By Jamey Helgeson

The Arc Mower County

The Arc’s annual rose sale continues through Thursday, and pick-up and delivery day will be  Tuesday, April 11.
You can order online, print an order form or register to volunteer on Tuesday, April 11 at http://www.thearcmc.org/rose-sale.

Let someone know that you care and support the work of The Arc Mower County by supporting our 22nd Annual Rose Sale. All proceeds from The Arc’s Rose Sale benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, Cerebral palsy, Autism and Epilepsy. One in ten families has a member with a disability. Your participation in Arc’s Rose Sale provides critical funding for programs and services. The 2017 FINDS Survey is Here!

The Research and Training Center on Community Living at the University of Minnesota in collaboration with The Arc, is seeking caregivers to share their perceptions on a range of life-span issues impacting individuals with I/DD. We are inviting people aged 18 years or older who provide frequent primary paid/ unpaid support to a person with an I/DD to participate.

The results of the 2010 Survey provided unique insight into the growing gaps in education, employment, and other life-span activities that exist between persons with disabilities and their nondisabled peers, which has informed further dialogue and policy changes at the Federal and State levels. Take the survey and share it widely in your networks! (http://www.thearc.org/finds) The deadline is March 30.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month; What can I do?

There’s a lot you as an individual can you do to raise awareness about intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in your community.  And, since March is I/DD Awareness Month, that’s the perfect time to do your thing – we encourage you to pick at least one idea from the list below and make that your personal effort to raise I/DD awareness during March.

Post this as your status on Facebook at least once during March: March is Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Awareness Month. Help me celebrate the contributions of all people with I/DD by copying and posting this as your status during March. Get more information about I/DD at www.thearcmc.org.

Tweet this out on Twitter at least once during March: March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.  Foster respect, access and inclusion for all.  Visit www.thearcmc.org.

Write a post for your blog about the issues facing people with I/DD that are most important to you.  Talk about your personal experiences or the experiences of someone you know and love. And, tell the world what you would like to see change!

Comment on The Arc’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thearcmc) about what you are doing to raise awareness of I/DD.

Since many people with disabilities rely on publicly funded services to fully participate in their communities, policy makers need to know you are concerned about continuing those services in the face of budget cuts during tough economic times.  Contact your legislator today and let them know you expect them to enact public policy to assist people with I/DD.

Contact The Arc Mower County to volunteer or donate.  Local chapters are on the front lines of advocacy efforts and provide the services and supports essential to people with I/DD and their families.  Often they are lifelines for struggling families and they need your help to accomplish their goals.

Talk to your employer about their practices for recruiting and hiring people with I/DD.  Many employers don’t realize just how much an employee with I/DD can contribute to the workplace.  Tell them.

Support businesses that employ people with I/DD and make sure they know you noticed.

Jamey Helgeson is the Program Director at The Arc Mower County and can be reached at jamey@thearcmc.org or by calling 507-433-8994, Extension 102. You can also visit our website (www.thearcmc.org) and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thearcmc).