History
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 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 a opportunity to train and educate these young people. This group of determined parents Newark City Schools for classroom space. Our founding families and supportive citizens, became incorporated in April of 1953 as the Association for Retarted Children.
During those early years, they built and began the Starlight School for Children and opened the county's first two group homes as an alternative to state institutions. Center for Disability Services remained on the forefront of advocacy and right issues for people with developmental disabilities, working to expose the services needed to enhance the lives and independence of individuals with developmental disabilities. In the 1970's Center for disability Services added Independent Life Skills to its advocacy services, following in the 1980's with direct service provision that developed into the Adaptive Socialization and Supported Living Programs.
We remain dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities, and supporting their families. Center for Disability Services currently offers eight programs and services that support, educate, and respect the choices of our neighbors 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 a opportunity to train and educate these young people. This group of determined parents Newark City Schools for classroom space. Our founding families and supportive citizens, became incorporated in April of 1953 as the Association for Retarted Children.
During those early years, they built and began the Starlight School for Children and opened the county's first two group homes as an alternative to state institutions. Center for Disability Services remained on the forefront of advocacy and right issues for people with developmental disabilities, working to expose the services needed to enhance the lives and independence of individuals with developmental disabilities. In the 1970's Center for disability Services added Independent Life Skills to its advocacy services, following in the 1980's with direct service provision that developed into the Adaptive Socialization and Supported Living Programs.
We remain dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities, and supporting their families. Center for Disability Services currently offers eight programs and services that support, educate, and respect the choices of our neighbors with developmental disabilities.
