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'''ARC The Arc Gateway, Inc.''' is a non-profit organization that serves children who have or are at risk of developmental disabilities as well as adults with developmental disabilities.

ARC (usually pronounced as three letters, not "arc") was initially an acronym for "Association of Retarded Citizens," but was deprecated as the phrase "mentally retarded" grew in disfavor and officially changed in [[2002]].<ref>[http://www.sunbiz.org/COR/2002/0124/00784290.tif Record of name change]</ref>

ARC The Arc Gateway dates back to [[1947]], when a small group of local parents opened a one-room school house for their own developmentally disabled children. The parents drafted an organizational constitution in [[1954]], appointed [[Pearl Nelson]] their first president, and became members of the state and national [[Wikipedia:Arc of the United States|Associations for Retarded Children]].

Over time, the parents who began ARC The Arc Gateway developed new programs, including the Pollak Activity Center and the Pollak Rehabilitation Workshop, day programs that gave developmentally disabled adults opportunities to learn and work. Programs for children continued to expand as well. In [[1974]], ARC Gateway began the Infant Stimulation Program, and in [[1977]], the Pearl Nelson Center became the Pearl Nelson Preschool, serving children ages two to five. ARCArc's first group home, the Women's Residential Training Center, opened in [[1978]].

ARC The Arc Gateway now serves more than provides programs and services to over 850 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Our programs ranging from early intervention and servicesinclude Early Intervention, pediatric therapy Children’s Therapy, Vocational Training, Recreation, Employment, Transportation, Education, and Residential Support and child care help to retirement programs for senior citizens. Day programs include selfprovide life-help training, basic academic classes and work enhancing opportunities at ARC which promote independence and throughout the community. Residential programs include six group homes in the community and support for individuals living in their own homesinclusion.