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Rates are Rising in Two Weeks!

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Have you registered for this year’s Summer Leadership Institute et? Don’t miss out on the lower registration rate! The event has tons of sessions on hot topics facing your organization.

Guardianship practices are evolving. Where do you stand on the latest trends?

The criminal justice system is not prepared to meet the needs of people with I/DD as victims, suspects, or defendants. What more can we be doing to create positive change?

Weigh in on these topics and more at the 2018 Summer Leadership Institute. Hear best practices, dig into the issues most important to your organization’s efficiency and efficacy, and leave with ideas, solutions, and a network of personal and professional support.

How to Have Good Guardians: The National Guardianship Association Standards of Practice
This session will share information on the NGA standards of practice and how they support good guardians for inpiduals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Standards include information for decision making practices, least restrictive alternatives, self-determination, as well as responsibilities of the guardian and conflicts of interest.

Criminal Justice Reform on a Budget: Empowering Chapters to Advocate in Their Communities
Experts from The Arc’s federal policy team and the National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability® (NCCJD®) will train chapters/organizations on how to start criminal justice advocacy in their communities. Topics include: handling criminal justice intakes, approaching law enforcement and legal professionals about disability.

Are You Effectively Serving Clients with Criminal Justice Involvement?
As one of a handful of programs around the country and the only statewide program, The Arc of New Jersey’s program provides case management and education for self-advocates, law enforcement, courts and providers. This workshop is an overview of the Program, Personalized Justice Plans; effective communication and training for law enforcement

Check out our incredible program and join us from July 23-25 in the city of Brotherly Love!

See the full schedule here.

Revolution, Innovation and Leadership:
Practical Tips For Guiding Your Agency

Mingle and engage with staff from across The Arc’s national network of chapters, as well as other disability organizations across the country. United by a shared mission, you will explore the latest trends together and build support systems that will help you tackle the tough issues throughout the year.

WHEN:
July 23-25, 2018

WHERE:
HILTON PHILADELPHIA AT PENN’S LANDING
201 S Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19106

We hope to see you there! Register today!

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The 2018 Coleman Conference on Cognitive Disability and Technology is on October 3, 2018 in Broomfield, CO

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The theme of this year’s conference is One4One. Engineers and technology developers’ use personalization and customization to design technology solutions for a single unique user resulting in Technology4One. The Call for Proposals is open and will close on May 24, 2018. Submit a proposal! For more information about the Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities and its annual conference, visit www.colemaninstitute.org.

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Request for Proposals: The Arc@Work Innovative Approaches to Community-Based Employment Initiative

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The Arc of the United States is pleased to announce additional funding for The Arc@Work Innovative Approaches to Community-Based Employment Initiative, which will continue to provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) entry into meaningful, long-term employment.

Eligibility: Funding will be available to support Chapters of The Arc who are currently implementing innovative, community-based employment programs.

Due date: May 9th, 2018 COB.

Funding Available: The Arc of the United States will make available $210,000 to support up to 21 chapters in this initiative for one year. The award ceiling is $12,000 per grant. Due date is: May 9th, 2018 COB.

Format: The proposal should be no more than 5 pages in length and will provide a detailed description of your program, its impact on job placement for individuals with I/DD, goals and objectives, and how this grant will help support your goals and objectives. The proposal should also include a complete budget and budget justification for funds requested, including in-kind and matching contributions.

The funding is open to all Chapters of The Arc that meet the applicant qualifications list in this request for proposals.

All applications, inquiries and questions should be directed to Stephane Leblois at leblois@thearc.org or 202.600.3483.

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Positive Ruling in Ohio Community Integration Case

/in /by The Arc

Good news! The Southern District of Ohio federal court recently granted class certification in the case Ball v. Kasich. At issue is whether Ohioans with I/DD receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate in the community as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. For those who apply for state-funded care, the State of Ohio offers immediate placement into institutions, but those seeking community-based services typically endure waits of over 13 years. With this ruling, the five named plaintiffs in the case now represent the interests of thousands of similarly-situated people with I/DD throughout Ohio who want community-based services. The court cited the amicus brief filed by The Arc, The Arc Ohio, and The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in its opinion. The class is represented by Disability Rights Ohio, Center for Public Representation, Sam Bagenstos, and Sidley Austin LLP. Read the full opinion here.

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The Arc Reacts to Newest Autism Prevalence Data Showing 15% Increase in Two Years

/in /by The Arc

Washington, DC – Yesterday, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data showing the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) continues to rise. The new rate of 1 in 59 children with autism reflects nearly a 16% increase from two years ago when the CDC released data stating that the prevalence hadn’t risen since 2014, when the rate of 1 in 68 children with autism was announced.

“A decade ago the CDC reported 1 in 125 children had autism and related disorders. Today’s data shows more than double the prevalence of autism in our nation since 2008 and emphasizes the need for better services and supports for people with autism and their families. People with autism live in all our communities – they are members of our families, they are our friends, they are active in our places of worship, they work with us, they teach us, and they are valuable members of society.

“We’ve made progress to raise awareness and improve services, but today’s report reminds us we need to be doing more. We need to be working to ensure that people with autism can receive the individualized supports they need in school, at work, and as they pursue lives in the community of their choosing. We’ve faced many threats recently that could be extremely detrimental to individuals with autism. From an Administration budget request that would have been devastating to people with disabilities; to a state by state effort to cut people off Medicaid, the single largest funding source of services and support for people with autism and their families; to a tax law that jeopardizes critical programswe are still in the fight of our lives and remain ready to advocate for the civil rights of people with autism and other disabilities.

“The new prevalence rates underscore the need to reauthorize the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support Act which expires next year. This law is the primary vehicle for federal funding for surveillance, autism research, screening and diagnostic services, and professional training. The significant variation in prevalence rates between different states points to the need to better understand the contributing factors and to plan for the service needs across the country.

“An important take away from this report is the need for early diagnosis and intervention. The Arc is a resource to young families across the country when it comes to early intervention. With nearly 650 chapters across the country we are the largest service provider to people with autism and other forms of intellectual and developmental disability in the nation. The Arc will continue to lead the way and work with people with autism to support their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes,” said Peter V. Berns, CEO of The Arc.

ASDs are a group of developmental disabilities that are often diagnosed in early childhood and can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges over a lifetime. The Arc is the largest provider organization for people with autism in the United States. Chapters of The Arc provide services and supports for people with autism, their families, and service providers.

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The Arc Opposes Administration Proposal to Raise Rents in HUD Housing

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Washington, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson released proposed legislation that would raise rents and allow new work requirements for millions of low-income people who receive basic housing assistance from HUD. Combined, the bill’s proposals would make it harder for millions of renters – including people with disabilities – to access affordable housing in their community. The HUD bill includes a number of proposals put forward by Representative Dennis Ross (R-FL) in draft legislation and discussed yesterday by the House Committee on Financial Services.

“We’re witnessing an alarming pattern of proposals that will only make it harder for everyday Americans – including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families – to pay for the basics and survive. This new bill, proposed by Housing Secretary Ben Carson, would raise rents on families and individuals who are already struggling to pay for their housing and daily expenses. For many people with disabilities surviving on extremely low incomes, higher rents could be the difference between a life in the community, and life in an institution or on the streets. Congress should reject Secretary Carson’s proposed legislation and instead continue the recent, bipartisan Congressional support that led to new investments in 2018 in affordable housing programs, including for people with disabilities,” said Peter V. Berns, CEO, The Arc.

HUD’s proposed bill would increase rents for nearly all families across many HUD affordable housing programs, including Section 8, public housing, and the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program:

  • As highlighted by the National Low Income Housing Coalition: “Currently, most families receiving federal housing assistance pay 30% of their adjusted income as rent. Under the proposal, families, with some exceptions, would instead have to pay 35% of their gross income or 35% of the amount earned by working at least 15 hours a week for four weeks at federal minimum wage, whichever is higher. With this provision, HUD would essentially set a new mandatory minimum rent of $150—three times higher than the current minimum rent that housing providers may apply to families.”
  • Households identified as a “disabled family” or “elderly family” would also be subject to new, higher minimum rents. Their rents would be calculated as 30 percent of gross income or a minimum rent of $50 per month, whichever is higher. New “disabled family” tenants would be impacted immediately; existing “disabled family” tenants would see these higher rents phase in over 6 years. To qualify as a “disabled family” or “elderly family” for the purpose of setting the family rent, all adults in the family would have to be a person who meets the HUD definition of disability or be at least 65 years of age. Families that include non-elderly adults with and without disabilities would have to pay 35 percent of gross income or $150 per month.
  • Key income deductions currently used to calculate “adjusted income” in order to set rents would be eliminated—including deductions for medical expenses, disability-related expenses, and child care.
  • HUD would have the authority to create or authorize alternative rent policies that could lead to even higher rents for some or many tenants.

The proposed bill also would give Public Housing Authorities and project-based Section 8 housing owners the option to impose new work requirements. The details of how this would operate would be left up to HUD regulation. The bill fails to offer any new investments to ensure that people can access the supports and services they might need to find and keep a job. By reducing or cutting off basic housing assistance and making it harder for people to remain housed, work requirements will only make it harder for people to get and keep a job – including many people with disabilities and their families.

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Answering the Call to Service: Promoting Inclusion Through Community Volunteering

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For The Arc, the quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. – “Everybody can be great because everyone can serve” – has a special meaning. Many perceive people with disabilities as the ones in need of service – but in reality, they are an important part of civic engagement at the state, local, and national levels. That’s why we’re grateful to have been selected for a third year by the Corporation for National and Community Service to execute volunteer projects for the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

We issued grants to 12 of our chapters across the country to engage in events that addressed the problem of food insecurity in communities across the country. Events included sandwich-making competitions, donation cook-offs, food drives and delivery, and food bank volunteer events. Each chapter’s creative and engaging projects helped further our mission of community inclusion and participation for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 “I think it is very important as citizens and self-advocates that we show we care about the needs of people around us by getting outside our own routines and giving our time and energy to the Martin Luther King projects… I was very happy to serve in whatever way I was able to such a good cause and project.” – Sean Lewis, President of Tulsa People First in Oklahoma

Our 2018 grantees included The Arc of the Glades (FL), The Arc of Nature Coast (FL), The Arc of South Carolina, The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania (PA), The Arc Rockland (NY), The Arc of Kent County (MI), The Arc of the Quad Cities Area (IL), The Arc of North Texas (TX), TARC (OK), The Arc of Davidson County and Greater Nashville (TN), The Arc of Lane County (OR), and Choices for Community Living – Delaware (a subsidiary of Liberty Arc (NY).

Inclusive volunteering gives people with and without I/DD the opportunity to meet new people in the community while helping those in need. These new connections can lead to long-lasting friendships that impact not only community members being served by the volunteers but the volunteers themselves. The projects also have led to building job skills and new community partnerships. Volunteering truly is a win-win for everyone involved! To date, chapters have collectively done 4,285 hours of service with 762 volunteers and helped 10,609 people. Congratulations to each chapter on their 2018 events so far – and stay tuned on each chapter’s social media as they continue to host events in their communities.

Martin Luther King, Jr. also said: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?” In our chapters, people with and without disabilities continue to answer this call to service year after year.

Learn more about The Arc’s volunteering efforts at thearc.org/inclusive-volunteering.

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#HandsOff Supplemental Security Income: It’s the Difference Between Life in the Community or Life in Isolation

/in /by The Arc

#HandsOff is a series on The Arc’s blog that features a new story each month from individuals and families across The Arc’s network about how some of today’s key policy issues impact their day to day lives.

By Steve Grammer

Steve Grammer faces the camera and is wearing a red shirt and jeans. My name is Steve. I live in Roanoke, Virginia, and I have cerebral palsy. I like to do the kinds of activities many people do—go out to the mall, restaurants, concerts, bars, and travel to places like the beach. I am an advocate with people with disabilities. I go to a lot of events to talk with members of the legislature and other government officials. I recently attended an event with U.S. Senator Kaine and a town hall meeting with Delegate Rasoul. I also serve on several state boards.

I have a lot of expenses due to my condition. In order to live in the community in my own apartment, I have to have caregivers assist me in daily activities that most people don’t think twice about. They help me with everything from health care, making phone calls, administering medications, meal prep, eating, and housekeeping, and they accompany me to events in the community.

I receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to help me pay for food, but sometimes it’s not enough to cover my groceries. I also have Supplemental Security Income (SSI) that I use to pay for rent, transportation, personal hygiene, and other bills.

SSI helps me to have a decent life in the community, like everyone deserves. As someone who lived in a nursing home for nine years, I know how important that is. Living in the community, I am more independent. I can set up my own schedule. I know I will get good care, as I get to choose who I want to take care of me through consumer directed services. I’m able to choose what and when I want to eat versus not knowing when, what, or if I will get fed (not to mention being rushed to eat in the nursing home).

I’m able to use the restroom when I want without waiting an hour or more for someone to answer my call light. I can sleep at night and go to bed when I want, versus having to use ear plugs every night because of other residents or loud staff. If I have transportation I can be out in the community as late as I want without having to sign in and out of the nursing home and having to be back before midnight.

SSI gives me this independence. That is my only income. If the government decreases it or takes it away from people with disabilities, we cannot survive. Without SSI, many people with disabilities, like me, would end up back in institutions.

I strongly encourage the government to think about this very carefully and not make any type of cuts to SSI. Please do not take our independence away from us.

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The Arc Responds to Release of House Farm Bill, Proposed Cuts to Basic Food Assistance

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Washington, DC – Yesterday, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (TX-11) released a draft of the 2018 Agriculture and Nutrition Act, also known as the “Farm Bill,” to reauthorize farm programs and policy as well as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Arc released the following statement in response to the bill:

“The Arc is deeply concerned that if enacted, Chairman Conaway’s proposed Farm Bill would cut off basic food assistance for children, adults, and seniors who are struggling to put food on the table. We fundamentally disagree with the notion embedded throughout the proposed bill that some people are more “deserving” of basic food assistance than others.

“Approximately 11 million people with disabilities across the United States rely on SNAP to help them eat. Cutting off SNAP – including through new and harsher work and reporting requirements – would only make it harder for people with disabilities and their families to access the food they need to work and to survive. If policymakers are serious about employment, Congress needs to make major new investments in job training and supports and services for jobseekers with disabilities and their families.

“The Farm Bill has a long history of bipartisan collaboration and support. The Arc calls on Members of Congress to vote against this bill and to instead work together to develop a bipartisan proposal for reauthorizing the Farm Bill that strengthens and protects SNAP and provides supports to workers and job seekers,” said Peter V. Berns, CEO, The Arc of the United States.

On net, the Chairman’s draft bill proposes deep cuts to food assistance under SNAP: an estimated 2 million people would lose their SNAP food assistance or see their benefits reduced.

  • The bill would significantly expand SNAP’s existing work requirements, forcing SNAP beneficiaries age 18 to 59 to engage in work or job training activities for at least 20 hours per week. The bill’s exceptions for people raising children under the age of 6 or supporting a family member who is “incapacitated” (as stated in the bill) are likely to prove woefully inadequate and extremely difficult for people with disabilities to navigate. Ultimately, these new requirements would cause many people to lose their food assistance, making it harder for them to work, based on experience with existing work requirements in SNAP and other programs.
  • While the draft bill calls for greater access to job training programs, new federal investments would be funded in large part by cuts to SNAP food benefits, and analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicates that funding levels for job training would be highly insufficient.
  • The draft bill also includes extensive new reporting requirements with harsh consequences if a person misses a deadline. For example, a person who fails to provide a monthly utility bill on time could see their SNAP benefits cut.

The Arc advocates for and serves people wit­­h intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy and other diagnoses. The Arc has a network of over 650 chapters across the country promoting and protecting the human rights of people with I/DD and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes and without regard to diagnosis.

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Turn Cars into Cash for Your Chapter

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The Arc’s National Office is excited to offer a nationwide vehicle donation program benefiting affiliated state and local chapters! This program offers a simple, cost-effective, hassle-free way to raise valuable dollars for your chapter. In 2017, over 240 chapters participated in this program and collectively received over $305,000 in vehicle donations!

Simply sign up online, promote your program to your community, and receive a monthly donation check with revenue received from the donated vehicle sales. Signing up is completely free, and The Arc’s National Office provides you with a variety of marketing materials to get your program up and running in minimal time. It’s that easy!