Monday, August 30, 2010

Delarc Artist's Self-Portrait on Display in Washington, D.C.


Lewis Pepper is one of 70 artists whose self-portraits will be on display in Washington, D.C. during a special event on September 13 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ANCOR, the American Network of Community Options and Resources. ANCOR was founded in 1970 as an association of organizations that support community integration for people with disabilities. The artworks will be on display during the invitation-only special event, being held at the Smithsonian’s Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture.

“This exhibit really brings the voices of the people with disabilities we serve into our celebration,” said ANCOR CEO Renee L. Pietrangelo. “The remarkable energy, diversity and creativity of the pieces underscore the value of supporting community integration and self-expression for everyone, including individuals with disabilities.”

Lewis Pepper has been drawing since he was 5 years old. The Arc of Delaware County supports Lewis’ passion for art by encouraging him to try new things and expand his talent, through art classes and collaborating with other artists. Because he prefers drawing scenery and using black and white, it was a step outside of his comfort zone for Lewis, who submitted a colored self-portrait. Lewis explained, “My passion for art has been in drawing scenes from nature, animals and human figures. When I had the opportunity to draw a self-portrait, I was hesitant, but decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did!” He attributes much of his success in art to his mother. Shortly before she passed away, Lewis shared, “She told me not to give up on art. Don’t give up on art, whatever you do. If my mom could only see me now.”

Lewis Pepper pictured with his self-portrait, “Artist at Work.”

Friday, August 13, 2010

FINDS Survey

The Arc FINDS (Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports) is a free, online survey designed to tap into the knowledge and perspectives of individuals and families within the I/DD community, including self-advocates.

If you are a family member, caregiver or a person with a disability, please click here to complete the survey.

Help us spread the word! If you are a leader or professional in the disability sector, please share information about the FINDS survey within your local communities, to your networks, to self-advocates, and to all the families and caregivers who are the recipients of your hard work and dedication.

Results from this confidential survey will provide greater understanding about what services are available, what gaps exist and what new supports are needed.

Thank you.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Summer Prevention Newsletter

Attached is the 2010 Summer Prevention Newsletter from NYSARC, Inc. with articles focusing on water safety, autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, child safety seats, etc. Please take a moment to open and read it, and share it with others.

http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/8912594/1226434556/name/2010Summer.pdf

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Delarc Wins National Award


The Arc of Delaware County (Delarc) has been selected to receive the Moving Mountains Best Practice Award. This is a national award presented by the NADSP and University of Minnesota's Research and Training Center. Delarc was selected for this prestigious award because of its Life and Career Model. The award presentation ceremony takes place in August at the Reinventing Quality Conference in Baltimore, MD. Delarc staff will attend the conference to accept the award and participate in a panel discussion about this workforce best practice.

For more information about this award and why Delarc was selected, visit NADSP's website at: