limitations of public services to educate and support people with cognitive disabilites, an advocacy voice continues to be important. The ACL is here is to be that voice.