In 1957, sixty-seven parents of children with cognitive disabilities established the Brown County ARC (now ASPIRO) to help inform our community of the needs of people with cognitive disabilities and to provide educational programs for children with developmental delays.

The 1960's: The Community Service Center was constructed serving 112 people through education and day programming for a previously unserved population.

In 1976, the Citizen Advocacy Program was established.

In 1977, two classrooms were equipped to provide educational and therapeutic services to children under the age of three.

In 1983, the ASPIRO – Stiles facility, which provides vocational training and work contracts, was completed.

In 1988, the Supported Employment Program began to develop jobs for individuals served within the community.

The 1990's: ASPIRO was selected to administer the state funded Katie Beckett program in Northeastern Wisconsin.

In 1993, school to work transition services began.

In 1994, an expansion and renovation of the current facility was completed. This allowed us to expand the Early Intervention Program and meet the growing and changing needs of the adult population.

In 1997, the Residential Options Program was established to enable individuals to live in their own residences.

In 2003, the Board of Directors adopted a new name for the organization, ASPIRO – a Latin word which means to reach, climb towards something.

Currently ASPIRO assists more than 1800 individuals and their families on an annual basis.  This is accomplished through more than 10 programs beginning at birth through adulthood.

Creating opportunities for people with disabilities to reach goals, connect community, and achieve independence.