History of the Achievement Centers for Children

From its inception, during the war on polio, to the present, in an uncertain and rapidly changing health care environment, the Achievement Centers for Children has evolved in response to the needs of children with disabilities and their families.  Over the years, the specific disabilities have changed.  But the Achievement Centers’ strong commitment to children with disabilities and their families has remained constant.  The agency has always fulfilled that commitment by providing services, of the highest quality, that support families and enable children to be as independent as possible.  The words of the Achievement Centers’ mission, too, have changed, but the spirit has remained the same:  “To join with children with disabilities and their families to strengthen abilities and create opportunities for lifelong participation in all aspects of society.”

The history of the Achievement Centers for Children is long and rich, marked by growth, innovation, and change:

1940: The Society for Crippled Children of Cuyahoga County, Inc. was founded on July 7, 1940 to address the needs of children with polio and cardiac disorders.

1943: The Society established its county-wide headquarters at 2239 East 55th Stree in Cleveland, Ohio

1947: Establishment of Camp Cheerful, Ohio's first barrier-free residential camp designed for those with disabilities.

1950: Due to the expanding services, a second location was established in Lakewood, Ohio

1981: Adult camping began at Camp Cheerful for adults with disabilities.

1988: The agency changed its name from the "Society for Children of Cuyahoga County, Inc." to the "Achievement Centers for Children".

1995: The agency completed significant strategic planning and program redirection, focusing on its four core competencies: Education, Rehabilitiation, Family Support Services (Social Work) and Recreation for children with disabilities as well as collaboration with other initiatives.

2004: Achievement Centers for Children relocates its headquarters to the Breen Family Center in Highland Hills, Ohio

2007: The Achievement Centers' westside location relocates to Westlake, Ohio

2010: The Achievement Centers for Children Adapted Sports program is launched. Wheelchair Cavaliers Junior Basketball for youth 8-17 began in the Fall.  The Achievement Centers for Children Cleveland Browns Adapted Football league will begin Spring 2011.