The History of ACT
Turn back to 1975...
Columbia’s population was half the size it is today. College students donned earth tones, sideburns and long hair. It was a time of change and innovation—a fertile time to explore new ways to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. In this special time ACT was born. ACT began in 1975 with a clear mission—to always provide the most effective ways to meet the educational needs of children with disabilities.
1975
The dream comes true
Woodhaven School, Inc. is established with the goal of providing educational services for children with disabilities. The school is guided by the following original statement
of purpose:
- To provide for the physical, moral and intellectual welfare, training, development and education of mentally deficient and physically handicapped children and adults.
1978
Work and inclusion emerge as goals
A federal grant triggers a strong program to meet the needs of 55 youth attending Woodhaven School, Inc. Known as the Vocational Habilitation Project, it breaks new ground by emphasizing the belief that individuals with disabilities can be gainfully employed in the community. The University of Missouri-Columbia Department of Special Education is a project partner with the school.
1980
Habilitation Center forms
The Woodhaven Habilitation Center becomes a reality in order to train adults with disabilities for work.
Connecting to the community.
Two community-focused programs develop. While the programs had many names throughout the years, they primarily are known as the Occupational Resource Center and the Community Education Center. The Occupational Resource Center focuses on equipping adult participants for work while the Community Education Center helps school-age individuals maximize personal, social and mental skills.
1981
Helen Keller National Center affiliation
The school becomes a recognized service provider for persons who are deaf and blind and develops a relationship with this nationally recognized program.
1983
Groundwork laid for the future
Initial steps are taken to provide mid-Missouri’s first work-training program for individuals with disabilities preparing to work in sheltered workshops.
1986
Building plans take shape
Plans develop to build its own facility on Burlington.
1987
A new era begins
Alternative Community Training, Inc.—ACT is the organization’s new name.
National certification awarded
ACT receives accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The organization is the premiere accrediting organization in the rehabilitation field. ACT has earned the maximum certification every three-year period since 1987.
Community work program gets boost
ACT is one of the first in Missouri to initiate a new program—the Community Employment Program. The Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation grant helps ACT fulfill the goal of providing long-term support to clients working in the community.
1989
New building opens
ACT opens its facility at 2200 Burlington.
1990
ACT boosts business feedback
A Business Advisory Council is established to better know the needs of employers and employees working in the community as part of the Community Employment Program.
Home sweet home
ACT clients find their own apartments and homes through the new Community Living Program. It is the first individualized Community Living program in the state supported by the Medicaid Waiver.
1991
Tape recycling business begins
Videocassette tapes fuel ACT’s ambitious goal to develop its own venture to employ individuals in the Affirmative Industry Program. The idea finds immediate success from tape donors and purchasers throughout the country.
1992
Hollywood teams with ACT
The nation discovered ACT and its videocassette recycling program. Hundreds of thousands of tapes became available as a result of a nationwide campaign by the entertainment and advertising industries. Known as Project Charlie, the effort involved the biggest media names in the country— from 20th Century Fox to Turner Broadcasting. A promotional video also was produced featuring Bob Saget, host of America’s Funniest Home Videos.
1994
Donations continue
Media attention and donations of videocassette tapes continue.
1995
ACT recycles disks
America’s computer surge opens a niche for ACT to begin recycling hundreds of thousands of computer disks with help from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and local software giant, DATASTORM.
Services expand
Employment services now serve individuals beyond Boone County with the addition of Randolph County as an area of service.
1996
ACT supplies GreenDisk
ACT’s recycled disks gain a national market through a new relationship with distributor GreenDisk, a manufacturer of high-quality recycled computer diskettes and related
products.
Community Employment Program
Work goes far beyond the walls of ACT’s Columbia facility. It occurs in dozens of locations throughout mid-Missouri. Through the Community Employment Program, ACT links many individuals with a wide variety of employers. But the goal is not job placement. ACT is a people-builder. The goal is to provide work experience that will help clients grow. This personal care and supervision pays rich rewards for employer and employee alike. Each day dozens of ACT participants leave home for their jobs at hospitals, student cafeterias, hotels and a wide range of business, industry and government facilities. Dedicated to do their best, they return with friendships, financial rewards and satisfaction.
1997
Expansion continues
Cole County individuals now receive ACT employment services.
1999
Thinking “Green” earns honor
ACT’s recycling program draws a top Achievement Award from the Missouri Waste Control Coalition.
2000
Honor validates mission
The Missouri Governor’s Council on Disabilities presented ACT the 2000 Community Enhancement Award. The award, for the Affirmative Industry Program, reflects ACT’s vision to make possible dignified employment a choice for every person.
New logo adopted
The logo symbolizes ACT’s partnership with every participant and stakeholder. It is a partnership of support and assistance leading to new levels of enjoyment in life for each individual.
Growth continues
ACT continues to look for more ways to meet the needs of mid-Missouri. Today’s areas of service include:
- Affirmative Industry Program
Individuals with disabilities are involved in recycling videotapes and computer disks. - Community Employment Program
Individuals now benefit from vocational assessment, job development, job training and follow-along support. The support makes it possible for many to make a living and be a vital part of the community. - Personal, Social and Community Services
ACT participants take part in numerous activities throughout the week in this creative and intensely personal program. - Community Living Program
Living “on your own” is now a choice for many as a result of ACT’s living and personal care services.
