NARC 1970-1974

Streisand / Television

Streisand and N.A.R.C. (1970s)

Streisand pictured prominently in an ad for retarded children, 1970.
The National Association for Retarded Children (NARC) began a fundraising ad campaign in the early 1970s. The goal of NARC, whose motto was “Retarded children can be helped,” was the deinstitutionalization and normalization of mentally retarded children.

In 1971 Barbra Streisand became their spokesperson (“Honorary Chairman”), both in print ads and television public service announcements. Illustrated with a Richard Avedon photo, a 1970 ad featuring Barbra appeared in magazines with the simple quote: “My next child could be retarded. So could yours.”

Every year, NARC chose a child to represent the organization.  Streisand posed with the Poster Child, and these photos would run in newspapers and magazines with a quote from Streisand. (“November, National Retarded Children's Month, is a good time for all of us to think about Bonnie and the six-million mentally retarded children and adults in America. Our support enables the ANRC and its 1500 member units to continue providing community services, education and research into the causes and prevention of mental retardation. I hope all Americans will join me in making this November a memorable month for the fight against mental retardation.”

Barbra’s involvement with NARC continued through 1974. 

It should be noted that, in the 1970s, “mental retardation” was the term used across the world.  As times change, so do labels.  Congress passed Rosa's Law in 2010, and according to the Federal Register:

The term “intellectual disability” is gradually replacing the term “mental retardation” nationwide. Advocates for individuals with intellectual disability have rightfully asserted that the term “mental retardation” has negative connotations, has become offensive to many people, and often results in misunderstandings about the nature of the disorder and those who have it.
End / NARC ads 1970s
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