Where We Have Been & Where We Are Going

Let’s travel back in time to needs of families and professionals in the year 1967-1968. A group of Ohio teachers working with children with learning problems called “trainable mentally retarded”, decided that they needed the professional camaraderie and support of other professionals. At that time, the programs for children and adults with moderate and severe retardation were under the direction of the county welfare departments. The teachers had little affiliation with others in the welfare departments of an educational nature and in all counties except the largest; the teachers were few in number. Very few universities offered training opportunities for them.  

Established and incorporated in 1968 PAR is an association for individuals working in the field of Developmental Disabilities in Ohio. The original office was in Weymouth, Medina County, Ohio and was formed on December 10, 1968. The name of PAR stood for The Professional Association for Retardation in Ohio and the purpose of PAR at the time was “to improve the services for the mentally retarded and their facilities.”  

In 1967, when Ohio law created the county boards of mental retardation, the teachers were increasing in number and

later they were joined by the superintendents of the county programs. Gradually, other professions were added in home- based services, adult services and middle management administrators.  During the mid-seventies PAR was at a height of its membership and organized annual state conventions and combined with other groups to increase its membership. In the late seventies, PAR became a full service professional association. After recruiting the strongest leadership possible to guide the organization, in the summer of 1981 an Executive Director was hired. In 2009 the acronym for PAR changed to PAR – Professionals, Advocates, Resources to better reflect the services that are provided.

Today, PAR remains a very active and a viable player in the field of developmental disabilities. We partner with renowned speakers and field experts to provide professional development and training to developmental disability professionals. Some members from the early days are still active and are serving on the board, while PAR continues to recruit and maintain new members and advocates in the field. The board has individuals from county boards, providers and retired individuals from all over Ohio. Representatives from PAR serve on numerous boards as well as serving on several state committees.