Ricoh is holding its Technology Showcase next month in Plymouth Meeting, and they were generous enough to include a fundraiser for The Arc as part of the event. Come out and see Ricoh technologies and support The Arc and developmentally disabled. Here are the details:

WHAT: Ricoh Technology Showcase and Arc fundraiser

WHEN: Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch is at noon.

WHERE: Doubletree Plymouth Meeting Hotel
640 W. Germantown Pike
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

RSVP: By Sept. 30 to jessica.herren@ricoh-usa.com or 610-650-3839

The Arc is holding its semi-annual flea market and fun day in a few weeks, and all are invited. There will be carnival games, prizes, raffles, food, and lots of stuff to buy! We’re also looking for volunteers and donations to benefit Arc Advocacy Services and Marc Children’s Services.

We’re holding it Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at our location, 3075 Ridge Pike, Eagleville, PA 19403.

Flea market spaces are $15 for vendors, crafters, and neighbors. (Please bring your own table.)

We are accepting donations of children’s toys, clothing, books, and small household items for the company table. These items can be dropped off at the receptionist desk at our office.

For more information, call Charleen 610-265-4700 ext. 217 or e-mail cmcgrath@marcpa.org.

We have a lot of support groups here at The Arc, and one of them is the Fathers’ Group. If you’re a father of a developmentally disabled child, consider joining the Marc Fathers’ Group.

Every other Saturday, dads brings their children to The Arc. It’s a unique opportunity for dads to meet other dads and kids, and share their parenthood experiences of having a child with a disability.

This peer support can help dads better cope with the challenges and stress of raising a disabled child. You’ll learn more about your child’s disability, and new ways and tools to help him/her and your family cope. Whether it’s discovering The Arc’s services, learning about transitions to the Intermediate Unit (IU), or just unwinding, dads and kids enjoy their time spent at The Arc.

The Fathers’ Group also gives dads other opportunities to bond and spend quality time with their child. You can participate in at least three father group activities over the year. This year, we’re planning a fathers’ picnic, train ride aboard the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad, and a hay ride festival at Linvilla Orchards. And meanwhile, it gives Mom some free time to relax and have time to herself. ;)

The Father’s Group usually meets every other Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at our Eagleville office located at 3075 Ridge Pike, Eagleville, PA 19403.

If you want to learn more about the Fathers’ Group, the meetings schedule, or join, contact Mike Marsh at mjmarshpa@k-mdiversified.net.

Also, be sure to check out other Arc support groups on our Web site, including Children’s Services, Feeding Group, Down Syndrome Play Group, Sibling’s Group, and Parent’s Group.

There’s still time to RSVP for The Arc’s next Father’s Group outing. We’ll be hitting the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad on Saturday, Sept. 12 for an hour-long tour around historic Bucks County. But this isn’t just any family tour. We booked the party package, with an entertainer who plays the banjo, tells stories, and reads to the children. Pizza, cake, ice cream, and juice will also be provided.

Once you park your car at the station, the train takes you through the rolling hills and valleys of historic Bucks County. We’ll be riding either a restored 1920s vintage passenger coach, antique bar car, authentic steam locomotive, or one of the historic diesel locomotives. The train will travel along the same historic route that was filmed in the 1914 movie series Perils of Pauline. It returns you back to your original station.

The train ride is being funded by the Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation. Thank you!!! If you’re interested in coming aboard, see the details below. But hurry — we can take 40 people, and 33 have already registered.

WHAT: Father’s Group outing aboard the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please arrive 30 minutes early.

WHERE: New Hope and Ivyland Railroad
32 West Bridge Street
New Hope, PA 18938
Map

PARKING: On site parking is available at the train station. The normal fee is $15 per day. If you tell them you are with Marc Fathers’ Group for the party ride, the cost will be $10 per car. Limited street parking is also available.

COST: Free, unless you are paying for parking.

RSVP: No later than Sept. 7th to Charleen at cmcgrath@marcpa.org or 610-265-4700, ext. 217. Space is limited to the first 40 attendees.

QUESTIONS: Visit the New Hope and Ivyland’s Web site or contact Charleen at cmcgrath@marcpa.org or 610-265-4700, ext. 217.

For the uninitiated, special needs trusts are trusts designed specially for the developmentally disabled. They enable a disabled person to have a trust held in their name to ensure they receive whatever benefits are intended for them. These can include Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, subsidized housing, and other benefits based upon need. Special needs trusts can help beneficiaries avoid losing access to their essential government benefits.

A special needs trust can be a valuable way to protect your disabled family member. But there’s much more to them that a simple piece of paper and a signature. That’s why The Arc is hosting two free seminars on Aug. 26 to educate those interested on special needs trusts.

The seminars are part of the Community Seminars Program, which is a free public service offered by Bradley Law to the communities of Southeastern Pennsylvania. The Community Seminars Program provides information sessions on topics of interest to the public with a direct focus towards individuals with disabilities and their families.

Presenting will be Patrick J. Bradley, Esq., who has been worked in the fields of developmental disabilities and behavioral health for over a decade in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Here are more details on what each seminar will cover. You can attend one or both. Details on how to register follow.

Session 1: All about Special Needs Trusts
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

What is a Special Needs Trust? Every single day many people in Pennsylvania are forced to choose between “spending down” their money and losing their government benefits. For many people this happens when they apply for Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For others already receiving these benefits, they have to “spend down” just to be able to keep their Medicaid and/or SSI. Find out how qualified individuals can save their money and get government benefits too!

Come to this seminar to learn about:

• What a Special Needs Trust is.
• How they work.
• Who can benefit from one.
• Which one may be right for you.
• How to get one.

You’ll also learn the differences between:

• Common Law Trusts
• Payback Trusts
• Pooled Trusts

Session 2: Basic Trust Administration
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Can I manage the Trust myself? That answer could be yes! Do you want to help your loved one but aren’t sure you want to place their financial well being in the hands of strangers? You’re not alone. We’ll explore the crucial role of a Trustee as an administrator of the special needs trust. Come hear about the pros and cons of trust administration and see if “going it alone” as a Trustee can work for you.

You’ll learn the big differences between:

• Private Trustees
• Non-Profit Trustees
• Bank Trustees

Find out which is the best fit for your Beneficiary. At this seminar we will also cover how to:

• Create and fund the Trust.
• Complete initial paperwork.
• Do basic Trust management.
• Meet reporting requirements.
• Make disbursements, and more.

By exploring the fiduciary obligations of a trustee to both the Trust and the Beneficiary, you’ll have a better picture of what’s required to perform as Trustee.

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to session to check in.

LOCATION: The Arc of Montgomery, Berks & Bucks Counties
3075 Ridge Pike
Eagleville, PA 19403
Visit www.marcpa.org or call 610-265-4700 for directions.

COST: Free.

REGISTER: Online at Bradley Law. Seating limited to 45 people per session.

Pennsylvania continues to struggle to pass a state budget, and rallies have been held around the area to put pressure on the legislature, including in Philadelphia and Media.

Another rally will be held in Media on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at noon at the Media Courthouse. All are invited to attend to prompt legislators to quickly pass a budget that adequately funds essential services for the developmentally disabled, children, seniors, and others that depend upon services provided by area nonprofits.

The rally will highlight the challenges and problems nonprofits are facing without a budget in place. For The Arc of Montgomery, Berks & Bucks Counties, it is not getting paid for Early Intervention services it’s providing some counties.

Many nonprofits are also laying off staff and cutting services. Worse, tens of thousands of needy Pennsylvanians could lose services they rely on, and thousands of workers could become unemployed.

At the rally, the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania will also present the results of the survey it’s doing to learn more about these ramifications of the budget impasse. If you are a nonprofit worker, today is the last day to fill out the survey and share how you are being affected.

The lack of a state budget is having a devastating impact on nonprofits throughout Pennsylvania, including The Arc. United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania has sent a survey to 11,000 nonprofit agency workers asking for information on the impact of the state budget impasse on their operations. If you are a nonprofit worker, please fill out the survey and share your thoughts and opinions! But please act fast — today is the last day for responses.

Pennsylvania’s funding for community mental retardation (MR) and early intervention programs is on the chopping block. The budget for fiscal year 09-10 is still not in place, as the Senate waivers on whether to cut these programs from the budget or not. We need your help in urging your Senator to maintain the budget for these programs.

Click over to The Arc’s Web site, where you’ll find a pre-composed message to send to your Senator. All you have to do is enter your contact info and hit send!

Balancing the state budget requires tough choices. But community MR and early intervention programs for infants and toddlers are publicly funded. The waiting lists for services are very long. The last thing these programs need is a budget cut.

More importantly, Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities and their families depend on these programs. Please ask your Senator to find another way to balance budget. Learn more about the issue and write in today.

Justin Etherton is a swimmer in the Montgomery County Swim League in Maryland. He’s also autistic. But for him, swimming has been a crucial therapy because it provides him a social outlet, and an opportunity to set goals and achieve them. The Washington Post covered his story with a photo essay, showing his determination and pride when he takes to the water. Click over to view it. Just goes to show how the benefits of sports can go beyond physical fitness, and extend to mental wellness.

Some pictures to share with you from the Mitch Herman Memorial Golf Tournament we held last month. Here’s one, and see the rest on our Flickr page.

If you caught the June 25th issue of Times Herald, you might have seen the article covering board member Mike Marsh receiving the fundraiser check from the Knights of Columbus. Thanks to the paper for featuring us!

If you have a child in school, you might want to pay attention to a new federal bill called the Positive Behavior for Safe and Effective Schools Act (H.R. 2597). It would let state and local education agencies use federal education funds to increase the use of school-wide positive behavior support (SWPBS) for all students — including those with developmental disabilities.

What’s PBS? It’s a positive approach to promote good behavior among all students. Almost every K-12 classroom has its share of misbehaved kids. Schools typically take punitive measures to correct students’ misconduct (detention, etc.). But that can often ignite the rebel inside, and cause kids to continue misbehaving.

PBS, on the other hand, creates and maintains a safe and effective learning environment by clearly teaching students what behavior is expected of them. They are rewarded for good behavior and making good decision. PBS has been shown to decrease the number of discipline referrals, increase academic performance, raise student attendance, and improve school climate.

U.S. Rep. Phil Hare introduced the Positive Behavior for Safe and Effective Schools Act in the House of Representatives. The bill doesn’t require schools to use PBS. But many schools want to implement it, and don’t have the funds to do so. This bill is a step in the right direction. But now, we need your support too!

No Pennsylvania representatives are co-sponsoring the bill. Please, call your federal representative and tell them you want them to support and co-sponsor the Positive Behavior for Safe and Effective Schools Act. It can mean a more positive, healthy, and productive learning environment for your child.

You can find out who your representative is and how to contact them by visiting the House’s Web site.

You can read the full text of the bill at the Library of Congress’s Web site.

Thank you for your support!

Many individuals over 65 years of age, with and without a disability, have no living or involved relatives. When an individual’s judgment is affected, appropriate assistance is of utmost importance to assure that outcomes of life-affecting decisions are properly considered.

But where will this assistance come from? Here at The Arc, our Advocacy Services identifies service needs and gaps and seeks to find solutions through other entities or, when necessary, by directly addressing the need.

I bring this up after an unfortunate event. Recently, Rosa B. was found unconscious on the floor of her room in a personal care boarding home, and was admitted to the hospital. It was later determined that Rosa had a massive stroke.

Over the next few days, the medical intervention team could not improve her condition and there was consensus among her medical team that she was not going to improve and her situation would begin to further deteriorate. For a woman in her 70’s the prognosis was extremely poor. Rosa never regained awareness of her surroundings, and she appeared to be in general discomfort.

The hospital social work staff was contacted to locate next of kin to help establish a course of treatment under the current circumstances. Determining that there were no involved family members, the hospital staff turned to Arc Advocacy Services. We accept guardianship for others when no other persons were willing or available to take on the responsibility for making appropriate end of life decisions.

Once the Court of Common Pleas granted Arc Advocacy Services emergency legal guardianship, Arc staff began consultation with the physicians and medical personnel to develop an appropriate course of treatment. Arc Advocacy staff became the point of contact for Rosa’s treatment team, and was able to sign the required medical release forms and documents to provide specific medical care and comfort for Rosa.

Arc Advocacy’s overall philosophy is to address the needs of individuals who have a disability, and because of it, Rosa and others have support. Where would folks turn if this option was not available?

Rosa recently passed away. The only people who attended her services were the staff from the Arc and the staff from the funeral home. No one should be this alone in life. But it happens. And when it does, The Arc steps in so there is someone there to support them.

Please join us in saying a prayer for Rosa. And if you have questions about Arc Advocacy Services, you can learn more by visiting or Web site or calling us.

Our board members all have their own personal reasons for joining The Arc and dedicating themselves to the developmentally disabled. Many have children with disabilities, and they get involved to give them a better life. But in doing so, they become part of something greater: helping bring opportunity and hope to many other disabled people in our area.

It’s an endeavor 35 years in the making for Michele Mailman. She’s one of The Arc’s board members, and we interviewed as part of our Meet the Boards series. Our e-mail Q and A is below, unedited, so you can get Michele’s unvarnished take on how and why she got involved with The Arc, and why it’s important to her. Her story is an inspiration to anyone who’s considering getting involved, and everyone who already is. Enjoy!

Introduce us to Michele Mailman. Tell us a little about who are and what you do.

I have been married to my husband Steve for almost forty years. We have two children, Holly and Scott, and one grandchild, Evan. In 2006 I retired from the School District of Philadelphia after teaching for over thirty years. I found that I missed the kids and my colleagues, so I began substitute teaching the very next semester.

I usually work about six to eight days a month and I only work at the middle school that was my last assignment. I also spend two to three days a week babysitting for my grandson so that his mother could return to work as a speech/language pathologist. My schedule is almost as busy now as it was before I retired.

How did you get involved with The Arc board, and why?

Thirty five years ago, when I was still living in Philadelphia, I was asked to join a fund raising group of women called the PARC Aides who generated money through fundraisers for the Philadelphia Arc. After being a member for a year, my son Scott was born. He was diagnosed with a seizure disorder and developmental delays when he was eight months old.

While the Philadelphia Arc had spun off its infant stimulation programs years before, they were able to help me with my search for programs for Scott. To this day, I am still a member of that PARC Aides chapter that will, sadly, disband at the end of this year.

Twenty one years ago we moved to Montgomery County. I was approached by Ginny Conway to come on the board of the Arc of Montgomery County as she was beginning her presidency. We had known each other well when we both lived in Philadelphia since our sons were enrolled in the same KenCrest early intervention program. I was honored to be asked and felt that I would benefit from knowing more about how the system was accessed in Montgomery County.

Through the years I have been a general board member, chairman of several committees, president of the Foundation Board, and have held several offices on the parent board before assuming the presidency in June 2007.

I have maintained a sustained presence with the Arc because I feel that in some way I am giving back to the agency that has the mission of inclusion of people of all ages with developmental disabilities into the fabric of our general society and to remove barriers that prevent this from happening.

Why are you dedicated to the developmentally disabled community?

My initial reason for dedication to this community would, of course, be my son Scott. As any parent of a child with a disability, I have had my own experiences and have also shared them with others who have enlightened me with tales of their journey in this unique and challenging position.

Because I can look back at the progress that has been made and can envision where we need to go, I will remain involved in the endeavor to make our intellectually challenged community of adults and children gain access to all aspects of life, work and family they deserve.

What are some of your biggest concerns for the developmentally disabled right now?

I am concerned that the financial crisis facing our country will have a negative affect by making the funding needed to maintain and build programs for this community more difficult, and possibly, in some cases, cancel plans for the expansion of supports that are greatly needed at this time. I am afraid that the waiting list will not be addressed in a way that will provide services for families already long in need.

Besides the work The Arc is doing, are you doing anything else personally to help the disabled?

My son Scott lives in the community with two other young men with similar disabilities. Neither has a mother who is alive, and only one has a father, who is in poor health. I have made it a goal to create the kind of home in which I would like Scott to live by meeting regularly with the provider and staff, ranging from the director to direct care staff.

I am committed to request and, sometimes, demand improvements in both the physical condition of the home and the level of care the men receive. In doing this, I hope to improve the lives of all three.

I accompany staff to shop for the other men, make purchases for their rooms, and help identify programs that make their lives more complete. When I decorated and made new purchases for my son’s bedroom, I also made similar plans for upgrading the other two residents’ rooms. They are a family and I am proud that I can serve all three as a mother and a surrogate parent.

What can readers do to help out?

There are many ways people can help. We are always looking for and welcoming people to our boards that have the expertise and knowledge to help us grow. If serving on a board is not your thing, volunteering in activities such as sports and community outings is a great way to interact with people with intellectual disabilities. I believe by doing any of the above, they will feel enriched.

Writer Lynn Gladieux put together a follow-up piece in the Pottstown Mercury about the hardship The Arc is facing in light of recent state budget cuts. Thanks so much Lynn for covering our story again!

Click over to her article or turn to today’s issue of the Pottstown Mercury to read about Lynn’s latest interview with Arc Executive Director Paul Stengle. Lynn covers how state money gets funneled through organizations like the Arc, and where some of the biggest issues lie in getting this funding to the developmentally disabled.

After weeks of hard work raising funds for The Arc, local Knights of Columbus chapters have gathered all monies raised, and doled them out this week. A big thank you goes out again to all the Knights who helped support The Arc!!

On Tuesday, Mike Marsh, President of Marc Children’s Services, received The Arc’s check from the Knights of Columbus’ Pope John Paul I Council (#7565) at the Visitation Church. Here’s a shot from the event:

The Arc of Pennsylvania is 60 years old this year, so we wanted to send special birthday wishes their way. Happy birthday! The Arc of PA created a short video to celebrate the occasion, and you can watch it on their Web site. It features people who have been touched by The Arc of PA, and the difference the organization has made for the disabled in our state since 1949.

Those receiving or about to receive state and federal mental retardation services can breath a sigh of relief. The Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee voted down Senate Bill 850 this week. If passed, the bill would have significantly cut funding for services for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Arc is breathing a sigh of relief too. Rejecting this bill is an important step in preserving the services we need to support the developmentally disabled. If you take a look at what this bill would have done their well-being and livelihood, the importance of its defeat comes to light. If passed, SB 850 would have:

• Cut $37.72 million from Medicaid-waiver-funded community services, ending services for 550 people.
• Eliminated $12.117 million in state-only funds for county MH/MR programs. Three thousand families would not have been served.
• Cut $15.286 million in state and federal funding for autism services. Up to 50 percent of people waiting for services would not have gotten them.
• Eliminated the emergency waiting list and institution diversion initiative, denying services to 780 people.

You can learn more about the bill and how it would have affected the developmentally disabled community in Pennsylvania by checking out The Arc of PA’s testimony before the House Appropriations Committee in May.

We’ve often written about the struggles the developmentally disabled face in Pennsylvania. From funding cuts to lack of equal opportunities, it seems it’s always an uphill battle for those affected by disability. However, there are bright spots amidst the difficulties, and it’s helpful to share them, to keep our spirits up, and know that our efforts to support the disabled are working.

Linda of Montgomery County is one of those bright spots, and she felt strong enough about her story to write it in a letter to Gov. Rendell. Linda’s son is one of the recent graduates of Marc Children’s Services Early Intervention program. In her letter, which she also shared with us to share with you, she describes how The Arc significantly helped improve her son’s development.

She notes three particularly impactful people at The Arc: Connie Vienz, Program Coordinator; Julie Fisher-Pisa, Occupational Therapist; and Shanna Neumann, Special Instructor.

Below is a copy of Linda’s actual letter to the governor. You can click the image to see it enlarged, and read it first hand. (Linda’s contact info has been censored for privacy.)

Linda also thanks others who made a big difference for her son. Her story shows that by working together, we can made great strides in giving our disabled children a better life from the start.

Many thanks goes out to everyone who worked with Linda’s family. And thanks also goes out to Linda, for sharing her story and putting in front of Gov. Rendell to prove that programs like those provided by The Arc are working, and are essential in our community.

If you have a story to share, please feel free to write a letter to the governor or your congressman, like Linda did. Simple actions like that can help show our leaders the importance of providing enough funding to support programs and services for the developmentally disabled. It can make the difference for your family, and others in your neighborhood. We also encourage you to share your story with us here on the blog. We’d love to hear about it!

Parent support groups can be a vital resource to gain insight, find connections, and learn ways to help your special needs child grow and socialize. You might have one in your community and perhaps you’re already a member. If so, you probably know about the benefits of staying active in your parent support group.

But if you aren’t in a group, or if there aren’t any around your home, don’t worry! This is the perfect opportunity to start one of your own. It might sound daunting at first, but remember: Parent support groups are created and run by other parents just like you. All it takes is commitment and a few key steps to successfully start and run a parent support group.

And in our latest episode of “Building Bridges in the Community,” we got the download. You can watch the archived version below.

Moderator Cat West was joined by Camille Desnoyers to discuss how parents can be empowered, and become more active in their disabled child’s education and socialization through parent support groups. Cat helped form a group, the Upper Merion Special Education Parent Resource INterest Group (UM SPRING), and Camille spearheaded the Norristown Education and Advocacy for Children with Differing Abilities (NEACDA).

Both are successful, and you can learn exactly how these two women started their groups and have kept them going by watching the show. Hats off to Cat and Camille! You can also learn more about their groups and how to join by visiting their Web sites:

UM SPRING

NEACDA

The next episode of “Building Bridges in the Community” airs live July 2 at 11 a.m. on BCTV.

ABC 6 (WPVI) featured our Children’s Services graduation on their newscast Friday. Thanks so much to the film crew for coming out and sharing our event with TV viewers! We appreciate it!

We’ve gathered our best shots from the Marc Children’s Services graduation on Friday. Check out the ones below for a sneak peek, and then hit up our Flickr album for the full monty.

The Arc’s graduation ceremony for Marc Children’s Services went very well Friday evening, with family, friends, and Arc members and staff all coming out to celebrate the children’s achievement at the Elmwood Park Zoo. We snapped pictures from the event, and will be sharing them on the blog soon!

His name is Rob DiMarco, and he’s on The Arc’s Board. We talked to him recently as part of our Meet the Boards series, and learned about how his background in software and Web development brought him to The Arc.

Take a listen to hear him tell the story of when he met Paul Stengle, our Executive Director, and found out The Arc was in need of a tech guy to work on its Web site and blog. Rob proved to be the man, and now he’s the go-to source for anything tech.

Also hear Rob explain what it means to be a part of The Arc’s board, and why he thinks education is probably the biggest challenge facing developmentally disabled children.

Gov. Rendell has gotten negative feedback after recently signing a $201 million contract with Data Recognition Corporation to develop a high school graduation exam. The problem is the Senate hasn’t approved the test, which is seen as fiscally irresponsible by Senate Republican leaders.

The letter that the leaders sent to Gov. Rendell details their disapproval, and you can read it here.

The Arc is in support of the General Assembly and their dislike of the exam. Not only is it financially irresponsible, but most of the alternate forms of the exam don’t address the concerns that we have for students with disabilities.

More on this issue can be found on Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Action News, The Pennsylvania State Education Association,

You know the KYW jingle: You give us 22 minutes, we’ll give you the world. Well, now they are also giving support to help spread the word about the warning signs of autism and developmental disabilities.

KYW News Radio, the most popular radio station in the Philadelphia area, has been very gracious to us, and will be airing public service announcements we wrote to raise awareness about early detection of developmental delays, and the importance of paying attention to the warning signs. Many thanks to KYW for your generosity and support!

Keep your radio tuned to 1060 AM to hear our PSAs — as well everything you need to know going on around the Delaware Valley! KYW will start airing the PSAs in the next few days.

As a head’s up, here’s the copy KYW will be airing:

The number of children classified as having autism spectrum disorder is rising. The United States Department of Education anticipates autism diagnosis will grow 10 to 17 percent annually. Some studies suggest one out of every 150 children has an autism spectrum disorder. Twenty years ago, the number was one in 10,000. But are autism cases growing, or are we just getting better at helping physicians and parents identify the warning signs earlier? Early detection and intervention are the key to helping children be their best. If your child didn’t babble, point, wave, or grasp by age one; didn’t say single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by 24 months; avoids eye contact; or loses any social skills at any age, contact Marc Children’s Services, a non-profit early intervention service that’s free to qualified area families. Call 877-4-TheArc. That’s 877-4-TheArc. Don’t delay. Call today.

Just a reminder to get your golf clubs ready and your registration form in the mail if you want to play in the Mitch Herman Memorial Golf Tournament. We tee off Saturday, June 6 at the Willow Hollow Golf Course for a day of golf, friendly competition, prizes, gifts, food, drinks, and more.

And of course, we’ll be doing it all in honor of Mitch Herman, a local golfer who passed away in December 2001. The Arc joins us in remembrance because Mitch’s brother Matt has Down syndrome. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit people in Berks County with developmental disabilities, and their families.

If you’d like to join us, here are the details:

WHAT: Mitch Herman Memorial Golf Tournament

WHERE: Willow Hollow Golf Course
619 Prison Road
Leesport, PA 19533
Directions

WHEN: Saturday, June 6. Shotgun start at 8 a.m., runs until 2 p.m.

COST: $85 per individual, $340 for a group of four

REGISTRATION: Fill out this registration form.

It’s the season for graduation, and here at The Arc, it’s no exception. Next Friday we’ll be hosting our Marc Children’s Services graduation ceremony at the Elmwood Park Zoo, and the entire Arc family is invited to take part.

Graduating will be children from The Arc’s Early Intervention program. We’re so proud of all of them! They’ve come a long way in improving their language and motor skills. We’re also very proud of our Arc parents, who’ve stay committed to their children’s education and development.

We have a full agenda lined up for the evening. We’ll have a cap and gown ceremony, complete with Pomp and Circumstance and pictures. Dinner will be served, and there will be plenty of free time to meet the animals and play on the playground.

We’ll also be swearing in new officers elected to The Arc’s board of directors. Congrats to board members! The list of who we’ll be honoring is on The Arc’s Web site.

If you’re interested in joining us for the event, check out the details below:

WHAT: Marc Children’s Services Graduation Ceremony for children in Montgomery County and Annual Membership Meeting

WHERE: Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, Pa.

WHEN: Friday, May 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

COST: Adults are $15 each; children 12 and under are $5 each. Price includes admission to the zoo, catered BBQ dinner, the swearing of the officers, and the graduation ceremony.

REGISTER: Online at The Arc’s Web site.

For those who haven’t yet heard of it, Plymouth Rock Studios™ is a brand new film and television digital studio complex in Plymouth, Mass., set to open in 2010. As the ROCK (as it is fondly referred to) staffs up, they knew they had the opportunity to create a movement that changes the game for people with disabilities when it comes to employment.

That’s why they’ve partnered with Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for friendships and integrated employment. As it is, there’s an 80 percent unemployment rate for people with disabilities. Like the Arc, Best Buddies and now Plymouth Rock Studios are working to change that.

The ROCK is committed to working with Best Buddies to be a leader in its jobs program through the ROCK Educational Cooperative, and is proud to introduce the newest ROCK employee, Peter Johnson.

Have a look at this short video created by the gang at Plymouth Rock Studios, as part of their daily webisodes, aptly titled The Series.

Thanks to everyone at Plymouth Rock Studios and The Series. We greatly appreciate your work towards employment equality.

Writer Lynn Gladieux recently ran down with our own Paul Stengle to talk about state budget cuts, and how they’re affecting The Arc. She details it all in her article in the Kutztown Area Patriot. Thanks so much Lynn!

Turn your eyes to her piece to learn more about current legislation affecting the developmentally disabled, and why Paul believes Gov. Ed Rendell’s priorities are out of order. Paul also predicts how the federal stimulus money might play out for the disabled, and where we’re going next as the economy struggles to right itself.

Senate Bill 850 was passed last week and could pose major shortcomings for the developmentally disabled across the state. The bill’s proposed budget cuts nearly $88 million from Pennsylvania’s mental retardation system.

It terminates services for up to 3,550 people currently receiving care. It also completely eliminates the Emergency Waiting List initiative, which was to serve 793 developmentally disabled people next year.

The Arc is urging people to contact their senator or representative and let them know how their family will be affected if their son or daughter loses services.

More details on the budget cuts and how to contact you senator or representative can be found at The Arc’s Web site and the Disability Rights of Pennsylvania’s Web site.

The Knights of Columbus fundraising campaign wraps up this week at Redner’s Warehouse Market in Collegeville. (Map.) Knights will be stationed there from Wednesday, May 13 through Saturday, May 16.

This year’s campaign has been successful. Tom Kuchera, the Grand Knight from the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Doylestown, reports that his council has raised $2,768.60 so far. The council’s goal for this year was $2,009. Way to go Tom and OLMC! And THANK YOU to all who’ve contributed!

Tom also shared some pics from the field. Check them on our Flickr page.

The Pennsylvania Senate is expected to vote on a bill as early as this week that would cut new funding to serve people on the emergency waiting list. It would also cut funding for those already being served.

Please call, write, fax, or email your elected officials in Harrisburg immediately and urge them to oppose SB 850’s budget cuts for programs serving people with disabilities.

More details on the bill and how to take action can be found on The Arc’s Web site.

Tune in tomorrow at 11 a.m. for our next episode of Building Bridges in the Community on BCTV. We’ll be covering how to set up a parent support group. Moderating, as always, is Cat West, whom we just did a podcast with. If you remember, she helped create the Upper Merion Special Education Parent Resource INterest Group, and will be a good resource for all viewers.

We’ll be airing live, so keep this number handy if you’d like to call in and ask a question: 610-378-0426.

If you miss the show, BCTV will be re-airing it Saturday, May 9 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, May 10 at 3 p.m.; and Monday, May 11 at 1 p.m. We’ll also have the archived episode here on the blog soon.

There’s no denying the importance and value of education when it comes to raising a child with developmental disabilities. Parents should know what resources are available to them so that they can best support their child. They should be familiar with laws and policies surrounding access to care.

But for many parents — especially those who’ve never raised a disabled child before — getting this knowledge and education can be difficult. They’re left in the dark about services and programs that might greatly benefit them and their child.

We shed light on some of these resources when we talked to Arc board member Cat West as part of our Meet the Boards series. Our podcast is above for you to listen in.

You might recognize Cat as the host of Building Bridges in the Community, The Arc’s show on BCTV. In our podcast, Cat tells the story of her son Joey, who was born with Down syndrome. She reflects on the moment when she learned Joey had Down syndrome, and the emotional roller coaster she and her family went through. She explains the next steps she took to begin caring for Joey and managing his condition.

Then two year later, things became worse. Joey was diagnosed with autism. That’s when Cat became involved with The Arc. The organization provided Joey with autism therapy, which proved to be very successful. She says The Arc helped her learn so much about managing both autism and Down syndrome, and pointed her to the resources she needed to get educated.

Cat describes some of them in our interview, such as Right to Education Task Force, Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, and Variety the Children’s Charity. All of these organizations have local groups around the area. Cat also formed the Upper Merion Special Education Parent Resource INterest Group with four other parents as another knowledge and networking base for parents of disabled children.

Take a listen and learn more about resources you might not realize are available to you. Education can take away much of the anxiety in raising a developmentally disabled child, and it’s important to continue learning about new aids out there. Oh, and don’t mind the sounds of her children and dogs in the background! ;)

Thanks to the folks at the Reading Eagle for spreading the news about the Knights of Columbus’s fundraiser for The Arc. We appreciate you encouraging people to come out and support the developmentally disabled and the organization.

Rain or shine this weekend, The Arc will be hosting its flea market in Eagleville! We have some great vendors and crafters lined up to offer their wares. Bring the family out, stroll around, and enjoy some tasty food and beverages. It’s free to attend.

If you’d like to sell something, you can still reserve a space for $15 and a table for another $5.

The Arc is also accepting donations to offer at the flea market. If you’d like to donate, please drop off your items at the reception desk at The Arc.

For more details on flea market times, costs, location, directions, etc., check out our other post.

The Knights of Columbus are continuing their fundraising campaign for The Arc this week. You’ll have four days to contribute. Come out to Landis Supermarket on Route 29 in Schwenksville on Wednesday, April 29 through Saturday, May 2 to support The Arc. All donations benefit the developmentally disabled and their families in the area.

If you miss this week, you’ll have your last chance to donate through KOC next week. Knights will be stationed at Redner’s Warehouse Market in Collegeville from Wednesday, May 13 through Saturday, May 16. Thanks to all who contribute!

Monte Carlo/Awards Night is just a day away, but The Arc has not yet reached its goal in tickets sold. If the Arc does not reach its goal by tomorrow, it will lose a significant portion of money.

It will be a setback that The Arc can ill afford with times already tough due to recent funding cuts and the recession. The Arc is urging everyone to please attend Monte Carlo/Awards Night if they can. It is one of The Arc’s seminal events of the year, and The Arc relies on the funding raised from it to continue to support the developmentally disabled during the remainder of the year.

Monte Carlo Night is always a lot of fun, and you’ll have the chance to win some great raffle prizes. Everyone who attends also gets a $20 gift card to Creed’s Seafood and Steaks.

For more details on the event, please see our post here. To register, please call Charleen at 610-265-4700, ext. 217 or visit The Arc’s Web site. Thank you for your support.

While you’re doing your errands this weekend, be sure to stop by the locations below, where the Knights of Columbus will be stationed to collect donations for The Arc. Knights was formed to provide mutual aid and assistance to the sick, disabled, and needy. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated, and help us provide a better quality of life to the local developmentally disabled and their families.

Friday, April 24
Acme in Chalfont
Rite Aid in Town Center in New Britain
Acme in Doylestown
Wine & Spirits Store, 132 Veterans Lane, Doylestown

Saturday, April 25
Acme in Chalfont
Acme in Hatboro
Wawa in Hatboro
Walmart in Temple
Acme in Doylestown
Wine & Spirits Store, 132 Veterans Lane, Doylestown

Sunday, April 26
Walmart in Temple

The Arc is inviting everyone to join us for the Mitch Herman Memorial Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 6. Pull out your clubs and make your way to the Willow Hollow Golf Course for a day of golf, friendly competition, prizes, gifts, food, drinks, and more.

We have a few contests teed up, such as a four-person scramble, putting contest, closest-to-the-pin contest, and longest-drive contest. Prizes will be given to our top golfers — including a large flat-screen TV!

Lunch will be served, as will as beer, cigars, and other essential libations courtesy of the lovely cart girls. If you’ve never been to Willow Hollow, it’s a beautiful course. Check out pics on their Web site.

This tournament is in honor of local native Mitch Herman, who passed away in December 2001. He was many things to many people, but he was best known as a golfer. And so, on June 6, we will continue to celebrate his life, and remember what he meant to everyone who knew him.

The Arc joins us in this celebration because Mitch’s brother Matt has Down syndrome. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit people in Berks County with developmental disabilities, and their families.

If you’d like to join us, here are the details:

WHAT: Mitch Herman Memorial Golf Tournament

WHERE: Willow Hollow Golf Course
619 Prison Road
Leesport, PA 19533
Directions

WHEN: Saturday, June 6. Shotgun start at 8 a.m., runs until 2 p.m.

COST: $85 per individual, $340 for a group of four

REGISTRATION: Fill out this registration form.

The Knights of Columbus are in the midst of their fundraising campaign for The Arc, and I wanted to provide you with another, easier-to-understand schedule of where Knights will be collecting donations this year. Check it out below. They’ll be stationed at these locations for most of the day.

The six participating councils include Fr. James Devlin, council #9980; James Flaherty, council #3128; JFK, council #4153; Reading, council #793; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, council #4160; and Perkiomen Valley, council #3633.

Friday, April 24
Acme in Chalfont
Rite Aid in Town Center in New Britain
Acme in Doylestown
Wine & Spirits Store, 132 Veterans Lane, Doylestown

Saturday, April 25
Acme in Chalfont
Acme in Hatboro
Wawa in Hatboro
Walmart in Temple
Acme in Doylestown
Wine & Spirits Store, 132 Veterans Lane, Doylestown

Sunday, April 26
Walmart in Temple

Wednesday, April 29
Landis Supermarket on Route 29 in Schwenksville

Thursday, April 30
Landis Supermarket on Route 29 in Schwenksville

Friday, May 1
Landis Supermarket on Route 29 in Schwenksville

Saturday, May 2
Landis Supermarket on Route 29 in Schwenksville

Wednesday, May 13
Redner’s Warehouse Market in Collegeville

Thursday, May 14
Redner’s Warehouse Market in Collegeville

Friday, May 15
Redner’s Warehouse Market in Collegeville

Saturday, May 16
Redner’s Warehouse Market in Collegeville

Space is still available for this Friday’s Monte Carlo/Awards Night at the Radisson Hotel in King of Prussia. We’ll be giving out awards to those in the community who’ve demostrated special achievement in the developmental disability arena. And just as the name says, we’ll be having fun playing casino games with funds going to support The Arc. For more details on the night’s festivities and registering, check back to our Monte Carlo Night post.

Need computer storage? Seagate has generously donated several of its highly coveted BlackArmor netowrk storage servers, and a Maxtor OneTouch III hard drive, along with a few video games, for Monte Carlo/Awards Night giveaways. Many thanks!

The BlackArmor is great for small businesses. The self-contained network storage server is designed to optimize uptime and simplify data management.

And the Maxtor OneTouch III hard drive has high performance and an enormous capacity — 2 terabyte (2,000 GB) — to store and back up files.

Thanks again!

The Knights of Columbus is kicking off its annual “Measure Up” campaign today to collect donations from the public to support The Arc. Knights will be stationed at local stores to collect donations, which will fund advocacy, educational services, and other programs for the developmentally disabled and their families.

Everyone is welcome to come out and show their support! Feel free to bring a camera and take pictures and video. We’ll post them here on the blog! Just let me know what you have to share by shooting me an e-mail.

Below is the schedule for this year’s Measure Up campaigns for local Knights of Columbus councils. Some times are still TBD. We’ll keep you updated on the blog.

Many thanks to Knights of Columbus and the public for their support!

Fr. James Devlin, council # 9980
Acme in Chalfont on April 17, 18, 24, 25

Rite Aid in Town Center, New Britain on April 18 and 24

James Flaherty, council #3128
Acme and Wawa in Hatboro on April 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

JFK, council #4153
Corpolis Pizza on April 16 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Reading, council #793
Walmart in Temple on April 25 and 26

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, council #4160
Acme in Doylestown on April 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wine & Spirits Store, 132 Veterans Lane, Doylestown on April 24 and 25 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Perkiomen Valley, council #3633
Acme in Limerick on April 16 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., April 17 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and April 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Landis Supermarket on Route 29 in Schwenksville on April 29, 30, 31 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Landis Supermarket on May 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Renders Market in Collegeville on May 13, 14, 15 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and May 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Arc put together a paper covering the top issues facing the developmentally disabled and their families in 2009. Feel free to read it. If you’re interested in learning more about the issues and disputes surrounding educational services and legisation, mental health/mental retardation services, the waiting list, adult protective services, and capital punishment, this paper is a helpful resource.

Reminder to everyone who likes breakfast and the Easter Bunny: Tomorrow The Arc and Applebee’s are hosting Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Norristown Applebee’s from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. If you want a picture with the Easter Bunny, make sure you reserve your spot today by calling Charleen at 610-265-4700 ext. 217. See our post from earlier in the week for more details.

Marc Children’s Services is gearing up for its flea market on May 2. As always, all families are invited to come out for the event. It’s a great opportunity to spend time together and enjoy the springtime!

We’re welcoming vendors and crafters to showcase their unique and interesting wares, and families to sell their new or gently used yard sale items. The Arc will also be offering food and beverages throughout the day.

Some things to look forward to include all-natural hair care products and bathroom remodeling supplies. Several local families will also be bringing yard sale items. If you’re interesting in selling at the flea market, just contact Charleen at 610-265-4700, ext. 217.

The Arc is now accepting donations to offer at the flea market too. People usually donate toys and household items (excluding furniture), but we welcome almost anything and everything!

If you’d like to donate, please drop off your items at the reception desk at the Arc’s location (address below). If you’re not sure if the Arc would accept your item, just call Charleen at 610-265-4700, ext. 217

WHAT: Marc Children’s Services Flea Market

WHEN: May 2, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine

WHERE: The Arc of Montgomery, Berks & Bucks Counties
3075 Ridge Pike, Eagleville, Pa.
Directions can be found here.

COST: For sellers, spaces are $15, and tables are an additional $5. Event is free to attendees.

For more information, please call Charleen at 610-265-4700, ext. 217.

It’s sure to be a night of fun and fun-draising on April 24 when The Arc hosts its second annual Monte Carlo/Awards Night. The event is open all Arc families, board members, staff, and anyone who wants to help raise money to support the developmentally disabled, while having a good time!

This year’s event is particularly special to us, as The Arc has been hit with severe funding cuts to its advocacy and Early Intervention services. We greatly appreciate all of the support from our attendees and sponsors!

The evening will start with an awards ceremony to honor those in our community who’ve demonstrated outstanding commitment and accomplishments in the area of the developmentally disabled. This year, our award recipients include:

• Earl Stalker III, Sr., President of Stalker & Associates and S & A Administrators: Vincent J. Fitzpatrick Humanitarian Award
• Rep. Robert W. Godshall (Montgomery County): Rose R. Rosa Advocacy Award
• Berks County Television (BCTV): Media Program of the Year Award
• Judi Clyman, Childworks: Marc Children’s Services Award

After the awards are given out and congratulatory words shared, the party will commence. Every attendee gets $150 in “funny money” to try their hand at Texas Hold’em, black jack, roulette, craps, and slots. Don’t worry if you’re a gambling newbie. Our dealers will be providing helpful pointers, because it’s all in good spirit!

Your “winnings” will be exchanged for raffle tickets to win some wonderful prizes. We’ve already told you about the high-tech mice from Microsoft, music software from Steinberg and NOTION, and microphones from Blue.

That’s just a sample of what’s up for grabs. You’ll have to come to the event to find out what else is in store! Any companies that are still interested in donating products, services, gift cards, coupons, discounts, etc. can just shoot me an e-mail. There will also be a silent auction later in the night for other prizes.

If raffle prizes weren’t enough, attendees will also get a $20 gift certificate to Creed’s Seafood and Steaks in King of Prussia. You can check out their menu, see pictures, and get directions on their Web site.

While we play, we’ll be serving hot and cold hor d’oeuvres, desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages for free. We’ll also have a cash bar. Unfortunately, child care will not be provided this year.

If you’re interested in going to Monte Carlo/Awards Night, here are the details:

WHAT: Monte Carlo/Awards Night

WHEN: Friday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

WHERE: Radisson Hotel in King of Prussia. Find directions here.

COST: $45 per person, or $400 for a group of 10. All proceeds raised benefit The Arc to support local families and children with special needs through direct therapeutic activities, advocacy services, and training to the community.

REGISTER: Reserve your spot online at The Arc’s Web site, or call Charleen at 610-265-4700, ext. 217. Must be 18 or older to attend.

The Arc of Pennsylvania is holding its annual Systems Advocacy and Government Affairs Day (SAGA Day) on April 21. This is a great opportunity to get updates on current issues, network with our local legislators, and voice your thoughts and ideas to our lawmakers.

The legislators and other officials attending are listed in the agenda below. If you are interested in joining, please RSVP as soon as you can to Pat Leo at 610-265-4700. SAGA Day is cosponsored by The Arc of Pennsylvania and PA Conference of Executives of The Arc.

WHAT: SAGA Day

WHEN: Tuesday, April 21, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

AGENDA:

8:30 – 8:55: Registration

9 – 9:15: Welcoming Remarks. MJ Bartelmay, The Arc of PA President; Steve Suroviec, The Arc of PA Executive Director

9:15 – 9:50: Institution Closure Advocacy Strategy. Nancy Murray, Norman Baker, The Arc of PA SAGA Committee State Center Closure Subcommittee Chairpersons

9:50 – 10:25: Waiting List — House Resolution 159 Report and Implementation. Sheila Stasko, PA Waiting List Campaign Director; Ilene Shane, CEO of Disability Rights Network of PA

10:25 – 10:50: Break

10:50 – 11:25: Special Education Funding Reform. Baruch Kintisch, Education Law Center of PA Director of Policy Advocacy; Ken Oakes, The Arc of PA SAGA Committee Co-Chairperson

11:25 – 12 p.m.: What Happens July 1st — Are Individuals and Families Affected? Kevin Casey, PA Department of Public Welfare Deputy Secretary for Developmental Programs

12 – 1:30: Lunch (Provided at the hotel.)

1:30 – 2:30: Break-out sessions

• A. Train-the-Trainer. “How to Advocate with Elected Officials” Pam Klipa, The Arc of PA’s Training and Special Education Coordinator; Jeanne Downey and Ellen Schellenberger, The Arc of PA Advocacy Capacity Committee Co-Chairpersons
• B. The Arc of PA’s Public Policy Priorities Overview/Q&A. Steve Suroviec, The Arc of PA Executive Director; Ken Oakes and Pat Chesko, The Arc of PA SAGA Committee Co-Chairpersons

2:30 – 5: Free time to meet with state senators and representatives. (Please schedule your own meetings in advance.)

5 – 7 : Legislative reception. Presentation of The Arc of PA’s 60th Anniversary Video; presentation of “Legislator of the Year” Award.

WHERE: All meetings (except legislative reception) will be held at Holiday Inn Carlisle, 1450 Harrisburg Pike, Carlisle, PA 17015. Legislative reception will be held at Harrisburg Hilton, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

COST: $10 for members of The Arc. $15 for non-members. Non-members will also get a free one-year Arc membership with payment. Lunch included.

RSVP: Reservation is required for SAGA Day and reception. Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible with Pat Leo at 610-265-4700.

The Arc and Applebee’s are hosting a special Breakfast with the Easter Bunny event on Saturday, April 11. After you and the family fill up on hot pancakes and sausage, children can get their picture taken with the Easter Bunny.

We’ll also have face painting and raffle giveaways throughout the morning. All proceeds from the event will benefit The Arc to support local families and children with special needs.

If you’re interested in joining the fun, here are the details. Reservations aren’t required, but they are recommended because there are limited seating times for pictures with the Easter Bunny. See you there!

WHAT: Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

WHEN: Saturday, April 11 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

WHERE: Applebee’s Restaurant
555 S. Trooper Road
Norristown, PA 19403
Directions can be found here.

COST TO ATTEND: $9 each, or $30 for a group of four. Children under three are free with a paying adult.

PICTURES: Seating times for pictures are at 8 a.m., 8:45 a.m., and 9:30 a.m. Children aged 3-12 can get one free picture with the Easter Bunny. There will be a cost for pictures with children under three. Other photo packages will also be available at varying prices.

RSVP: Call Charleen at The Arc at 610-265-4700 ext. 217

The Arc’s annual golf outing is always a big hit. We raised almost $40,000 during last September’s outing, which went to support services for local developmentally disabled children and adults.

We’re planning on making it all happen again this year, and have started teeing things up (pun intended). Date and location are still being worked out, but we’ve begun looking for sponsors to support the outing. If you or your company would like to help sponsor a day of golf, food, drinks, and friendly competition, just e-mail Paul Stengle. We greatly appreciate your support!

It’s World Autism Day, and there’s been a flood of news coverage on the disorder and the families affected by it. The United Nations created World Autism Day last year to bring awareness to the disease, and encourage early diagnosis and early intervention care.

The most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest austism affects one in 150 children. No cure has been found, but many therapies have been developed — such as those provided by The Arc — to help people manage it.

Early intervention, for instance, is a primary reason so many local families have turned to The Arc. The organization’s Early Intervention services have helped many local disabled children improve their speech and motor skills, and enhance their physical and mental development.

Here are some resources to see how people around the globe are marking World Autism Day, and some ways to get involved. As always, you can get involved locally with The Arc.

World Autism Day Web site

CNN’s special coverage of efforts to treat autism, how people are living with the disease, and more

CDC’s statistics and news on autism

Autism Speaks’ Walk Now for Autism fundraiser

Here’s something that might be music to any musician’s ears. Steinberg Media Technologies, NOTION Music, and Blue Microphones are donating their products for our Monte Carlo/Awards Night raffle. Thanks to all for their generosity!

Two or three music package will be put together featuring a product from each company. Inside will be $250 worth of cool music technologies for anyone who likes to play, sing, and record.

From Steinberg, we have Sequel 2, a program that lets you easily produce professional quality music tracks anywhere you have a computer — at home, on a plane, in the rehearsal room, or even live at a club.

NOTION Music’s Progression software is for the guitarist in you. It has guitar, bass, and drum samples that you can playback, an FX editor to change tracks’ sound effects in all types of ways, and more.

Blue’s Snowflake microphone tops off the package. It captures high-fidelity sound, and works great for recording music. It’s also ease to carry around thanks to its small size, and connects to your computer’s USB port.

Thanks again to Steinberg, NOTION, and Blue! And thanks to mtech marketing communications for hooking us up!

The Arc is asking for your help right away to support funding to provide post-secondary education to disabled students. Take action by writing in to your representative by this Wednesday, April 1, and urge them to support higher education funding provisions.

These provisions are part of the Higher Education Opportunity Act, signed into law by former President George W. Bush in 2008. The law includes student aid programs, teacher training programs, and other important initiatives to help students with intellectual disabilities access, participate, and succeed in post-secondary education.

But these provisions need funding. Rep. John Yarmuth is circulating this “Dear Colleague” letter asking the leaders of the House Appropriations Committee to provide $70 million for the disability provisions

The deadline for the House of Representatives to sign on to the letter is this Wednesday, April 1. That’s why we need your help right away!

How to take action:
Send an e-mail to your representative to ask him/her to support these higher education provisions for students with intellectual disabilities. Need help? See a sample message and send your e-mail on The Arc’s Web site.

That was the theme of my podcast interview with Ed Sickles, one of The Arc’s board members. I talked to him recently as part of our Meet the Boards series. You can listen to our conversation here:

Ed has been involved with The Arc and helping the disabled since he was 15. That was about 40 years ago. He was a student at Abington High School, and started a recreational program for special needs students.

Listen as he tells the story of why he became so passionate about the disabled at an early age, and how he’s turned that passion into his life’s work. Ed is now a teacher at Upper Perkiomen High School in Pennsburg. Most of his students have minimal disablities.

Ed is also a service adviser for various programs at the school and in the local community that support special needs children and adults.

And his deep commitment of course extends to The Arc, where he’s served as a board member for 30 years. He spends time with the advocacy, parent, and foundation boards. Ed is also the legal guardian to a man with Down syndrome.

He is an inspiration to anyone who wants to help the developmentally disabled live better, fulfilling lives. In our interview, Ed drills down into what he thinks is the No. 1 reason preventing the developmentally disabled from achieving respect and equality. He also talks about how unfortunate financial circumstances have added to their struggle.

While Ed is concerned for the future of the developmentally disabled, he is still hopeful. He shares his perspective on how to we can create and take better advantage of educational opportunities to provide a higher quality of life to the disabled.

If you’re looking for some meaninful, low-cost ways to get involved, Ed offers some suggestions, and explains how we can help the community understand that disabled or not, we’re all the same and deserve the same opportunites in life.

Microsoft has generously donated 10 Mobile Memory Mice for our Monte Carlo/Awards Night raffle prizes. Many thanks!

Once you check these out, chances are, you’ll want one if you’re any bit of a techie. The Mobile Memory Mouse 8000, pictured below, is more than just a mouse. It has a 1 GB flash memory in the transceiver so you can back up and transfer files.

Its high-definition laser technology makes your pointer more responsive and precise. And it also has 2.4 GHz wireless technology, so there are no cords. Microsoft normally lists these babies for $99.95. I’d say that’s a pretty sweet deal! Thanks again to Microsoft, we appreciate your support!

To all organizations big and small: We’re looking for donations of any sort to give away as part of our raffle prizes during our upcoming Monte Carlo/Awards night. It could be anything from computers, boxed products, or food/wine, to discount coupons, concert tickets, magazine subscriptions, or even a trip.

Monte Carlo night is one of The Arc’s biggest annual events. It’s when we present the Vincent J. Fitzpatrick Humanitarian Award, which we give to an individual who has demonstrated life long achievements in the area of developmental disabilities. Last year, we honored Gov. Ed Rendell. We also present awards to other local families and organizations who’ve made special contributions to the developmentally disabled.

After the awards presentation and dinner, we get our casino on, and play Texas hold’em, blackjack, craps, roulette, and other gambling favorites. And while we certainly play to win, we don’t play with money. We trade in our “winnings” at the end of the night for raffle tickets to win cool prizes, which why we’re asking for your help.

Anyone who donates will have their company and logo featured on our blog and our newsletter. We’ll also be posting photos and videos of the items being handed out. Here are shots from last year’s event. But we plan on topping these with more pictures of each prize.

Just a few of the things we gave out last year included a week vacation in the Bahamas, a two-night stay at Philadelphia’s Omni Hotel, and four Phillies tickets in a corporate suite. For more ideas, check out other prizes we awarded to some lucky dogs last year.

If you’d like to donate for Monte Carlo night, just shoot me an e-mail. And if you’d like to attend, here are the details you need to know:

WHAT: Monte Carlo/Awards Night
WHEN: Friday, April 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
WHERE: Radisson Hotel in King of Prussia. You can find directions at Google Maps.
HOW TO REGISTER: Give Charleen a call at 610-265-4700, ext. 217. Registration will soon be available online at The Arc’s Web site.
COST: $45 per person, or $400 for a group of 10 people.

Organizations around the state are holding special events throughout March to mark  Intellectual Disability Awareness Month, declared by Gov. Ed Rendell. The declaration coincides with a similar national awareness campaign during March, Mental Retardation Awareness Month.

The Arc is celebrating the month with efforts to increase education about developmental disabilities. Staff has created special Arc dinner placemats for local family restaurants to use on their tables throughout March.

For those involved in the religious community, The Arc would like to encourage churches, synagogues, and other places of worship to welcome people with mental retardation into the spiritual life of the community.

And as always, The Arc welcomes everyone to learn more about the disabled, The Arc, and its mission by reading our blog, visiting our Web site, and getting involved.

It’s important to remember, however, we can to increase public awareness of developmental disabilities not only in March, but every day of every month. We have opportunities to promote the disabled’s inclusion in society, and can harness them for a greater good.

There are a number of ways — some that cost nothing — to get involved. Here are a few:

Become a member of The Arc

Get on your legislator’s radar

Join our Facebook group

Take part in our events

Volunteer at The Arc

Work at The Arc

Donate to The Arc

Make a charitable planned gift

If you’re doing other things to promote awareness of the developmentally disabled, feel free to share them by commenting on the blog. We hope to see you soon!

It could be your parent. Your sibling. Your aunt, uncle, or friend, even yourself. If you or someone you know is a vulnerable adult with disabilities, and aged 18 and 59, Pennsylvania provides no protective services. There is no law that would enable local authorities to respond to reports of abuse or neglect, step in, and protect vulnerable adults when there is a need to do so.

Sen. Pat Vance plans to introduce protective services legislation in the Pennsylvania Senate very soon. But we need your help. The Arc is asking Pennsylvanians to contact their state senator and urge them to be an original co-sponsor of adult protective services legislation.

To take action, simply send a message to your senator using The Arc’s Web site.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn sign language, or brush up on your signing skills, we’ve got a free class for you next Saturday. Everyone is welcome to join The Arc for a fun morning of learning some simple signs for food, clothes, family, friends, animals, toys, and other everyday items.

Sign language can be used with all children, whether they have a developmental delay or not. Using signs is an excellent way to build a child’s communication skills. It can be used when children are at the stage where they can understanding language, but are not yet using words.

For example, a toddler might want some juice, but verbally cannot say “juice.” But instead, the toddler can sign for juice. If the family knows what the signs are, they can understand what the child wants and needs.

Using signs does not interfere with learning to talk. In fact, studies have shown that using signs along with verbal words can accelerate verbal communication.

Our sign language class is open for the whole family, Bring out the kids, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, friends, whoever! The Arc is also offering free babysitting services there for the little ones who might not want to take part.

If you’d like to join us, please RSVP to Connie Viens at 484-868-0423 by next Wednesday, March 18.

Here are the details:
Date: Saturday, March 21
Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Place: The Arc of Montgomery, Berks & Bucks Counties
3075 Ridge Pike
Eagleville, Pa. 19403

You can find directions and a map here:

View Larger Map

It’s that time again — the latest episode of Building Bridges in the Community airs live tomorrow at 11 a.m. on BCTV.

This month, we’ll have two guest panelists to talk about The Arc’s Early Intervention program. One is a mother whose child just started the program. She’ll be telling her story about her child’s disability, why she chose The Arc, and what she hopes to accomplish for her child.

Our second panelist is another mother whose child is just about ready to graduate the Early Intervention program. She’ll provide perspective on what the service was like, how her child is doing, and where she’s going next with her child’s education.

We thought these viewpoints would create a good “before-and-after” presentation of why families turn to The Arc, how the organization helps them, and the benefits they gain from working with our therapists and teachers.

So set a reminder for 11 a.m. tomorrow, and as always be ready with any and all questions to lob at the panelists! They’ve likely been in your shoes and will be able to provide peer-to-peer support. The number to call-in is 610-603-0227. The episode is 30 minutes.

If you miss the show, it will also re-air this Saturday at 8 p.m., this Sunday at 3 p.m., and this Monday at 1 p.m. We’ll also be posting the episode here on the blog after it airs.

We’re stepping behind the curtain today as we kick off our new Meet the Boards series. Patrick Hughes of Glenside is our first interview. In my e-mail Q&A with Patrick, we learn about his background, how he came to The Arc, and why it’s important to him.

Patrick describes how Ed Sickles, also an Arc board member, inspired him to join the organization. We have an interview with Ed in the hopper, so look for that soon too.

And just one more note before we get to the interview: We like to maintain authenticity when we do interviews, so we didn’t edit or delete anything Patrick wrote. Now that that’s taken care of, meet Patrick!

JK: Tell us a little about yourself.

PH: My name is Patrick Hughes. I’m 33/male from Glenside, Pa. I live with my 2 parents and 2 brothers. I have a sister who is married and a brother who is married also and lives in the Glenside area. I have 3 nephews and 4 nieces who are so cute.

I am a huge sports fan who likes to do sports stats and I know a lot of sports bits and information. I also like to do bowling, fishing, listening to music, and watch American Idol. I am very good with directions and maps.

I am the president of a club called the Abington Aktion club. I work as a dishwasher at Sunrise Assisted living in Dresher, Pa.

JK: How did you get involved with The Arc and its board?

PH: I got involved with Arc from Ed Sickles, who was a teacher of mines at Hatboro-Horsham High school in Horsham, and at Abington Senior High School in Abington. I wanted to see what Arc was, and Ed had asked me to be on to board for Arc.

JK: Why are you dedicated to the developmentally disabled in the community?

PH: I am dedicated to the developmentally disabled in the community because I know a lot of people who are disabled and they always need help in any way.

JK: What are your biggest concerns for the developmentally disabled right now?

PH: My biggest concerns for the developmentally disabled is for more people in the states to understand what the disabled people go through every day, and how they live and work in a real enviroment under pressure sometimes.

JK: Besides the work The Arc is doing, are you doing anything else personally to help the disabled?

PH: I am helping the disabled in any way possible.

JK: What can readers do to help out?

PH: I think that readers should look at ARC and see what programs are available in their communities and help out in any way possible.

The Arc of Montgomery, Berks & Bucks Counties has quite a team of board members behind it. About 51 people sit on four boards, including The Arc board, The Arc Advocacy board, Children’s Services board, and The Arc Foundation board.

But our members are far from just faceless numbers. Many have been touched personally by developmental disabilities. They are dedicated to their positions, and we thank them for all of their support in helping us bring therapy, care, advocacy, and guidance to the developmentally disabled.

Because our board members are a vital part of what we do, and are out there helping readers and others in the community, we wanted to give you the opportunity to get to know them better.

We’ll be profiling board members on the blog as part of out new Meet the Boards series. We’ll be doing podcast interviews and e-mail Q&As with the members, and posting them on the blog. Monday kicks off the series, so stay tuned!

If you’re a board member and would like to be profiled, just let me know by leaving a comment on the blog.

One trend we’ve noticed on the blog is the regular amount of comments we receive from readers in crisis. They’re often parents of disabled children, desperately looking for help. Maybe they’ve just found out about their child’s disability, or have exhausted their resources for assistance.

Or perhaps they are disabled themselves, and struggling to lead a “normal” life. They’re lost, confused, and at the end of their rope. Just yesterday we got an e-mail from a women whose son has Down syndrome. Here it is, verbatim:

“i recently had my son on valentines day. I had quad testing done and knew there was a chance that my ki would have ds. But, the doctors told enot to worry. Well the results came back yesterday and i am devastated. I don’t know how this could happen to me or why if you have any advice please let me know cause i am at my breaking point i cry all the time and i just need advice on how to cope with this”

To respect these readers’ privacy, we don’t publish their names or contact information. Instead, we send it, along with their comment, directly to The Arc. A therapist or advocate will then reach out to the reader, and help them in any way they can.

And that’s what we’re here for. Our blog is about being there for the disabled, and their families and friends — through both the bad and good times.

If you ever need a shoulder to lean on, you can call The Arc directly at 610-265-4700, or toll-free at 877-4TheArc.

Unfortunately, not much has changed for the developmentally disabled in Gov. Ed Rendell’s proposed 2009-10 state budget.

There is no increase in state funding for special education. Meanwhile, basic education for students without disabilities is slated to receive a 5.7 percent increase, or $300 million, in new state spending.

Last year’s budget included a 1.7 percent bump for special education, and basic education received a 5.5 percent boost.

Funding looks equally grim for those on the waiting lists. State figures show 4,568 adults with intellectual disabilities are on the emergency waiting list, and another 9,733 are on the critical waiting list.

Despite the dire needs of these individuals, the budget includes $15.1 million to serve just 293 adults from the waiting list and another 500 young people transitioning from special education into adult life.

Of course, the economy is affecting everyone, and fiscal challenges are understandable. That means funding is being allocated to what the governor believes are priorities — and it seems the developmentally disabled are not one of them.

That’s why we continue to encourage you get involved, write to you legislator, and donate what you can. Need pointers? We found some more good ideas and tips on what you can do on the PA Waiting List Campaign site.

Autism has been in the spotlight lately with the special court ruling no link between vaccines and the disease. But there’s another reason autism is making headlines. February is Jewish Disabilities Awareness Month, and the community is celebrating.

Michelle Mostovy-Eisenberg of the Jewish Exponent recently covered an event at the Auerbach Central Agency for Jewish Education that raised awareness for disabilities, learning issues, and community inclusion.

The event also showcased a screening of “Autism the Musical,” an Emmy award-winning documentary that follows five autistic children in L.A. and depicts their challenges and triumphs. It’s now showing on and off stage in Hollywood, but you don’t have to go the West Coast to catch it. You can order the DVD online.

The biggest news in the autism arena has been the special court case ruling vaccines didn’t cause autism in three children. But with parents and lawyers expressing their deep disappointment in the decision, it appears this debate will continue to rage on. In case you missed it, here are some links covering the story:

Special court decision ruling no link between vaccines and autism

Coverage of families not convinced by the ruling

More coverage of parents who won’t stand down

Autism-vaccine research from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention

The Arc is spreading its social media wings and now has a new page on Facebook. You can find The Arc, and our Executive Director Paul Stengle there. So don’t be shy, let’s be friends!

The Arc’s Facebook page will be a place for you to stay up-to-date on Arc news and happenings. We’ll also be posting videos and photos from events and outings. But we won’t be alone in this endeavor. We’re welcoming you to play a big part in how our page evolves.

We want it to be a resource to help you navigate the world of the developmentally disabled. So, you’re invited to start discussions about whatever is on your mind with your child, family, or yourself. Maybe you’re going through a rough patch, and need some help from fellow parents who’ve been there before. Or perhaps you’re looking for advice from an Arc therapist. Whatever your question, post it, and the community will do its best to answer it!

You’re also able to add your own videos and photos to the Arc’s page. Feel free to share your special moments that show how your child is progressing, clips from Arc events, family memories, and more. (Of course, please keep them tasteful, as they will be moderated.)

Think of this as your Arc community on Facebook. Anyone and everyone is invited to join and participate — Arc members, employees, board members, advocates, therapists, and teachers, as well as anyone with a developmental disability, or who’s interested in learning more and helping us raise awareness about developmental disabilities.

We’re just starting out, and we appreciate you helping us spread the word. You can join the community by clicking the “become a fan” link on The Arc’s page. And you can befriend Paul by clicking the “Add Paul as a friend” link on his page. We look forward to seeing you!

One of our area’s leading neurodevelopmental pediatricians, Dr. James Coplan, will be speaking on autism this Thursday, Feb. 12. Everyone is invited to attend. But today’s the last day to RSVP, so make sure you claim your spot by following the guidelines below!

Dr. Coplan will present on the history of autism, and how it impacts children’s intelligence and genetics. Dr. Coplan has been caring for children with special needs since 1977. He works at his private practice, Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics of the Main Line.

The event is co-sponsored by MARC and Variety. If you’re interested in attending Dr. Coplan’s free presentation, here are the details you need to know:

Time: Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.

Place: Variety’s Family Resource Center at 2950 Potshop Road, Worcester, Pa.

RSVP: Gail Stein by today at  610-584-4366, ext. 1044

The story of Jason McElway came out a few years ago. But I recently came across his video again, and wanted to post it because it’s probably one of the coolest things to watch.

Jason was a student at Greece Athena High School in Rochester, N.Y. But he wasn’t just any student. He is autistic. He was also the basketball team manager — until his coach told him to suit up for the last game of the 05-06 season.

With just a few minutes left on the clock, the coach put Jason in the game. What happened next can only be described as amazing. He shot six 3-pointers in a row, scoring 20 points total. Check out his court heroics below. Jason is an inspiration to all developmentally disabled people, and he shows the world just how high he can reach.

Autism doesn’t have to be a debilitating condition. Perhaps the best-known example is Dr. Temple Grandin, a highly accomplished autistic professor of animal science at Colorado State University and developer of livestock handling facilities.

Her new book, “Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals,” explores how animals and humans can best interact to create happier lives for all of us. Dr. Grandin believes her autism has given her the unique ability to understand what animals are thinking and feeling. Indeed, animals share the same emotions as people.

That connection has enabled her create highly effective and more pleasant livestock facilities. Half of North America’s cattle are handled using facilities designed by Dr. Grandin.

She’s also a prominent author and speaker on the subject of autism. Dr. Grandin’s current bestseller is “The Way I See It,” which explores her world with autism, how autistics think, the real issues autistics face, advice for teaching autistics, and more.

We’d love to talk to Dr. Grandin to learn more, and are trying to get in touch with her for a podcast. We’ll keep you updated!

The new year is upon us, but the effects of last year’s massive funding cut to our Advocacy Services continue to reverberate today. And that means the need to rally support and restore the funding remains stronger than ever.

Paul Stengle explained this during an interview on Comcast Newsmakers on CN8. Last month, we mentioned on the blog that the station would be airing his appearance throughout December. In case you missed it on TV, CN8 was generous enough to allow us to post the clip here. Thanks to the folks at CN8!

Paul talks about how the cuts affect The Arc, and what people can do to help restore the funding. It’s not too late to save The Arc’s Advocacy Services. But we need the community’s support. Visit our Web site to learn how you can help, and watch Paul’s interview below.

America is gathering today to mark a moment in history, the inauguration of President-elect Barak Obama. It’s about 10 a.m., and already tens of thousands of people have filled Pennsylvania Avenue, the National Mall, and anywhere else they can squeeze on Washington D.C.’s streets.

Amid all of the fanfare,  it’s important to remember Obama and Joe Biden’s plan to empower Americans with disabilities. It calls for four tenets:

1. Provide Americans with disabilities with the educational opportunities they need to succeed.

2. End discrimination and promote equal opportunity.

3. Increase the employment rate of workers with disabilities.

4. Support independent, community-based living for Americans with disabilities.

Obama and Biden also have created a plan to support those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). They will seek to increase federal ASD funding to $1 billion annually. This money will go to research, treatment, screenings, public awareness, and support services. The administration also plans to mandate insurance coverage of autism treatment.

We’re looking forward to supporting efforts to turn these plans into reality for our community. Working together, we hope we can enable more Americans with developmental disabilities become independent, self-sufficient citizens of our country.

One of the most soul-searching questions of my life has been deciding whether to support families who choose institutional placement. This question was recently brought to my attention again when we received a comment on the blog. The commenter was upset over the Geraldo Rivera report on the Waiting List, because it spoke negatively of institutional opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The Arc has always been committed to closing institutions for persons with mental retardation and eliminating the Waiting List. But let me explain why I support this. The reason I have dedicated my life to helping persons with developmental disabilities begins when I was 16 years old.

I was asked to be a participant in a social recreation program where typical adolescents would go to the institution and interact with individuals who were residents. The residents I was initially introduced to were extremely capable and very pleasant to work with.

My reaction was, Why are these individuals being incarcerated? They didn’t do anything wrong, and they clearly could live as I lived in a home in the community.

Then I also was given the opportunity to walk through the back wards. They were horrendous.  Individuals were severely disabled, half naked, urine soaked, sitting on rubber mats in locked wards.

This experience was so traumatic to me, that I began to actively work with a group that was trying to open the first group home in Pennsylvania. I was later hired to select individuals from Western Center who would be moved into this home.

Here I was, a 19-year-old case manager going to families and telling them that their child would be moved into a group home. I told them how disgraceful it was that they placed their child in an institution. Later, after becoming friends with some of these parents, I was told how inappropriate my response was, for obvious reasons.

After working for The Arc as a volunteer and staff person for over 30 years, I know the importance of parent choice. But I am still unwilling to support the institutionalization of a person with mental retardation because of their disability.

This does not mean an elderly person with mental retardation should not be able to go to a nursing home. This means there is no reason the mentally retarded cannot live in their own home.

Over the years of working with families whose children were leaving the institution, the one thing that has amazed me most is families are not good evaluators of quality of services. If their child appears to be happy, they generally rate the service as excellent. If their child in unhappy, they generally rate the service as poor.

Most parents are thankful for any support they get, no matter how poor it is. Here’s a telling example. When we closed Pennhurst State School in 1986, we kept data on parent satisfaction. About 80 percent of the families were happy with the services.

But when their children were moved to community programs, again, 80 percent of families reported they were happy with community services. They also reported they would not want their child to return to an institutional setting.

We also have learned through over 50 studies of institutional closings and reductions that all residents benefit from community placement. In fact, those individuals with more severe disabilities show the greatest increase in skills once placed in community programs.

As a parent of a child who receives special education services, I personally would not accept anyone telling me what services my child has to receive and where he has to receive them. At the same time, as an advocate for people with developmental disabilities, how can I stand by when less effective and more costly placements are violating the disabled’s rights?

One of the hardest parts of my job is telling a family, “I know you want your child to stay in an institution, but for many reasons, he needs to be placed in a community setting.”

This does not mean community care is perfect. The fact of the matter is, if you are disabled, you are more likely to have other misfortunes in life. For example, you have a greater chance of being a victim of a crime, sexually abused, and poor, compared to those without disabilities.

We get calls regularly for individuals who have been abused in community settings. We need to work to improve the quality of community centers, especially in light of the substantial funding reductions for these programs.

With these cuts in funding, the state and federal governments need to look at programs that are most cost effective. The cost for an institutional placement for a person with mental retardation is close to $600 a day. A similar community placement is around $200 a day.

Can we afford to have a two-tier system where one program is three times the cost of the other? It’s more expensive to run two systems, opposed to just one.

The dilemma for advocates boils down to this: We want to ensure choice for people with mental retardation. But we also want to ensure the best quality of life; and choose the community where they live, where they work, who their friends are, and in what recreations they participate.

Because of the costs, we will no longer be able to give the option of highly expensive segregated centers over community options.

The Arc of Montgomery, Berks & Bucks Counties will continue to work with families who want their child to be served in institutional placements. Hopefully, with our involvement, we can show them that although the community system is not perfect, it is a better placement.

If you missed our last “Building Bridges in the Community” episode on BCTV, you can watch it on BCTV’s Web site. The episode covers The Arc’s Early Intervention services, and features Spanish-speaking panelists. An English version of the episode is in the works, and we’ll let you know when it airs on BCTV.

The Arc of Pennsylvania was pleased to see Geraldo Rivera dedicate an entire episode of his “At Large” TV program on the FOX News Channel to the challenges faced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families languishing on long waiting lists for community supports and services.

The program focused on the benefits of community-based services to people with disabilities, compared to segregating them in institutions. Unfortunately, over 4,000 Pennsylvanians with an “emergency” need are waiting on state government to provide them with community services.

Another 9,000 individuals have what are considered “critical” needs, yet are on the waiting list in Pennsylvania.

We’re please Geraldo tried to shine a spotlight on this issue. Hopefully, Pennsylvania’s governor and General Assembly saw the Dec. 27th show, and will return to Harrisburg in January to take immediate steps to seriously address the waiting list problem, as called for in their own June 2008 Report published on the topic by the PA Joint State Government Commission.

With this year’s passing of the amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), more services and protections will be provided to the disabled beginning Jan. 1, 2009. This is prompting organizations to provide more accessible technologies and services.

As journalist and blogger Suzanne Robitaille writes in this BusinessWeek article, the travel industry is at the forefront of the trend. We’re now seeing videophones for the deaf in Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports, GPS devices for the blind, wheelchair accessible rides at Disney World, and more.

It’s encouraging to see these technologies come to market, as you can read in my comment on the article.

After watching Geraldo Rivera’s expose on the Waiting List this past Saturday night, it’s clear we’ve made tremendous strides in improving the quality of life of the developmentally disabled. But much progress still lies before us.

Geraldo and his team presented a touching recap of where we stand today in types and amounts of services for the developmentally disabled. Peter Burns, Executive Director of The Arc of the United States, was among the guest panelists, and talked about the importance of bringing equality and independence to the developmentally disabled.

Geraldo also featured his interview with singer Clay Aiken, who created the Bubel/Aiken Foundation. The organization provides programs that help integrate special needs children into the world around them.

Perhaps most touching, however, was the audience. Disabled children, adults, and their families were there to share their stories. One family hailed from Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, their daughter has been on the Emergency Waiting List for eight years.

But there were some bright stories too. One unforgettable family was the Russos. Teri has MS, but despite her disabilities, had adopted four boys. All of them have Down syndrome. They are adults now, and doing well.

It’s important these stories are placed in the spotlight. The unfortunate stories show us work still needs to be done. The fortunate ones tell us obstacles can be overcome.

And overall, it’s clear community-based care, such as that provided by The Arc, is the key to helping the disabled lead happy, productive lives. Thanks to Geraldo and his team for raising new awareness of the issues facing the developmentally disabled!

We all know times are tough, and gift giving can be difficult. But gifts don’t have to be big. Small donations help The Arc tremendously. Every dollar is important, and every contributor enables The Arc to continue its work.

You can also help the organization without donating money. Just getting involved in events and activities supports our mission, and helps create better lives for the developmentally disabled. You can learn more about ways to support The Arc on our Web site.

So please, if you can, keep The Arc on your holiday list, or make 2009 the year you get involved. Any and all contributions are welcomed, and greatly appreciated!

Happy holidays!

We spoke to Geraldo Rivera a few weeks ago about his career-long investigation and coverage of the developmentally disabled. At the time, he was gearing up for his next expose on the issue, and now it’s ready to air.

Tune in to Geraldo’s expose on the Waiting List crisis tomorrow at 10 p.m. EST on FOX News Channel. If you miss it, it will also be re-aired on Dec. 28 at 1 a.m.

You can also learn more background about the story and Geraldo’s involvement with The Arc by watching a three-part series of videos on Fox News’ Web site. The videos also contain material from Geraldo’s original expose on Willowbrook State School.

We’ll be talking about Geraldo’s expose here on the blog after it airs, and we welcome your feedback and opinions.

Our BCTV program, Building Bridges in the Community, usually airs on the first Thursday of every odd-numbered month. But, that means our next show would be slated to air on New Years Day. So, instead of doing the live show on the holiday, we’re switching things up a bit.

We’ll be airing our next episode live on Monday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. We’ll have a Spanish-speaking panel with us to discuss Early Intervention services. We thought this would be a great way to educate our Spanish-speaking community about some of the primary services The Arc provides.

As always, have your phone ready to dial in, participate, and get your questions answered. The call-in number is 610-603-0227.

We will also have an English-speaking panel to discuss the same topic. Air date TBD.

If you miss the shows, we’ll have the archived episodes here on the blog soon!

You might be hard-pressed to find someone who wants to adopt a special needs child. But then again, maybe you haven’t met Tanis Miller.

She’s a stay-at-home mommy blogger from Alberta, Canada. She’s an advocate for children with disabilities, and has been chronicling her crusade to adopt a special needs child on her blog, Attack of the Redneck Mommy.

The story behind it all is the subject of my podcast interview with Tanis. You can listen to it below.

Tanis and her husband have three children. Two, a daughter and a son, are with them on Earth today. The third, Shale, passed away three years ago, just before his fifth birthday.

Shale was born with multiple disabilities and illnesses. His primary condition was facial and chest paralysis. He was also very developmentally delayed, and had club feet and a cleft palate.

Tanis and her husband learned of Shale’s disabilities when he was delivered. That was when doctors began making diagnosis after diagnosis. Tanis says the more difficult ones to deal with were those that affected his neurological development, while those affecting him physically were easier to take.

The first four months of Shale’s life were spent in the hospital, undergoing intensive care. Afterward, he underwent outpatient care for another year.

Meanwhile, Tanis scoured the Internet for answers. She and her husband worked very closely with the pediatric intensive care unit. Specialists provided the couple with educational resources, and they had round table discussions on what to expect with Shale.

“It was definitely a steep learning curve,” says Tanis. “But I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

The Millers were told Shale had a 50 percent chance of living to the age of two. When his second birth came and went, Tanis and husband breathed a small sigh of relief. They thought they were out of the woods.

But then Shale suddenly passed away. It was a great shock to Tanis and her family. Tanis says, however, it’s not uncommon for children with such extensive disabilities to simply stop functioning.

Shale’s passing wouldn’t take special needs children away from the Millers forever. They’re now in the process of adopting a special needs baby.

Tanis and her husband began considering adopting a special needs child when Shale was two. Once he was in kindergarten full time, they wanted to bring home a sibling for him that was more like him, and could fit better in his world.

Shale’s passing put the adoption on hold. A year later, Tanis and husband revisited the idea. They decided to do it, because having a special needs child was a wonderful experience, Tanis says. And she wants her children to grow up with a special needs child, because it’s made them caring, compassionate individuals.

“All children bring love and joy to parents,” says Tanis. “All of them do. But special needs children pull your family together in a way that is not possible otherwise. They just make you so aware of the preciousness of life.”

The Millers have been working with the Alberta government to adopt a new baby. After a 14-month approval process, Tanis and her husband found a baby they believe will be the next member to their family. They have been his respite family, bringing him home five days a week. They have bonded immensely with him.

It seemed everything was good to go, and the baby was almost legally a Miller. Until charges were recently filed against the family, questioning their suitability to adopt.

“It really shook our faith,” says Tanis. She is writing about the investigation on her blog now. Despite the tribulations, Tanis is hopeful that things will wok out the way they should.

“Children with developmental needs are just gems,” says Tanis. “I would adopt them all if I could.”

Learn more about her touching story by clicking play below.

Frances Crowe, The Arc’s Assistant Director of Training and Staff Development, was camera ready at our Breakfast with Santa and Frosty event the other weekend. We’re sharing her shots on our Flickr page. Enjoy!

Our own Paul Stengle, Executive Director of The Arc of Montgomery, Berks & Bucks Counties, appeared on Comcast Newsmakers to explain the recent cuts made to The Arc’s advocacy program. CN8 is airing his appearance 10 times between now and Dec. 23. Check your local listings to catch his interview.

Paul talks about how the cuts affect the organization, and what people can do to help restore the funding.

Back in August, we invited you to participate in a survey for The national Arc to learn more about the community and better understand your needs and thoughts on the direction the organization should take in the new year.

Over 3,500 people participated, an impressive number! Results are now in, and they reveal some interesting facts. Some I was particularly intrigued by:

The majority of the participants were from Pennsylvania (8.24 percent). New Jersey respondents followed (7.19 percent). I think that shows people from our local region are highly engaged in these matters, and care about improving the lives of the developmentally disabled.

Sixty percent of respondents believe The Arc of the U.S. is highly successful in achieving its mission. Good feedback that we’re on the right track, but improvement can always be made!

Participants believe advocacy system change is dependent upon their local government (68 percent), local employers (60 percent), local school system (56 percent), and local health care providers (56 percent).

I think this shows there are several players involved in bringing equality to the developmentally disabled. It’s a team effort that cannot be achieved by any one player alone.

But this is only skimming the surface. Peruse the full survey findings and see what you conclude. What are your thoughts on where we go from here?

Delivering a baby with a developmental disability is a life-changing experience. But for Ann Marie Berardi of Collegeville, Pa., it was a positive one for her and her family, because The Arc was there.

I talked to her recently about her experience with The Arc. You can hear my interview below. I learned how the organization has helped her raise her three-year-old son, Nicholas, who has Down syndrome. Ann Marie didn’t know Nicholas had the condition until he was born. So it was quite a surprise.

“I just doubted myself as a mother,” Ann Marie says. “How could I mother him? … I guess that’s, for a lot of the moms, their thoughts. You know, now that I look back on it, it was a very silly thing. I love being a mom to him. And it was through The Arc and through the therapists that have taught me many things in life with him.”

Ann Marie has no history of developmental disabilities in her family. She explains that she believes Nicholas has the condition because she and her husband had him later in life.

Ann Marie talks about the grieving period she went through after finding out Nicholas has Down syndrome. She was lost and confused. But then the wife of her husband’s business partner suggested they connect with The Arc. Ann Marie looked into it, and decided to reach out.

At two weeks old, Nicholas joined The Arc’s Early Intervention program. Arc physical therapists began working with Nicholas in the family’s home every week. He was alert and responsive, and bonded with the therapists right away. Although they were strangers, Ann Marie says Nicholas knew in his heart the therapists were there to help him.

At two years old, Nicholas was very delayed in his growth motor skills. Arc occupational and physical therapists came twice a week to work with Nicholas, and a special ed. teacher and speech therapist came once a week.

It all paid off. On Oct. 18 of this year, Nicholas graduated from The Arc’s Early Intervention program, right on schedule. Ann Marie recalls that day, and remembers it being bittersweet. She was saddened, because she was closing a chapter in her and her son’s life; but hopeful, because a new one would soon be opening.

Nicholas now goes to school five days a week, during morning sessions. He attends the Blue Bell Elementary IU three days a week, and a public preschool two days a week.

The Arc provides the IU classroom. It’s language-based, and Nicholas recieves education, as well as speech, occupational, and physical therapy. He’s there with seven other developmentally disabled children, some of which also have Down syndrome.

Nicholas is doing very well in both schools. His speech and fine motor skills are improving, and his classmates love him. “It’s all due to the Arc,” says Ann Marie.

Through it all, the biggest thing she learned is that it’s easier to accept and understand Nicholas’s diagnosis and help him through his delays. “They helped me reach out, go out into the community,” she says. “And be proud that here’s my son Nicholas, he is Down syndrome, and it’s ok.”

Ann Marie can’t imagine where she’d be today without The Arc. “They mean everything to me,” she says.

Get a closer look inside her story by listening my interview below.

Gov. Rendell last week slashed another $128 million in spending from Pennsylvania’s fiscal 2009 budget and announced a pay freeze for 13,600 non-union state workers. That brings the total budget cut to $464 million.

It was unclear exactly what programs and departments would be on the chopping block, but yesterday the governor attempted to provide more concrete plans during his mid-year budget review briefing.

His plan includes elimination of this year’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for himself and cabinet members, cuts by General Assembly and other independent agencies, and using a portion of Pennsylvania’s $750 million Rainy Day Fund, among other provisions.

We’re not sure whether or how these plans will affect The Arc. But we do know we’re not alone in the struggle. Forty-one states face budget deficits, and are taking measures to offset falling revenues.

It looks like we’re at a wait-and-see stage …

We’ll keep you updated as news unfolds.

It’s no secret the developmentally disabled have virtually no voice in our society. That’s why the Waiting List for services is thousands upon thousands of names long. Over 21,000 people are on the Waiting List in Pennsylvania alone.

But one man trying to turn that around is Geraldo Rivera. And yesterday he told me why in our exclusive podcast below.

Reporting on the plight of the developmentally disabled has become part of his life’s work. Geraldo is one of the few, if not only, journalists in America shedding light on the issues facing the mentally disabled, and exposing the problems in our social services system.

His latest project will be a news special about America’s Waiting List crisis. The hour-long expose will air Dec. 27 and 28 at 10 p.m. EST on FOX News Channel. (The dates have been changed from Jan. 6. I’ll post a reminder on the blog when showtime gets closer!)

Geraldo’s production team is working closely with the national Arc to gather stories and videos from family members and advocates that illustrate the grueling uphill battle they face in accessing services. Geraldo says he’s still taking videos, so please send them in as soon as you can. More details about this can be found in The Arc’s press release, and video submissions can be viewed on The Arc’s YouTube page.

In my interview, Geraldo explains how the deprivation of services has affected the mentally disabled. “The Waiting List is, in essence, the new institution,” he says. “It’s imprisoning in some ways, handicapping the families of the developmentally disabled, really handcuffing them in ways that put tremendous stress and strain on their lives.”

Geraldo’s introduction to these issues came in 1972, when he investigated and reported on the abhorrent neglect and abuse of mentally disabled patients at Willowbrook State School. His Emmy-Award-winning expose led to the school’s closing in 1987.

Geraldo tells me how Willowbrook was one of those pivotal stories that changed his life. It’s these horrors that drive the need for activism, regular reporting, and change.

“We have to remind people that even in tough times, this is an issue that is not an optional issue in any way, shape, or form,” he says. “But really demands attention, consideration, compassion, and reason.”

Hear the rest of my interview with Geraldo below. You might be a little confused at the very beginning, because I left in the part where I ask Geraldo how much time he has to talk before we started the interview. I think his response further validates his commitment to exposing the issues facing the mentally disabled, and I wanted to leave it in for you to hear.

That means you’ll also get an earful of the short briefing I typically give to interviewees before my podcasts, so welcome behind the scenes! ;)

Santa’s taking time away from Mrs. Claus and the elves to pay The Arc a visit this Saturday morning, and you’re invited! We’re hosting the Breakfast with Santa and Frosty event to bring holiday joy to the Arc community.

A free buffet table will be laid out, where kids and families can fill up on hot sausage, eggs, assorted sweet breads, cereal, bagels, and fresh fruit.

Santa will be on hand to visit with children and give them a special toy from his North Pole workshop. Santa’s helper will take Polaroid pictures of each child on Santa’s lap, so you can take home a memory from the event.

Frosty the Snowman will be there to meet and play with the kids too. And in the craft room, children can create Santa beards and snowmen using cotton balls and craft paper.

If you can make it, we’d love to have you for breakfast! Feel free to bring your cameras — and an appetite! Here are the details on place and time:

WHERE:

The Arc of Montgomery, Berks & Bucks Counties
3075 Ridge Pike
Eagleville, Pa. 19403
A map is here.

WHEN:

Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. You can come and leave at any time within that window.

Media is also invited to attend. Interviews, video, and photography is welcomed.

Developmental disabilities are certainly not geographically specific. They pervade people’s lives throughout the country and the world. The national Arc organization, for example, has 140,000 members and 850 state and local chapters across the nation.

Although we focus on covering families, issues, and events local to Pennsylvania, I also like to explore what’s going on at other Arc chapters in the U.S. I think it provides some perspective on how things are going here in PA.

So I recently came across an op-ed in The Dallas Morning News penned by Clay Boatright. He’s the president of The Arc of Dallas, and member of the board of directors for The Arc of Texas. Clay wrote about a Law and Order episode, called “Challenged.” The show depicted an intellectually disabled man who had been institutionalized at the infamous Willowbrook State School when he was three.

In Clay’s op-ed, he writes how the episode resonated with him because he saw himself and his family in the show. He and his wife Carole are the parents of three girls, Blaire, Paige, and Mia. Paige and Mia are autistic twins. They were diagnosed at age two and a half.

The twins are now eight. And I was curious to learn more about Clay’s story of having autistic twins — the challenges he and Carole have faced, and solutions they’ve discovered to raise Paige and Mia in the best way possible.

I talked to Clay yesterday, and our podcast is below. He takes me back to the beginning, when he and Carole first noticed developmental delays in Paige and Mia. At first, Clay and Carole thought they would outgrow it. But now they know that was a naive way of thinking about it.

Paige and Mia began undergoing occupational, speech, and physical therapy. They were responsive. A few years later, the girls started kindergarten. On that first day, while watching Paige and Mia board the bus, Clay says he realized two things.

One, the public school system would be able to work with his family to accommodate Paige and Mia’s disabilities and provide them a good education. But his second thought was chilling. This wouldn’t last forever. What support will there be when Paige and Mia transition out of high school?

That’s when Clay got involved with The Arc. He became a board member, and then president of The Arc of Dallas. He wanted to learn what he could do to help his daughters more.

Paige and Mia are now in the third grade, and doing well in their IEP programs. Clay and Carole have been very pleased with the school’s involvement and collaboration. He explains that Paige and Mia have largely similar disabilities and IEPs, which has made it easier to support their needs.

And a state institution, he says, is not part of the picture. As Clay and I talked about the Law and Order episode, he reflected on this decision that so many families with disabled children grappled with: Do I institutionalize my child?

Unfortunately, some families have no choice. But the waiting list in Texas is just as long as it is in Pennsylvania. Clay says The Arc, school, and his church have provided the support and guidance his family needs.

In fact, with Thanksgiving around the corner, this is something Clay and Carole are most grateful for. He tells me, “God has blessed us in many, many ways … The people we’ve met through our church, school, and community. These are folks who are wonderful, caring, and truly reflective of what God wants us each to do in each other’s lives, and that’s to be a part of each other’s lives.”

Listen to the rest of my interview with Clay right here.

Marc’s advocacy program isn’t the only thing getting squeezed lately by the Department of Public Welfare (DPW). As this action alert from The Arc of PA details, another round of state government budget cuts are being planned. DPW said cuts to the emergency waiting list initiative are not off the table.

We urge the community to take action by contacting their state reps, senators, and Gov. Rendell to insist that state protect community-based services from further budget cuts. Don’t know what to say? Check out our pre-written e-mail, and see the action alert below for more information.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

PA Action Alert — Protect Community Funding From Budget Cuts

Community-Based Service Funding In Jeopardy

Already this year, the PA Department of Public Welfare has cut funding for 464 individuals slated to finally get off the emergency waiting list for community services, and has cut over $1 million from the “money-follows-the-person” initiative which would have helped 30 individuals get out of state institutions so they could return to their communities with supports and services.

These cuts are part of government-wide budget reductions being imposed due to lower-than-expected tax revenues resulting from a slowing economy. On November 19th, Governor Rendell announced yet another round of state government budget cuts are being planned. DPW has said that cuts to the Waiting List initiative are not off the table.

When it comes to budget cuts, The Arc of PA believes that funding for community-based services should be off limits since serving Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities is a core responsibility of state government. Budget making is about establishing priorities and protecting those priorities.

Members of The Arc are urged to communicate with their state reps and senators and Governor Rendell to insist that state government prioritize and protect community-based services from further budget cuts.

It’s among the most pressing concerns that special needs families have: health insurance. I recently posted about a new healthcare plan, the Special Needs Plan, which provides other medical benefits to intellectually disabled people who are on Medicaid.

But I wanted to learn more. I talked to George Violand, an Arc board member and insurance consultant with 30 years in the business. We talked about what the Special Needs Plan is, what benefits it provides, who qualifies, what payers offer the plan, and how to enroll.

Listen to the podcast to get the scoop. If you have questions or want to learn more, feel free to contact George at gvioland@verizon.net, or Tom Dareneau, Executive Director of Arc Advocacy Services, at berksarc@aol.com. When e-mailing, be sure to include “Arc” in your subject line!

The Department of Public Welfare’s funding cut is a crushing blow. Funding has been tight for years, and now even more families won’t get served.

Last month, I talked to Tom Dareneau, Executive Director of Arc Advocacy Services, about this very issue. It was just after the Senate passed the $700 billion Wall Street bail out bill. At that time, he wasn’t sure how or if the bill would filter down to The Arc and other social services organizations.

But one things was certain. There has been a shortage of funding for advocacy, residential, and other specialized programs for years. The governor’s ‘08 budget left little room to offset the emergency waiting list. Now, with this latest cut, it seems that list will only grow.

Despite this, Tom had hope during our interview. He told me how The Arc has been stepping in as an authorized representative payee for Arc members receiving government entitlement. The organization manages their money to ensure basic living expenses are covered and bills are paid on time. Chris L’Huereux is one such member, whom we introduced on the blog last week.

Learn more about the funding issues The Arc is facing by watching my interview below. For those who want to help, Tom says the most important action to take is to get involved. Whether it’s through The Arc, your child’s school, legislation, awareness campaigns, donations, or simple feedback on how we’re doing, any and all involvement helps.

After losing the $103,000 in state funding for our advocacy services, your help is needed now more than ever. The community must rally together to persuade the Department of Public Welfare to reinstate the funding for next year’s fiscal budget.

We already informed you that Estelle Richman, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare; and Gov. Rendell should be contacted. But you can also reach out to Michael Masch, Secretary of the Budget; and Kevin Casey, Deputy Secretary Office of Mental Retardation. Their contact info is below.

Michael Masch

Secretary of the Budget

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

238 Main Capitol

Harrisburg, PA 17120

E-mail: mmasch@state.pa.us

Kevin Casey

Deputy Secretary Office of Mental Retardation

Department of Public Welfare

P.O. Box 2675

Harrisburg PA 17105-2675

Phone: 717-787-3700

E-mail: kecasey@state.pa.us

The Arc’s Advocacy Services are in danger!

The Department of Public Welfare has pulled its $103,000 allocation for our Arc chapter, starting countdown to termination of all advocacy services.

We are asking all members and the community to please send a letter to Estelle Richman, Secretary of the Department of Public Welfare, asking her to reinstate funding for our advocacy services. (Her address and contact information are listed below.)

If these funds are not reinstated in Gov. Rendell’s budget for fiscal year 2008-2009, The Arc’s advocacy services will be curtailed and then terminated. This means you and your family will no longer be served.

Why is this happening? Here’s the background:

In the governor’s budget for fiscal year 2008/2009, the legislature allocated $309,000 to be evenly split between The Arc of Delaware, The Arc of Montgomery, and The Arc of Philadelphia Counties. Although The Arc of Montgomery County has not received official notification, these funds were retroactively cut in August of 2008.

We have learned recently that The Arc of Delaware County has had $95,000 of this funding reinstated. The reason for this, given by the department, was The Arc of Delaware County’s budget was so small (approximately $500,000) that the cut would be devastating for The Arc of Delaware County.

The retroactive cut of $103,000 reduces this year’s Montgomery County advocacy budget by 23 percent. It will destroy its advocacy program because it will reduce its funds for advocates to provide support to Montgomery County citizens from $148,000 per year to $45,000 per year.

CALL TO ACTION: Contact the Secretary of the Department of Public Welfare and the governor’s office to reinstate the $103,000 allocation for The Arc of Montgomery County. Let them know that this support is vitally important to your or your family member’s life.

HOW TO MAKE CONTACT:

For Secretary Estelle Richman:

By e-mail: erichman@state.pa.us

By mail:

The Honorable Estelle B. Richman

Department of Public Welfare

Box 2675

Harrisburg, PA 17110-2675

Fax: 1-717-772-2062

For Governor Edward Rendell:

By mail:

Governor Edward Rendell

225 Main Capitol

Harrisburg, PA 17120

Fax: 717-772-8284

Little behind the eight ball with this, but here it is anyway! I sat down with Tom Dareneau, Executive Director of Arc Advocacy Services, during our computer donation event. I found out what brought about the donation, who got the computers, and how important donations like these are to The Arc and its members.

Watch my interview below!

Our latest Building Bridges in the Community episode is now archived on BCTV’s Web site for your viewing pleasure. We’ll also be posting the episode here on the blog shortly!

Colleen Kristula, Clinical Supervisor for CONCERN Counseling Services in Fleetwood, Pa., was on the show to discuss wraparound services for special needs children.

The Arc helps people from all different backgrounds and life situations. Sometimes, its advocates and therapists are called upon to assume supportive roles that can no longer be carried out by family members.

This is the case of Chris L’Huereux, who told me his story during our computer donation event last month. He was among the computer recipients, and we talked about how he came to find The Arc.

Chris’s disability makes it difficult for him to manage his finances. He was living with his mother, who helped him keep track of his money. But four years ago, she passed away. Suddenly, Chris was without the most important person in his life.

But The Arc came in to fill the void, and became his new support system. The organization has taught him how to manage his finances and use his money wisely. He is very grateful for The Arc, and says, “They’re nice people to be around.”

Last month, The Arc helped him in a new way, by giving him a computer. He plans on using it to hone his computer skills, search for jobs on the Internet, and stay involved in church functions. But that’s not all. During our event, Chris was glued to the screen playing his favorite game — solitaire. He used to play it with his grandparents.

You can watch my interview with Chris to get an inside look at his life now that The Arc is a part of it.