William M. BeDell ARC

William M. BeDell ARC A non-profit organization that provides services for individuals with developmental disabilities. In 1957, a group of parents from Madison County, IL.

Back in the 1950s there were not many services for children with disabilities and education of children with disabilities was not mandated. got together to fight for their children's educational rights. The parents pushed for funding, new legislation, and the elimination of discrimination against their children. As a result, the Madison County Association for Retarded Citizens was created. Our nam

e was changed in 1988 to The William M. BeDell Achievement and Resouce Center. ARC expanded in 1978 by adding develpmental training (DT) for adults. This program not only performs functional living skills training but is also a job for participants. Consumers can earn a paycheck for performing contract work. Our Family Support Unit (FSU) was established in 1979. This program offers services to individuals and their families, promoting each individual's ability to maintain living in the least restrictive environment appropriate for their needs in the community. Case coordination activities may include assistance with medical, financial, residential, day program, advocacy for the individual's rights, serving as liaison to social service entities and many other on-going casework services. In 1981, our administration office and school moved into a building that was donated by the American Oil Company in Wood River, Il. The school continues to operate out of this location. The School Program provides educational services for students who are referred by the local school districts. ARC serves students with severe, profound, and/or multiple disabilities, who are 3-22 years of age. ARC opened our first Residential Program, known as a Supported Living Arrangement (SLA) in 1980. The Residential Program, now known as Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA), provides an opportunity for adults with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible in the community with needed supports. These smaller group homes allow individuals to live in a house in the community and receive services in accordance with needs identified in their Individual Service Plans (ISPs). Today we serve approximately 550 individuals per month. ARC has over 125 employees working across Madison County. Our ability to provide high quality support services to people with disabilities is directly dependent on the experience, knowledge, and professionalism or our staff.

St. Louis Zoo visit today!
08/19/2026

St. Louis Zoo visit today!

08/06/2026

Good morning!
Our phone systems are back up and running! Thank you for your patience as we dealt with our technical difficulties.

Have a great day!

Good morning!arc main office in Wood River is still experiencing issues with the phone system. We have had continuous co...
08/05/2026

Good morning!
arc main office in Wood River is still experiencing issues with the phone system. We have had continuous contact with AT&T about the issue and are still waiting for connection. We do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause with community and assisting with your needs. We do recommend that you please reach out via our website contact page https://bedellarc.org/contact-us, so we can assist in getting your case coordinator and staff members in touch with you at the earliest opportunity.

again, thank you for your patience as we work to get our systems operational.

Thank you.

Administration

Serving Madison County Illinois and surrounding counties since 1957

**UPDATE**As of 8/4/2026 we still do not have phone services at our Wood River location. If you are needing to reach out...
08/03/2026

**UPDATE**
As of 8/4/2026 we still do not have phone services at our Wood River location. If you are needing to reach out to us, i do recommend sending PM through our page or through our website https://bedellarc.org/. We are able to respond quickly with any information provided.

_________________________________________________________________

Good morning! We have been informed that our phones are down today due to down fiberoptic line. AT&T is working on a solution to get us back up and running, but we are unable to receive any calls. I would recommend reaching out to our staff via their email at this time.

Thank you for your patience.

Administration

Serving Madison County Illinois and surrounding counties since 1957

This last full week of school has been jam packed with fun activities! Only 2 more days until our next break!
07/24/2026

This last full week of school has been jam packed with fun activities! Only 2 more days until our next break!

Having a smashing time at the Combine Demolition Derby/Madison County Fairground.
07/24/2026

Having a smashing time at the Combine Demolition Derby/Madison County Fairground.

It’s time to round up your crew and head out to the Backwoods Tailgate Trivia Night!Think fall colors, campfire energy, ...
07/23/2026

It’s time to round up your crew and head out to the Backwoods Tailgate Trivia Night!

Think fall colors, campfire energy, tailgate games, and trivia that’ll test your smarts harder than a raccoon trying to open a cooler.

🎟️ $20 per person
👥 Teams up to 8
🍁 Fall/Backwoods theme
🎉 Raffle prizes throughout the night

Come ready to laugh, compete, and enjoy a night that feels like autumn in the woods. Let’s make this night unforgettable.

Get your tickets today!

07/22/2026
07/22/2026

🍎 Now Hiring: Special Education Teacher! 🍎

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities? The William M. BeDell Achievement & Resource Center (ARC) is looking for a dedicated Teacher, Special Education to join their team!

What they offer:
✔️ Annual salary of $52,019.04
✔️ Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
✔️ Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Excellent benefits, including:
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Vacation & Sick Time
• 15 Paid Holidays

📧 To learn more or apply, contact [email protected] or visit www.bedellarc.org

Address

400 South Main Street, PO Box 349
Wood River, IL
62095

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4pm
Friday 8:30am - 4pm

Website

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