The Arc ADVOCATE JUNE 30, 2012 VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1

”The new Arc chapter invites everyone to join in FAMILY DAY, Sunday, August 12, at Haven United Methodist Church in Hot Springs.”

Welcome, The Arc of the Tri-Lakes Region! Family members and representatives from Head Start, the Department of Social Services, Stone Works, and other agencies came together in June to form The Arc of the Tri-Lakes Region. Hosting the group at Haven United Methodist Church, Reverend Harold Eichelberger welcomed The Arc as part of the church’s community mission as a Haven of Love. The new Arc chapter invites everyone who enjoys having a good time to join in FAMILY DAY Sunday, August 12, for food, games, music and art displays. Local service agencies will be on hand to offer program information and other ‘news you can use.’ Activities will take place on the grounds of Haven Church, 107 Burroughs Street in Hot Springs.

The Arc is undertaking plans for a fall ‘back to school’ training session offering positive behavioral support techniques to use with all age groups.

To join The Arc of the Tri-Lakes Region, visit the www.arcark.org membership page, or email tri.lakes.arc@gmail.com. If you live in another part of the state you can join The Arc of Arkansas directly at that same page.

The Arkansas Waiver Association Conference Many of the supports and services for Arkansas children and adults with special needs are funded by Medicaid, a Federal health care program, through what are called WAIVER services. A statewide association of families receiving these services, the Arkansas Waiver Association, is holding a 3-day conference July 18-20 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

The AWA Conference is set for July 18-20 at the Hot Springs Convention Center

John Agosta from Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) in Boston is

providing a day-long pre-conference presentation on Wednesday, July 18,

to set forth a positive vision of client-centered planning. Mr. Agosta will

offer

The Arc of

Arkansas

The Arc of Arkansas 2004 Main Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72206

www.arcark.org 501-375-7770

The DD Council awards mini-grants to consumers and family members to attend state and national conferences.

The DD Conference takes place September 12-13 at the Peabody Hotel in Little Rock

The Arc of Arkansas

2004 S Main St

Little Rock AR 72206

501-375-7770

501-372-4621

info@arcark.org

We’re on the Web!

www.arcark.org

practical suggestions for determining an individual’s personal hopes and

dreams, and translating them into individualized plans to meet those goals.

For more information on the conference and to register, go to

www.arkansaswaiver.com

Arkansas Developmental Disabilities Council The Arkansas Developmental Disabilities Council is a program of the United

States Department of Health and Human Services. The 28 members of the

Council are appointed by the Governor in each state to support innovative

programs through awarding grant funds. More than half of the Council

membership must be individuals with developmental disabilities or family

members. The Arkansas DD Council awards mini-grants in support of consumer and

family expenses to attend state (up to $500) or national (up to $1000)

conferences. For instance, a person with a developmental disability can

submit a letter requesting $500 to attend The Arc of Arkansas state

conference, or ask for $1000 to attend this fall’s meeting of The Arc of the

United States. Requests may be submitted any time via email to

Regina.L.Wilson@arkansas.gov. 5800 West 10th Street, Suite 805, Little

Rock, Arkansas, 72204.

The next meeting of the DD Council will be held September 11. All meetings

are open to the public.

DD Council Fall Conference The Arkansas Developmental Disabilities Council invites everyone interested

in the health and welfare of people with developmental disabilities to attend

a lively interactive two-day conference at the Peabody Hotel in Little Rock,

September 12 & 13. “The Future: It’s in the Palm of Your Hand” is the

theme of this year’s conference. The early registration deadline is August 1;

for more information and to register, go to www.ddcouncil.org

Self-Advocates Invited to Mock Legislature Do you want to speak your mind and have your government listen? Come

learn how to:

• Find your government representatives

• Contact your elected officials

• Prepare a speech to present your case

• Present your point of view to your representatives

The Arkansas Division of Developmental Disabilities Services invites you to

learn about government and practice your presentation skills at a meeting

in Little Rock, September 11-12. The “Mock Legislature” will let you practice

so you can be comfortable going before the Arkansas State Legislature for

real to let them know what you want and need.

The Arc of Arkansas State Convention The Arc of Arkansas is putting together a statewide conference in October

for its membership and for professionals from the medical, justice, and law

enforcement fields on the subject of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Fetal

Alcohol Syndrome is the largest preventable cause of intellectual and other

developmental disabilities. Come join forces in preventing future FASD and

learn how to work effectively with those already affected.

Additional workshops will be offered on self-advocacy leadership skills,

preparing for the upcoming Arkansas legislative session, and expanding

membership in the nation’s premiere advocacy organization for people with

developmental disabilities and their families.

National Conference and International Forum

The Arc of the United States invites you to Washington, D.C. to attend the

2012 National Conference and International Forum, October 25-28, 2012, at

the Grand Hyatt Hotel. For information and registration, go to

www.thearc.org

Did You Know??

The Arc of the United States was awarded a $2.6 million grant to sponsor an

information clearinghouse and resource center on autism. Visit

www.autismnow.org and for valuable information and help.

MEETING CALENDAR “Family Day” at Haven UMC, Hot Springs, August 12 DDS Mock Legislature, Self-Advocates, September 11-12 DD Council Conference Peabody Hotel September 12-13 The Arc of Arkansas State Convention, October 2012 The Arc National Conference, Washington, October 25-28