With an Eye to the Past
1940s to 50s: Lighting the Fire

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1940s - 50s
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The National Association of Parents and Friends of the Mentally Retarded, now known as "The Arc," held its first national convention in Minneapolis in 1950.

When Governor Youngdahl spoke to the group, he said that people with developmental disabilities had the right to:

Live with a family
Go to school
Reach maximum potential
Happiness
Play
Companionship and respect
Develop
Love and affection.

Governor Youngdahl's complete September 30, 1950 speech

Governor Youngdahl used Arc's first national convention to affirm the rights of people with developmental disabilities.

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