The Arc Times

GET CONNECTED!

We would love the opportunity to connect with you via email! In an effort to eventually distribute our newsletter electronically we need your email address. Additionally, there are times we receive important legislative and event information that would be of interest to our members. If you would like connect with us via email, please email Trish at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so we can add you to our new email list. Thank you in advance!

TAKE ONE AND PASS ALONG – THE ARC FINDS SURVEY

The Arc seeks individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families or caregivers to participate in a national disability needs survey.  The Arc FINDS (Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports) is a free, online survey designed to tap into the knowledge and perspectives of individuals and families within the I/DD community, including self-advocates on different issues across the life span.  So far, thousands of people have taken the survey;  more participants are being sought as every opinion will count. Results will provide greater understanding about what services are being received, where gaps exist, and what new supports may be needed from the individual and family perspective.   To access the online survey, go to: http://www.thearc.org and link to the survey from the home page – and pass the word along to others.  “Take one and pass along!"

LIFESPAN RESPITE PROGRAM UPDATE

Much to our surprise The Arc of Jackson County received word that due to state budget cuts the State of Oregon would no longer be contracting with local counties to  provide Lifespan Respite services beginning July 1st. Although there are some significant challenges, we have come up with several solutions that will keep our program intact! We are committed to continuing to serve family caregivers and their loved ones with special needs regardless of age or special need.

Other changes that have been made are: we have renamed Lifespan Respite Network of Jackson County to simply Lifespan Respite.Coincidentally we also have renamed The Senior Social Club. It is now called The Social Club to better reflect the population that we are serving. In addition to serving seniors we also serve adults with developmental disabilities.

Lastly, we recently received a $7,500 grant from The Brookdale Foundation to expand upon our Social Club model. In January we will be offering an additional day at Skylark in Ashland. This program will focus specifically on offering services to persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their families, as well as persons with other types of memory disorders. We will announce the specifics in our December newsletter.

BE A PART OF SHAPING HEALTH REFORM IN OREGON - PUBLIC FORUM IN MEDFORD

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is the new state agency leading the effort to assure quality and affordable health care in Oregon. OHA is sponsoring six public forums around the state to provide Oregonians with information about their progress in developing a Comprehensive Plan for Health Reform, which includes implementing a health insurance exchange that would serve as a central marketplace for purchasing health insurance.  Through these forums, facilitated by Oregon

Consensus in coordination with Mediation Works, OHA ,and OHA’s Board, are soliciting public input on key elements of the insurance exchange. The forum in Medford will take place Wednesday, September 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Crater Lake Room at the Red Lion Inn at 200 N. Riverside Avenue.

DISABILITIES (DIS)COUNT

Living with disabilities presents a challenge physically but the financial burden makes it doubly difficult. DisabledDiscounts.com was created in early 2010 by David Squar a man who experiences multiple sclerosis. Through his research he finds programs and discounts for people who are disabled offered by governments and businesses across the US.  The Costco Connection, June 2010

Upcoming Events and Trainings

The Social Club (formally the Senior Social Club)

Respite Cooperative for Adults with special needs and seniors—give yourself a break while your family member has some fun!

14th UCP Family Conference on Cerebral Palsy and Related Disabilities

Inspiring speakers, great presentations, vendors, resources, and learn about the latest research. Connect with others!