Village Squire, 1978-06, Page 21-
Barb Pitcher, Jim Johnson and Mark Clegg co-operate to make
lawn furniture at ARC Industries.
Thcdford, in the south. They start at age 18. Most have taken
some form of occupational high school before coming to ARC.
There are now some 123 Associations for the Retarded in
Ontario. Ron says, although there were none only twenty-five
years ago. He said there was very little being done by
government in this area before that time, so the associations
stepped in to provide this intelligent approach to using the •
resources of these people. Ron says it is amazing how proficient
some of the 'employees' become at handling complete tools like
Targe power lathes. saws and drills. He feels that people
generally have a far too stereotyped view of the potential in the
handicapped to develop complete skills. He keeps seeing
employees reach levels of achievement that even startle him,
after years of working v: ith them. It's that kind of observation
that obviously makes this project seem worthwhile to a man like
Ron Heimrich.
Toward the end of the interview he stressed the fact that
people should feel free to call them and tour the building to see
their facilities and products. He emphasized once again that they
are proud of the products and services at ARC. These servicers
and products are for sale, not free. But they are sold at a very
reasonable price. Their picnic tables, for instance, are very well
built and moderately priced. Take it from me, I've been
comparing, (most of the items can be purchased right at ARC).
They also have outlets nearby where their products are for sale.
You should' look for them if you are travelling in the area.
As I was driving home from Dashwood, 1 started to realize
myself how important places like ARC Industries are to ps today.
It is obviously very crucial for these people to do challenging,
creative work and confront the demands of modern society.
rather than hide away in a protective shell. with little hope of real
grov.th. The South Huron Association, with people like Ron
Heimrich and his staff are the kind of people that allow our
society to take a step forward from a dark and frightening aspect
of life-the mentally handicapped-into a promising and productive
future, full of Tight.
went home feeling encouraged. Ron Heimrich had showed
me that they could do it. That Hien on the ladder. stretching
nervously to clean my %.indrn: last summer had done it. Without
SRC. he n:iv have never even tried.
DRAPERY FABRICS
CUSTOM DRAPES
WALL COVERINGS
we know that you
want your home
to be outstanding
that's the only way
we decorate
re4
INTERIORS
151 Main St. W., Listowel, Ont.
291-3150
Beauty For Your Bath
We carry a complete line of
Bathroom accessories, matching Shower Curtains,
Window Curtains, Towel and Tank sets,
Kirsch hardware
WIDE RANGE OF BATHROOM VANITIES
WITH MARBLE TOPS.
KITCHEN CABINET CENTRE
SEAFORTH
VILLAGE SQUIRE/JUNE 1978. PG. 19.