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

With an Eye
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Introduction
1940s - 50s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s & Beyond

Drastic change was needed. Simply expanding the current system was unacceptable.

Two visionaries – John Holahan and Jerry Walsh – came forward with a plan to redesign the way the state cared for people with developmental disabilities. They created a blueprint for a new service system and how it should work.

In May of 1957, the state office of Minnesota Arc opened with Jerry Walsh as its first executive director.

Visionaries Holahan (top middle) and Walsh (bottom) created a blueprint for a new system.

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