January 2009 Newsletter
Letter From The President
Dear Friends, Families, Clients, Supporters and Citizens:
As we begin a new year at The Arc of the Capital Area, I want to remind all
of us that, although it will be a tough year with the economy struggling to
recover, it is the hard times that often bring out the best in us. Please
join me in 2009 in rising to the need, and working purposefully for the
rights of our loved ones and friends with developmental disabilities.
This newsletter is full of great ideas about how you can help make this a
good year for The Arc, our citizens, community, and our nation. Please start
your year off by “doing good!”
We wish you good health, joy and prosperity in 2009.
Sincerely and with gratitude,
Frank McCamant
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Ideas for Change in America - Bringing the Medicaid Waiting List Crisis to
the Attention of the Obama Administration
“I will open the doors of government and ask you to be involved in your own democracy again.”
- President Barack Obama
Ideas for Change in America is a citizen-driven project that aims to
identify and create momentum around the best ideas for how the Obama
Administration and 111th Congress can turn the broad call for "change"
across the country into specific policies. The Arc (United States) has used
this great resource to bring attention to the waiting list crisis for
Medicaid Home and Community Based Services.
The National Priority for the Economic Stimulus Package: Fully Fund Medicaid
Waivers for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, proposes that the
federal government:
1. Fully fund the Medicaid Waiver Program as part of the next Economic
Stimulus Package.
2. Consider this as an increased federal match so that states are not put
into an impossible situation.
3. Create portability of services across states and counties as is
allowed with Medicare and Social Security.
On December 20, 2008 - the first round of voting began. January 1, 2009, the
first round of voting closed. The Medicaid waiver issue made it to the top 3
ideas in Health care, which was needed in order to make it to the second
round. January 5 the second round of voting began and ended on January 15.
January 16 Change.org co-hosted an event at the National Press Club in
Washington, DC to announce the top 10 rated ideas and their plans for
supporting the formation of a national advocacy campaign behind each idea in
collaboration with their nonprofit partners. For more information see:
http://www.change.org/ideas/faq. On January 20 the top ten rated ideas
were presented to the Obama Administration as the "Top 10 Ideas for
America." A national campaign behind each idea will then be launched.
Although the Medicaid waiver issue did not make it to the top ten, this was
an excellent exercise for bringing this issue to the attention of policy
makers at the highest levels, and was listed as one of the top 25 ideas that
received over 2500 votes, each of which attracted an impressive community.
For full information, visit the Ideas for Change Web site at
http://www.change.org/ideas
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News From the Capitol - The 81st Texas Legislature Weekly Review
(As Reported from The Arc of Texas on January 16, 2009)
The Texas Senate and House of Representatives gaveled in on Tuesday and the
81st session began! The first week was filled with excitement. A new House
Speaker, republican Rep. Joe Straus from San Antonio, was appointed
(unanimously) and the Senate started off with a fight. After a more than a
day of debate, the Senate majority voted to exclude the voter ID issue when
it comes to the long-standing Senate rule requiring two-thirds of Senate (21
members) agreeing to debate/hear a bill before it is allowed to hit the
floor. So, the first week was quite interesting all the way around.
The voter ID bill, yet to be filed, may cause additional barriers to voting
for minorities—including persons with disabilities. The potential impact of
such a measure is yet to be determined, however, since the bill has not been
filed.
Meeting with Governor's Office
The Arc of Texas was finally able to meet with the Governor’s office
regarding State Schools and State Centers, for people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities, this week to express our concerns and
frustration regarding the current system that provides services to the
individuals we serve. This meeting was very promising and his staff revealed
that this was a priority issue for Governor Perry and he was open to best
practice models and ideas which would bring our system closer to national
standards.
It is critical to let Governor Perry, your Senator, and Representative know
how important this issue is so please continue to write letters to encourage
responsible reform of our current delivery system. Here are some
Talking Points to help fomulate your message should you need
them. Find out who represents you by clicking here.
The Governor's office also reported that they continue to work with the
Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) to address the critical
needs and systemic issues outlined in the Department of Justices report to
ensure the health and safety of the current residents. The Arc of Texas
will be following up with Commissioner Horn to determine how DADS is
addressing the issues outlined in the DOJ report.
Come Make A Difference in 2009: Tuesdays @ The Capitol
Finally, The Arc of Texas will not be hosting an Advocacy Day this year;
instead they will be hosting "Tuesdays @ The Capitol." Instead of a large
one-time rally at the capitol, The Arc of Texas would like to be more
strategic in its advocacy efforts. "Tuesdays @ the Capitol" will be an
opportunity for local Arc chapters and other interested communities to come
to Austin and meet with their local legislators about specific issues.
The Arc of Texas wants to use this as an opportunity to train advocates on
Basic Legislative Advocacy. If you would like to participate in a training
and or a Tuesday @ the Capitol, please contact Ginger Mayeaux, gmayeaux@thearcoftexas.org at The Arc
of Texas.
We will continue to keep you informed as to what's happening at the capitol.
Should you have any questions, concerns, or want to get involved this
legislative session, please contact [15]Dawn Choate, dchoate@thearcoftexas.org at The Arc of Texas.
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Arc Expands Offerings at Rosedale School Co-Op
A teenager with a developmental disability has limited options for social
interaction. That is why The Arc has chosen to offer social opportunities
for ages 16 and up at the Co-op, once a month.
The Arc has a long-standing partnership with the Rosedale School to provide
regular meetings to inform and support families with children of all ages
and all disabilities in their lives. Representatives from government
agencies, non-profits and support groups gather monthly to give parents
quality information at no cost. But it became apparent there wasn’t much for
teens to do.
“Parents are attending the meetings, and the kids are in childcare,” said
Tina Ryan, program manager for The Arc Family Caregiver and Services. “But
the teens were falling through the cracks. This is our opportunity to engage
them in crafts and activities, but also teach them important social skills,
like dating and relationships.”
The first class is Tuesday, February 10 with a variety of sessions,
including more sessions being led by The Arc staff. Niki Robinson, Arc case
manager, will lead a session entitled, “From the Heart: Emotional Support
Group for Parents & Care-Givers” on a monthly basis, and Ryan will teach
“Challenging behaviors at school: Getting positive programs in the IEP,” on
April 14.
The Arc is also offering similar sessions around Austin at various school
campuses. Parent-teen workshops will be offered at Akins High
School. Parents not centrally located, or who do not have medically fragile
children attending Rosedale, will also be interested in attending the
following sessions:
* February 17 - Planning for the Future: An Overview of Supports and
Services, Guardianship and Quality of Life Issues for parents of teens
in special Education
* March 24 – An Introduction to Autism; and Working with Special Education
to Help Your Child Succeed
* April 21 - An Introduction to Autism; and Working with Special Education
to Help Your Child Succeed
For more information, please see the Co-Op Spring Flyer.
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Purchase Giving Tree “Ornaments” To Honor Your Valentines!
Say “I Love You” to that special someone on Valentines, and make a
difference for citizens with developmental disabilities. Purchase Giving
Tree “Ornaments” to honor your Valentines. The Giving Tree is a permanent
feature of the Arc of the Arts Studio & Gallery designed to recognize our
donors. For information about our beautiful hand-made ornaments, the Giving
Tree, and how you can honor a loved one, contact Randi Knight, Director of
Development & Marketing, 512-476-7044, ext 206, or at rknight@arcofthecapitalarea.org.
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Become a Member of The Arc
Being a member of The Arc means that you will join us in our commitment to
advocate for the continuum of services and programs for people with
developmental disabilities, and allows you to be the first to find out about
our special events and fundraisers. Become one of our newest members of
2009!
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Announcement from The Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas
The Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas is seeking 6-8 classroom
volunteers for The Learning Program. Volunteers will work with
masters-level special education teachers, a speech therapist and an
occupational therapist to teach children with Down syndrome how to read and
perform basic mathematics. Time commitment is minimal (3 hours/ once per
month for 6 months), but the reward is huge!! Classes begin on Sat.,
January 24 from 8 to 11, and continue on the third Saturday of each month
from February through June.
To volunteer, contact Lori Tullos Barta 512-771-6081
