Shifting Our View: A Person-Centered Journey

In this webinar, Lori Ropa, Executive Director of The Arc of Jefferson, Clear Creek, and Gilpin Counties, discusses how she embarked on a journey with their advocacy team during COVID to “shift their views” and attempted to understand the thoughts and feelings of the people who came to support them. Lori’s team developed personas and mapped people’s journeys through The Arc through the lens of each persona. They then developed actionable items to make the advocacy experience even more positive for the people coming to their organization for support.

Download presentation here.

The Arc’s Congressional Leave-Behind for the HCBS Relief Act

The Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Relief Act of 2023 was introduced in Congress by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI). The bill would provide two years of additional Medicaid funds to improve access to HCBS by increasing direct care worker pay and benefits; decrease the number of people on waiting lists for HCBS; and pay for assistive technologies, staffing, and other costs that facilitate community integration.

The Arc Responds to ED’s Proposed Rule to Remove Parental Consent for Billing Medicaid in Schools

The Arc submitted a comment on the proposed rule to streamline the parental consent process when billing Medicaid for services received in school. The Arc’s comments emphasized the experience of some families being denied outside services when Medicaid was billed for school services.

The Arc Responds to CMS’ Proposed Rule, Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services

The proposed “Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services” rule would create new requirements for state programs to improve access to care, quality, and health outcomes and better address health equity issues in the Medicaid program. The Arc submitted detailed comments on the proposal, particularly related to access to home and community-based services (HCBS).

Cultivating a Strong Assistive Technology Program

In this webinar, The Arc of Ohio presented a summary of its popular Assistive Technology Program, including information about the program’s history and impact. Watch the video to learn more about the program and the opportunities it can create for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their local communities.

Speaker Bio: 

David Lewis is the Vice President for The Arc of Ohio in Columbus, Ohio. He received his Cisco CCNA Certification from Columbus State Community College and is Microsoft A+ Certified. David has over 25 years of experience in the technology field having spent 15 years as a network administrator and 10 years as a technology specialist for the digital industry. After a long and successful career in the technology field, David decided to follow his passion for helping others.

Emma Kincaid is the Director of the Assistive Technology Program at The Arc of Ohio. She has worked with The Arc since August 2019. Emma has three years of experience in assistive technology at The Arc of Ohio. Emma’s favorite part of her career with The Arc of Ohio is how the assistive technology program gives individuals throughout Ohio the equipment they need in their daily lives. Emma hopes to keep helping more people with disabilities live happy and independent lives.

The Arc Responds to AbilityOne Commission’s Proposed Competition Rule

The Arc submitted comments for a rule that would advance workers rights in the AbilityOne program. The Arc mentioned concerns over the potential negative impact on nonprofit agencies providing quality jobs. The Arc recommends aligning the rule with the 898 Panel’s recommendations to mitigate these risks.

The Arc Responds to Proposed AbilityOne Policies

The Arc supports the proposed rule but has recommendations. The recommendations include changes to strengthen worker protections and ensure clarity in eligibility and employment standards.

Building a Powerful and Sustainable Self-Advocacy Program

In this webinar, The Arc of Beaumont will present a summary of their self-advocacy program.

The Southeast Texas Self Advocates Program increases the quality of life for people living with disabilities in Southeast Texas through leadership, education, and community service opportunities. Learn about the ways their adults are finding their voices, advocating for themselves and others, and being active in their community.

View presentation slides here.

Creating Integrated Employment Opportunities for People With Disabilities

The disability community is one of the most overlooked talent pools in today’s labor force, causing many job seekers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to remain unemployed. At the same time, many employers who want to hire people with disabilities are hindered by a lack of training and capacity to provide accommodations and supports to their new hires.

Enter your information below to watch a free video about how one organization created diverse employment opportunities for people with disabilities.






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