March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March is the annual celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Focusing on this month gives us an opportunity to celebrate the contributions that people with disabilities make as neighbors, friends, coworkers, and members of our community. People with disabilities are valuable, contributing members of our community who have much to offer and a desire to participate. Much progress has been made in our society’s treatment of people with developmental disabilities, parents are no longer pressured to send their children away to institutions, more doors than ever before are open to individuals with disabilities. With organizations like The Arc of Delaware County, people are living fulfilling lives and have proven to be reliable workers, excellent volunteers, and capable of meeting or exceeding expectations or standards. Though the acceptance and treatment of people with disabilities has come a long way, we still have a long way to go – for instance, as many as 60% of individuals with disabilities – 7 million nationwide – remain unemployed. Community members can help by becoming a Member of The Arc of Delaware County, which you have or will be receiving information in the mail about. Other ways to help include hiring someone with disabilities, inviting them to participate in civic organizations or community activities, donating time or money to The Arc of Delaware to support our mission, or even just teaching children that all people have something to contribute.

Delarc Staff Recognized

Delarc congratulates Terri Beers & Arlene Goedel, who recently received visits from Blesher Lil' Heart, Delarc's staff recognition mascot.

Terri's nomination form read:
"Terri took the time to help me complete a job responsibility. During the staff retreat, she was willing to re-certify my CPR Certificate when it was 'free time' for staff. This allowed both of us to keep our schedules without needing to rely on others to cover."

Arlene's nomination form read:
"Arlene always puts the people we support first. Whether it's covering, staying with folks when they are not feeling well, or having muffins and coffee with them on their birthday, Arlene always has the people we support first on her mind and in her heart."

The nomination forms went on to describe how each displayed Delarc's Unifying Principles. Congratulations again to Terri and Arlene!

Parent Support Group Now Forming

Beverly Tuthill, lovingly known as ‘Miss Honeybee’ by the countless number of children and families she has supported in her role as Director of The Arc of Delaware County's Carousel Children's Services Program, will be supporting a new parent support group for families of children (birth through adult) with autism spectrum disorders or developmental or intellectual disabilities.

Parents are invited to the Delaware County Resource Center at 34570 State Highway 10 in Walton, NY, on Thursday, January 20th from 6:30 – 8 PM for a first meeting to help set the schedule and agenda for future meetings. Join other parents in an open, compassionate setting. Ask questions and learn from others. Voice concerns and share resources. Give advice, support and encouragement.

In creating this group, Beverly explained, “We want to provide the support families are looking for, so when we heard from parents and other providers that there was an interest in such a group, we immediately started putting plans in place to make it happen.”

“We hope to see families from across Delaware County come together to support and learn from one another, and really make this group their own,” she concluded.

For more information about the parent support group meeting, to receive a flyer with information, to reserve space for child care, or to be notified of future meetings, contact call Sharon at (607) 865-6783 or e-mail parent_s@ymail.com.

Delarc Celebrates Outstanding Performer

Friends and co-workers at The Arc of Delaware County’s (Delarc’s) Resources for Industry (RFI) Program gathered to celebrate the achievements of Fred Hammond recently.

Fred, who lives in Delhi, was a recipient of the 2010 “Outstanding Performer” Award from New York State Industries for the Disabled’s (NYSID) William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Awards Program. The Joslin Awards Program

was established in 2004 by the NYSID Board of Directors to recognize outstanding job performance and personal success by people with disabilities.

Fred was nominated for this award by the RFI program for his hard work, dependability and dedication. With increased self-confidence from his own success on the job, staff at RFI noted that Fred has become a mentor to his co-workers, providing them with tips and demonstrations on the job. Fred has a desire to work in the community, and with the opportunity to work on a NYSID contract, he has developed the skills necessary to do so successfully. In addition to being recognized through this high profile awards program, Fred was awarded with a certificate and check for $250.

In photo above, RFI Program Director Doug Anderson presents Fred with the “Outstanding Performer” Award.

Story of Delarc Artist Featured in Daily Star

Lewis Pepper's story about his self-portrait, previously shared in this blog, was recently featured in The Daily Star. To read the article, click here: http://thedailystar.com/localnews/x1901575677/Area-artists-work-chosen-for-national-exhibit

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.”

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.