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Transcript of Advocate_Winter 2006
theAdvocatetheAdvocateVolume 23, Number 1
Winter 2006
The Arc of Baltimore Mission StatementTo ensure that people with developmental disabilities
have maximum opportunities to actively participate
in all aspects of community life and to offer programs
and services that support them in doing so.
Advocacy, resources and community for people with developmental disabilities
Join local icons Brooks Robinson, Lenny Moore, Tom
Tasselmyer, Scott Garceau and other famous faces for The
Arc of Baltimore’s 12th Annual Celebrity Golf
Tournament, slated for May 23 at the Woodlands and
Diamond Ridge Golf Courses.
From small beginnings in 1994, the event has climbed to
the #18 spot on the Baltimore Business Journal’s list of largest
local fundraising events. All proceeds benefit programs and
services provided by The Arc of Baltimore for thousands of
people with developmental disabilities and their families and
friends. More than 200 golfers are expected to participate this
year.
Scientific Plant Service is title sponsor for the third
consecutive year. The event’s founders, Mike Eikenberg and
Chuck Shettle, have signed on again as
co-chairs.
If you would like to register a
foursome or receive sponsorship
information, please call Kim Lyons at
410-296-2272, ext. 5239, or email her at
Players Teeing Up for Golf Tourney
UpcomingEvents
Friday & Saturday,May 12-13
The Arc of Maryland Statewide
Convention convenes in Ocean City.
Self-advocates “People on the Go of
Maryland” are co-sponsors. Please
register by April 25th by calling call
1-888-272-3449 or by visiting
www.thearcmd.org. To reserve a room
at the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau, call
the hotel directly at 1-800-638-2100 or
go to its website, www.clarionoc.com.
A special group rate will be held until
April 11.
Wednesday, May 3 The Arc of Baltimore Annual Meeting and
Awards Banquet begins at 5 p.m. at
Towson University. Contact Lauren
Seabolt at 410-296-2272 or
[email protected] to reserve
a seat.
2
LocalOrganizations
Share theHoliday Spirit
The 2005 holiday season may be but
a dim memory for many of us, but
dozens of families who have chil-
dren with special needs are still feeling its
warmth, thanks to generous employees
from Baltimore City Department of
Recreation and Parks—Therapeutic
Recreation Division and Legg Mason Capital
Management.
Personnel from the recreation centers
conducted a toy drive at their holiday party.
Staff responded with a tremendous
outpouring of charitable spirit, donating
hundreds of toys and games for The Arc of
Baltimore to distribute.
Employees from Legg Mason wanted to
sponsor four families—each of which has
at least one child with a developmental
disability—for the holidays. Corinne Ratliff,
an administrative assistant with Legg
Mason, explains, “We looked at a number
of different organizations that had families
that needed adopting. I talked to each
organization on the phone and
took the information to our
group. We then voted on which
ones we would go with.”
Ratliff recalls that almost every-
one was involved in some way with
this event—either by donating
money, shopping or wrapping.
Employees purchased gifts for the
children and mothers. The company
also donated a Best Buy gift card that
was used to purchase a big-screen
television for the Homeland Center.
“All that matters to us is that we
made a difference to some deserving
families,” Ratliff says.
One mother, who prefers to remain
anonymous, said she cried when The Arc
of Baltimore’s “Santa” delivered the
gifts for her family. “Then I cried all
over again on Christmas morning.
Without that help, my kids would
have had no presents to open.”
The Arc of Baltimore staff
salutes the holiday angels from
the Baltimore City Department
of Recreation and Parks—
Therapeutic Recreation
Division and Legg Mason
Capital Management for
sharing the holiday spirit.
The effects of their kindness
will be felt for years to
come. ■
...On behalf of the Pediatric Ambulatory Center and T.D. [initials
used to maintain confidentiality], I would like to sincerely thank
you for your assistance in helping us purchase a wheelchair.
Because of your generous contributions, T can be fed, receive
therapy as well as watch her mom and sibling from the comfort
of her own chair. T is now mobile in her new pink Convaid
Stroller/Wheelchair with head, leg and arm supports, and we
couldn't be happier for her. Mrs. D. reported that her daugher
appears happier and more alert since receiving the wheelchair.
Without organizaions such as yours, none of this would be
possible...
Kelley Talley,RN/University of Maryland School of Medicine/Pediatric
Ambulatory Center
.....Thank you so
much for what you
do for us. thank
s for the extra
help
towards a ramp for ou
r home for our
daughter. I appr
eciate all and
anything you ha
ve done and con
tinue
to do for our fa
mily. Your efforts do
not go without n
otice...
Heather Newcomb
Letters, We Get Letters!
“Thank you.” Just two small words, but they mean the world to
our staff members, who work so hard to enhance the lives of
people with disabilities. Here are some steller excerpts from
just a few of the many letters people have taken the time to send...
Just a few words of
thanks
for my son's [e
mployment]
award. You hav
e been most
kind in thinkin
g of him. We
do appreciate al
l the efforts
you have made
in pastyears.
It is comforting t
o me...to
have thoughtful
people caring
for my son...
Jean Rever
3
“When I first met Dimitra Vega, she
was my job coach at ACE
Uniform, and I couldn’t stand
her,” chuckles Doris Rowe, president of Helping
Hands, a self-advocacy group sponsored by The
Arc of Baltimore. “I was going through a very bad
time and having a lot of problems with my family
and friends.”
Since then, Rowe has done a 180-degree turn.
“I call Dimitra my adopted mom. She helped me
go from the bottom to the top. She picked me up
off the street and helped me find an apartment.
Every two weeks she takes me grocery shopping
and in between, she’ll call to see if I need anything
else, especially when she finds a sale.”
Vega feels the love. Now a community
employment case manager, she jokes with her
boss, “You can never fire me because Doris and
the Helping Hands wouldn’t stand for it. They
love me to death.”
The Helping Hands feel strongly about a lot of
other things besides Vega—not the least of which
is being included in all communities and having
full citizenship rights. As Rowe puts it, “We do not
belong in segregated institutions, sheltered work-
shops, special schools, or nursing homes. We can
live in the same community where you live and
work. We can work in worthwhile jobs, and we
know how to help each other. We are working
with other advocates to close Rosewood.”
The Helping Hands meet monthly, on the
third Saturday. This year’s priorities include
advocating for increases in wages, vacation time
and recognition for people working for The Arc
of Baltimore’s Employment Services Department.
“I went into Steve [Morgan, executive
director] and said, “I’m not demanding anything
because I know you are the boss, but the Helping
Hands want the people we serve in the employ-
ment and vocational services departments to get
pins for the number of years of service they work,
just like everyone else does.”
While visiting Morgan, Rowe also asked that
Dimitra Vega receive an award at the agency’s
annual meeting. Rowe says Vega deserves one
because “she opens the building for Helping
Hands meetings, makes copies of the agenda,
invites speakers, and takes us on picnics.” Morgan
explained the nomination process and suggested
that Rowe submit an entry form, which, naturally,
she has completed already.
That kind of follow-through is a hallmark of
the Helping Hands. In the fall, members sold Joe
Corbi pizza kits and added close to $300 for the
group’s coffers. They sponsored another
fundraiser that netted more than $250 for
disabled Katrina victims, and they purchased a
Thanksgiving dinner for a needy family.
Perhaps nowhere was the group’s persistence
as evident as it was during its campaign to banish
the word “retarded” from the association’s name.
Members’ efforts paid off: in 2001, the board of
directors approved a motion to change the name
Helping Hands Advocates Make Progressand Forge Friendships
from The Baltimore Association for Retarded
Citizens (BARC) to The Arc of Baltimore.
Rowe still discusses last year’s re-opening of the
renovated Homeland Center, during which the
“Baltimore Association for Retarded Citizens” sign
was taken down. Not one to rest on her laurels, she
keeps a vigilant lookout on signage throughout the
agency. Recently, she informed her peers that she
saw a “BARC” sign on the door of the Loch Ridge
Center. “We would like that sign to come down,”
she says, and she is already making plans for that to
happen.
Until then, Rowe and other Helping Hands
members will be busy advocating on behalf of
people with developmental disabilities during the
legislative session in Annapolis. Undoubtedly, they
also will campaign vigorously for Dimitra Vega’s
special award.
Vega is touched by their sentiments. “I enjoy
working with the Helping Hands very much. I
consider myself the middleman between their
voices and the staff of our agency. Right now, they
are looking for new members, so I sent emails to
case managers and job coaches and anyone else I
could think of who might know someone who
wanted to join the group.
“They call me ‘Mama’ and are so nice to me.
After the pizza fundraiser, I set aside a few [pizzas
she purchased] and put them in the oven to serve
for the Helping Hands’ lunch. I got distracted and
the pizzas burned to a crisp. I sent out for two
buckets of chicken, but the Helping Hands ate
every piece of that burnt pizza first because they
didn’t want to hurt my feelings.”
If you or someone you know is interested in
joining the Helping Hands, please call Dimitra Vega
at 410-296-2272, ext. 5341. ■
Dimitra Vega
Doris Rowe
4
2006 FamilySupport Series
Underway
Families and caregivers of children who
have special needs receive a variety of
supports from The Arc of Baltimore’s
Family and Children’s Services Division. Staff
members answer questions about Individual
Education Plans (IEPs) and assistive technolo-
gy, locate respite care, and share information
about financial aid resources.
Also, the division offers an annual family
support series. This year’s series began with a
networking forum, during which families
shared personal experiences, as well as a
session about trusts, guardianships and other
ways to plan for children’s futures.
Don’t miss out on this outstanding educational
opportunity. Mark your calendars for the
remaining four meetings!
April 26, 6-9 p.m.
Child and Daycare IssuesDiscover what is available to you and your
child; discuss integrated childcare options and
learn about family co-ops.
June 28, 6-9 p.m.
SiblingsFocus on how siblings play a key part in your
family and learn what support networks are
available to assist them.
September 27, 6-9 p.m.
Parents as AdvocatesEmpower yourself and other family members
to be advocates for special education issues.
November 29, 6-9 p.m.
Supporting Children with SevereDisabilities at HomeGet the latest information on available
supports and learn valuable tips to help you
care for your child at home.
All meetings feature special guest speakers as
well as an opportunity for participants to share
information or ask questions. A light dinner is
provided, and childcare is offered.
Call 410-296-2272 (ext. 5349) to register for
one of the meetings and to receive future
mailings. If you require special accommoda-
tions, please contact Ori Natividad at
410-296-2272, ext. 5338 or by e-mail at
A Look at the ABCs of IEPs
Most people have heard of an Individual Education
Program (IEP), but not everyone can tell you a lot
about it. This article fills in some of the missing links.
What is an IEP? An IEP is a written statement of an educational program
designed to meet a child’s individual needs. Every child who receives special
education must have an IEP.
What is the purpose of an IEP? The IEP serves two general functions. The
first is to help parents and educators set reasonable learning goals for a
child. The second is to specify the services a school system will provide for
that child.
Who serves on the IEP team? An IEP team is composed of people who
make decisions about whether or not a child needs special education
services and, if so, what kind. Parents are important members of the IEP
team and must be formally notified about when and where an IEP meeting
will be held. The meetings should take place at a mutually agreeable time
and place. If a parent or caregiver cannot attend at the time suggested, he or
she should call their school contact immediately to arrange a more
convenient time.
As a parent, how can I prepare for an IEP meeting? School representatives
generally bring written reports and drafts of goals and objectives to IEP
meetings. Remember that asking questions and providing input are part of
your parental responsibility! So jot down your concerns, questions and
goals before the IEP meeting. You may also prepare by:
● observing your child in class
● having a conference with your child’s teacher/s
● sharing your concerns about his/her progress and/or behavior with the
school
● offering suggestions
● reviewing your child’s school records
● requesting assessment results
● inviting someone to accompany you if you think that will be helpful
● getting clarification on points you do not understand
● asking for definitions and/or explanations of terms with which you are
unfamiliar
Can you suggest some good resources for families? Absolutely! A few that
come to mind are:
Parent’s Place of Maryland
www.ppmd.org
410-768-9100
Maryland Disability Law Center (MDLC)
www.mdlcbalto.org
410-727-6352
Maryland Center for Inclusive Education (MCIE)
www.mcie.org
410-859-5400
The Arc of Baltimore
Family & Children Division
www.arcofbaltimore.org
410-296-2272, extension 5346
— submitted by Joseph Anastasio,
Assistant Executive Director for Family & Children Services ■
5
Welcome, New Members!N O V E M B E R – D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 5
Thank You, Renewing Members!N O V E M B E R – D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 5
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Governor Robert L. Ehrlich’s
proposed FY 2007 state
budget includes a series of
disability initiatives designed to lower
unemployment levels and support
more people in their communities.
The budget proposal includes full funding of a $16.2M
Community Workers’ Wage Initiative and a $7.689M
Transitioning Youth Initiative. An additional $10M is provided
for 1,225 individuals on the Waiting List as well as 40 people
who will be served through the Waiting List Equity Fund.
Additional employment-related initiatives include:
● Increased funding for attendant care to support people
going to work or seeking higher education
● Job training for youth who are transitioning from school to
employment
● New efforts to support youth with learning disabilities who
enroll in community college
“This budget will fully implement a Medicaid Buy-In for
Maryland workers with disabilities,” says Governor Ehrlich. “It
is estimated that more than 1,500 people with disabilities in
Maryland will seek re-employment under the new Buy-In
provisions, enabling them to return to work without losing
their health coverage under Medicaid.”
Additional Budget Highlights● $2.7M for emergencies—a $700,000 increase over last year’s
emergency funds, which were depleted halfway through the
fiscal year.
● $412,800 to coordinate resources to implement legislation
designed to extend rights to people in state residential
centers
● $1.75M for transportation subsidies to service providers
● $200,000 for the Special Olympics
Action NeededPlease contact the Governor to thank him for his
developmental disability initiatives. You can email him at
www.gov.state.md.us or write to Governor Robert
Ehrlich/State House/Annapolis, MD. 21401-1925. If you prefer,
simply call 1-800-811-8336.
With gratitude for your help,
Stephen H. Morgan
Executive Director
Governor Launches $90M in Disability Initiatives
Non-ProfitOrg.U.S. Postage
PAIDBaltimore, MD
PermitNo. 2511
The Arc ofBaltimore’s services are provided without
regard to race,color,religion,sex,age,marital status,
national origin,medical condition or disability.
7215 York RoadBaltimore,MD 21212
RETURN SERVICEREQUESTED
The Advocate is published by
The Arc of Baltimore, Inc.
7215 York Road
Baltimore, MD 21212
410-296-2272
www.arcofbaltimore.org
Feedback Line: Ext. 1806
Recreation and Leisure Information: Ext. 2516
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410-583-0060 (voice)
Matthew G. Yancisin, President
Stephen H. Morgan, Executive Director
Steam Communications, Writing and Graphic Design
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