Letter to the Editor

ARC not affiliated with The Arc

Recent coverage of the SB40 Board mentioned a group that refers to itself as the ARC of Cape Girardeau that is, in collaboration with VIP Industries Inc., operating in Cape Girardeau.

The Arc of the United States, along with The Arc of Missouri, needs to set the record straight that this organization, although calling itself ARC, is not an affiliate of The Arc, the nation's largest and oldest human rights and services organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc of the United States is the sole owner of all applicable federal trademarks covering the use of The Arc, ARC and Association for Retarded Citizens. These marks or similar words or phrases may only be used by affiliated chapters of The Arc of the United States. Neither VIP Industries nor the group calling itself ARC of Cape Girardeau is affiliated with The Arc or otherwise licensed to use our name in any way.

The Arc is celebrating its 60th year of promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. The Arc believes in self-determination by empowering people with the support needed to make informed decisions and choices.

We welcome any community members interested in learning more about The Arc to contact us directly.

PETER V. BERNS, Executive Director, The Arc of the United States

ANGELA GOURLEY, Executive Director, The Arc of Missouri

Washington, D.C.