Lauren Potter of Glee and her mother Robin Sinkhorn will join The Arc on June 14, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. as The Arc reveals key findings from their FINDS study to the media.

This landmark study surveyed the true circumstances and needs of more than 5,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers and the findings will point us in the right direction to make substantial improvements in the lives of people with I/DD through advocacy for changes in public policy and direct supports and services.

Lauren has graciously agreed to be at the press conference on June 14, but will also appear in 60-second PSAs which will be distributed in many television markets in May. Lauren and her Glee co-star, Robin Trocki attended The Arc’s national convention in Orlando, Fla. in November 2010, to receive their inaugural Image and Inclusion Award for positive and accurate portrayals of people with I/DD in the performing arts.

We’re thrilled that she wants to continue a relationship with The Arc.

You may have seen or heard of Lauren recently speaking out against the bullying of children with special needs on Capitol Hill several weeks ago and appearing with her mother in www.abilitypath.org’s public service announcement “Disable Bullying.”

Lauren is an incredible self-advocate who embodies the spirit of The Arc’s new tagline “Achieve with us.” Those of us who had the pleasure to meet her at The Arc’s 2010 convention can assure you that she is everything she seems to be — being a glamorous Hollywood actress doesn’t stop her from being a sweet, caring, genuine young lady. She has achieved much in her young life and is an inspiration to others to do the same.

The Arc seeking award nominations

Celebrating our members, volunteers and friends is one of our favorite events of the year. These awards give us a chance to thank some of the many people who make what we do possible and to thank those in the community making a difference for people with disabilities.

If you know of someone you feel deserves an award for outstanding effort and support of people with disabilities, please complete a nomination form for that person. Nomination forms can be picked up at The Arc of Mower County office or downloaded from our website at www.arcmowercounty.org. Nominations must be received by Saturday.

Upcoming Events

· Saturday: Rock and Bowl-A-Thon at Echo Lanes, 2 to 4 p.m.

· May 2: Unified Kickball begins.

· May 5: Special Olympics Softball begins.

· May 24: 59th annual Meeting and Awards with special guest Steve Larson, Public Policy Director from The Arc Minnesota.