Center for Disability Services traces its history to a group of parents and concerned citizens who joined together to work to improve the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Katie Carter was the visionary parent, who in 1949 encouraged other parents of children with developmental disabilities to join together. She insisted that there must be an opportunity to train and educate these young people. This group of determined parents approached Newark City Schools for classroom space. These parents, our founding families, became incorporated in April of 1953 as the Council for Retarded Children, soon after their victory with Newark City Schools. Through the early years, we began a workshop for adults, obtaining contracts and space from local businesses, helped build and open a school for children with developmental disabilities, and opened the county's first two group homes as an alternative to state institutions. Currently, these programs are operated by other organizations. We are now known as the Center for Disability Services. Though we have had many name changes over the years, we remain dedicated to improving the lives of infants, children, and adults with developmental disabilities, and their families. The Center for Disability Services currently offers programs and services that support, educate, and respect the choices of our neighbors with disabilities.

MISSION STATEMENT
To provide children, and adults who have, or are at risk for disabilities, the support, training, opportunities and facilities needed to achieve their greatest degree of independence and highest quality of life.

South Williams St
Newark, OH 43055
(740) 344-2995 cds@centerds.org