Here’s a common attitude: “Disability is a problem inside the person; a problem best fixed by experts.”

It’s a harmful attitude; a stereotype. It’s called the medical model of disability. The following quiz might help us see this attitude around us and consider how to respond.

True or false:

1. People with disabilities need to be fixed; to be made “normal.”

2. People deserve to have the power to make choices in their lives.

3. Having a disability label sometimes makes it easier to get money and services from the state.

4. When working with school staff, keep your ideas to yourself. They shouldn’t be bothered with your ideas.

5. Researchers should have the right to do risky experiments on people with disabilities in order to gain valuable information for the benefit of society.

6. People with disabilities cause more crime than other people.

7. A trained professional always knows better than you do what decision you should make in your life.

8. Scientific research has often improved the lives of persons with disabilities.

9. It’s OK for doctors to call you by your first name, but you should always address doctors as “Doctor.”

10. People with disabilities are more than patients, more than clients. They are regular people.

Answers: Work together to decide what the best answer is to each statement above.

Caregiver sought for support services survey

Providers are invited to complete a survey that will enable the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Minnesota Board on Aging to learn about caregiver support services in Minnesota.

The purpose of the survey is to learn more about the availability and capacity of caregiver support services in Minnesota for serving informal and unpaid caregivers. Any provider that serves family, friends or community members caring for a frail, disabled, or chronically ill adult or child with special needs is considered eligible and appropriate for the survey.

The short, confidential survey should be completed by the person in your organization who manages or supervises services for caregivers. Please complete the survey by Friday, February 15 at:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZY9FV2C

 Upcoming Events

•Jan. 3 to Feb. 15: Special Olympics Raffle. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at The Arc office. Grand prize is a Polaris 600 Indy Snowmobile. Other prizes include an entertainment package (60” LED TV, Surround Sound System and XBOX 360 Kinect) and $1,000 cash prize

• Tuesday, Feb. 19: The Arc’s 18th annual Rose Sale begins

•Taste of Mower County: A Fundraiser to Benefit The Arc Mower County – Enjoy unlimited tastings.