Tim and Stacy talk with Kristen Berchtold of PARC of Central Illinois. PARC was founded in 1950 by a group of parents who wanted more for their developmentally disabled children than to see them marginalized by society or institutionalized. At that time, institutional care was substandard, community alternatives were rarely available, and myths about developmental disabilities were widespread. People with developmental disabilities and their families were isolated from the rest of society. Originally organized to serve children with mental retardation, PARC now serves children and adults who are diagnosed with many kinds of developmental disabilities including, but not limited to, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism and Epilepsy. PARC was incorporated in 1957 as the Peoria Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc. In 2006 PARC made the move away from the use of the term "Retarded" and transitioned to People Advocating for Respect and Consideration of individuals with developmental disabilities. In 2009 the organization formally assumed the name PARC.Thanks to dedicated staff, volunteers, family members, and community supporters, services for the developmentally disabled have improved dramatically since 1950. Community services including community-based residential programs, respite care services, day programs, recreational activities, ongoing education, family support services, and vocational training and placement opportunities are now available to persons in the community with developmental disabilities. Public schools are now accessible to all children with disabilities, and people with developmental disabilities are participating and contributing in their communities.