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NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW
JULY, 2011
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Independence Day...
... the 4th of July, fireworks, a day off work, a b-b-que with family and friends. Perhaps amid your celebrations early this month you paused and thought of the weary soldiers in General George Washington's army who brutally fought hand to hand combat so that in 2011 we may enjoy a holiday in their memory and honor. Or perhaps your thoughts drifted back in our country's history to Francis Scott Key, prisoner on a British ship in Baltimore Harbor who penned his sheer joy at seeing the "broad stripes and bright stars" come dawn after a particularly fierce and pivotal night of battle.
Or perhaps you are a parent of a child with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities who lives his/her life wondering each day what "independence" is for your child... What it can be... What it should be... How do you find and afford the perfect balance of safety and freedom for your child who needs support from others to experience the highest quality of life as is possible.
The Arc of Aurora's individual and systems change advocacy is like a soldier in those modern-day battles. We provide resources that help define and achieve individual independence. And that independence looks as different as the people and their families who are striving for it.
So just as you celebrated your independence as an American this month, also celebrate your own independence or the independence of someone you care about by renewing your membership with The Arc of Aurora and/or making a financial gift in support of our work. You have heard it said many times that freedom is not free. One hour of individual advocacy provided by The Arc of Aurora costs $50. Help support the many battles ensuing in our community with your membership/donation to The Arc of Aurora.
And amid our celebrations, let us cheer ALL of our freedom fighters, whether they be in hostile, barren mountains of lands far away or in the homes next door!
Jean Solis, Editor
Director of Marketing and Development
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Policy Profile: Potential Impact of Looming Medicaid Cuts
edited from an article by The Arc of the United States
Many proposals are being discussed in Washington to balance the budget. What these proposals have in common is that Medicaid spending would be dramatically cut in a short period of time. These proposals include
Block Granting Medicaid.
Block Granting Medicaid would give states a fixed amount of money for health care and long term services, and would likely remove requirements for how the states spend that money. Spending Caps with automatic enforcement would set a limit on federal spending that is well below current spending. Automatic enforcement mechanisms would allow for automatic reductions in payment without the need for Congressional action.
The problem with Block Granting Medicaid is that there would be no guarantee of health care services, and waiting lists would grow even longer. The Block Grant would likely have few rules, and states would be free to change eligibility, cut services, and manage their programs with little federal oversight. Block Grants would likely force bad choices and cause real conflict as groups with diverse needs compete for scarce dollars. "Bad choices" that states might make include reducing services to people with disabilities and the elderly because these services are significantly more costly than health care coverage for children. Here are some possible choices states might make:
- Reduce home and community-based services (HCBS) and supports.
- Tighten eligibility for services.
- Require more out of pocket costs for individuals and families.
- Reduce or eliminate critical services.
Call your Senators or Member of the House of Representatives today ... Capitol Switchboard = 202-224-3121 -- tell them Don't Cut Our Lifeline! Local numbers for our elected officials:
Representative Mike Coffman -- (720) 283-9772
Representative Ed Perlmutter -- Phone: 303.274.7944
Senator Mark Udall -- 303-650-7820
Senator Michael Bennet -- Phone: (303) 455-7600 |
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Hot Topic: Membership Renewal
 Your annual membership with The Arc of Aurora is due NOW! Print, complete, sign and mail BOTH your Membership Application Form AND your Advocacy Agreement with your $30 annual dues check payable to "The Arc of Aurora" to The Arc of Aurora, Attn: Membership Renewal, 1342 S. Chambers Road, Aurora, CO 80017. Talk with your advocate if you need information about volunteering in return for membership or a scholarship. Even if you are eligible for those options, we still need you to print, complete, sign and mail your Application and Advocacy Agreement forms. If you have questions, contact your advocate. Current members are eligible to apply for scholarships to attend The Arc of the United States' National Convention which is in Denver September 16-19 of this year. See information about this opportunity in the first article in the Members' Corner section of this newsletter below. We also have a few televisions and a printer to give away to members ... See the second and third articles in Members' Corner below. |
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The Rest of the Story
 FREE Family Support Webinar from Autism NOW
The Autism NOW national information and resource center offers FREE weekly webinars on a host of topics concerning individuals on the autism spectrum and other developmental disabilities. Across the country, families with members on the autism spectrum or who have developmental disabilities face challenges and stresses. Upcoming webinars include information about the current status of family support in the United States and information about innovative models of family support. Register now online, or find out more about Autism NOW. 2011 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show Auditions This year's Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion show will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center. Auditions are July 29 from 4:30-7:00PM at Andrisen Morton in Cherry Creek. Persons age 7 or older with Down syndrome or anyone with other intellectual disabilities above the age of 18 may apply to be a model. Request an audition form and address all questions to Martha Cronen at 303-468-6665 or mcronen@ajsfoundation.com. The Arc US Assumes Medicaid Reference Desk
On June 1, The Arc of the United States began operations of the Medicaid Reference Desk project, funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. The project provides information to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families with up-to-date, accessible information about Medicaid, including resources and links on how to use and connect to Medicaid-funded services. Pinyon Ranch, Inc. ... ... is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization since 2008 dedicated to providing an experience for able young adults ages 18 and older with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Individuals with autism, Asperger syndrome, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, communication, speech and language disorders, genetic disorders such as fragile-X syndrome, and Down syndrome can attend and participate in programs. Program goal is to provide participants with much needed socialization, recreation, vocational training, and employment opportunities through the Seeds of Hope Program, Horse Seminar Program, Able Chef Program, and NSCD Ski Program.
Participants are mentored by a program director trained in special education and job coaching along with trained Para-professionals. Depending on the level of independence and ability there will be a one-on-one or two-on-one mentor with each participant at all times. Through these programs, the participants will increase abilities and independence levels, allowing them to balance a healthy and quality lifestyle. For more information, contact Kellie Ciotti, Program Coordinator, Pinyon Ranch, 727.639.1269, cell --- 303.617.6214, office
Kellie@pinyonranch.org. Special Education 101: Individualized Education Program Webinar
Every parent of a child receiving or in need of special education experiences a new system of educational planning. This process can be both confusing and overwhelming. To help prepare you for ensuring your child has the services and supports needed to achieve in school, AdvocacyDenver's Pam Bisceglia will provide an introduction to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process on Thursday, July 14th, 2011. This is your opportunity to learn about the areas of the IEP, the school's obligation to implement the terms of the IEP, and what all these never-ending special education terms and acronyms mean. Space limited; reservations required. Special Education 101: Individualized Education Program Thursday, July 14, 2011 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM MDT |
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Members' Corner
 The Arc of the United States' National Convention will be held in Denver this September 16-19. Having our national convention in town offers each of us a unique, more affordable opportunity to see our organization's governing body at work. The Arc of Aurora is offering a limited number of full and partial scholarships to current members for National convention registration -- all the MORE reason to update your membership now! Primary consideration given to applications received in The Arc of Aurora office by July 20; final deadline for scholarship applications to be in The Arc of Aurora office is July 28. NOTE: Scholarship applications are two pages and BOTH must be completed and delivered to The Arc of Aurora in order for an application to be considered complete. The first page is a general The Arc of the US Conference registration and the second is a The Arc of Aurora scholarship application. Free Televisions! Current members who can use a free, 34" screen, gently used, NOT flat screen television, call (720.213.1420) or email (jsarcaurora@aol.com) Jean at The Arc of Aurora office to arrange your pick up of that unit. We have a limited number of TVs donated to us by a corporation who used them for training that are available to current members on a first come, first served basis. You will need dish/cable service or a transformer box in order to use these TVs. Free Printer - A member donated an Epson Stylus CX3810 printer with a couple black and colored ink cartridges that is free for the taking. The donor upgraded her printer and said that this Epson works well -- her family just no longer needs it. If you would like to take a look at the printer to help insure compatibility with your computer, contact Jean at the office. First current member come, first served. Summerfest 2011 Calendar 1:00 - 6:30PM, Saturday, August 13, for this year's Hawaiian themed Summerfest fun: chili cook-off, NEW THIS YEAR both adult and kids' talent shows, silent auction, dessert-off, Hula (no hoop) contest, musical chairs. Events with links above have registration requirements. All are welcome to this family fun event -- come dressed in the Hawaiian theme! Better even than the afternoon's worth of fun you will have -- 100% of the proceeds from all Summerfest activities come to The Arc of Aurora! Many thanks to host Pitchers Sports Restaurant, Chambers and Mexico, Aurora. If you have questions on Summerfest events or timelines, contact Jean at The Arc of Aurora office, jsarcaurora@aol.com or 720.213.1420. A Decade of Change: Raising Voices, Shedding Light, Giving Hope This year marks The Arc of Aurora's tenth year of actively working to address crime victimization of people with developmental disabilities. Our Legacy 2011 event, A Decade of Change: Raising Voices, Shedding Light, Giving Hope, honors that work. Saturday, October 1, will be celebration evening, which will include an art contest (all can enter -- look for details next month!), silent auction, live dramatic performance, and social time. Stay tuned to our News You Can Use for details on how you might join this celebration that supports our continuing advocacy work, including that on crime victimization. |
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Spotlight On ... Ann Rossart
Phone calling to remind members about upcoming events, serving as a goodwill ambassador at events, and serving on The Arc of Aurora's Board of Directors are all jobs Ann performs willingly and enthusiastically. Her support and dedication are tried and true --- for that we thank you, Ann!
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 Did you know that the majority of The Arc of Aurora's annual operating budget comes from a portion of the proceeds from the sale of items donated to the arc Thrift Stores? Call 303.238.5263 to schedule a pickup of your gently used items and also help The Arc of Aurora! |
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The Arc of Aurora
Mission
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The Arc of Aurora is a membership association that provides individual and systems change advocacy thorough information and referral; community education; and individual, family and class support for and with people with developmental disabilities and their families.
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