The Arc of Aurora members may now download and apply for the Glen Talladay and Sibling Scholarship Funds.  Both scholarships are designed to enhance the lives of The Arc of Aurora members and are funded by private donations and the Board of Directors via the budgeting process.  Applications to both Scholarships are due February 29.  Each application includes procedures, requirements, applicant information, and authorization -- all of which must be complete for consideration.

Glen Talladay was a member and ward of The Arc of Aurora who passed away many years ago.  As The Arc of Aurora came to know Glen, his passion for travel and outings was infectious.  Thus it was that the Glen Talladay Scholarship Fund was created in Glen's memory.  The Sibling Scholarship fund looks to recognize the special role and responsibilities of brothers and sisters of a person with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Questions on either of the Scholarships or their application process may be directed to Darla Stuart, Executive Director, at dsarcaurora@aol.com or 720.213.1420.  Donations to help fund the Scholarships are always welcome -- contact Jean Solis, jsarcaurora@aol.com.

Behavioral Outcomes of Deinstitutionalization

The Research and Training Center on Community Living, Institute on Community Integration, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota has published a Policy Research Brief on "Behavioral Outcomes of Deinstitutionalization for People with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities: Third Decennial Review of U.S. Studies, 1977-2010."   This study reviews U.S. studies that have measured behavioral outcomes associated with the movement of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities from institutions to community residential settings.

PEAK Parent Center offers a series of webinars for parents and educators.  You may participate in all or just the ones that interest you.  Space is limited, so please register online and you will receive a confirmation email with directions for the webinar.

Evening IEP Training Series (6:30-7:30pm)

Preparing for the IEP - Thursday, February 16 

Content of the IEP - Thursday, March 1 

Implementation & Follow up of the IEP - Thursday, March 15

Register online or call PEAK Parent Center, 800.284.0251. 

Progress Report on Disability Policy

The National Council on Disability (NCD), an independent federal agency, has released National Disability Policy: A Progress Report.  In this report, NCD assesses the current state of people with disabilities in America and how emerging trends and government policies are impacting the quality of their lives and offers a broad range of recommendations for reforms designed to enhance the independence and self-sufficiency of people with disabilities.

Save on Home Heating Costs with LEAP

LEAP is a federally-funded program that provides cash assistance to help families and individuals pay a portion of winter home heating costs. The program pays the highest benefits to those with the highest heating bills and lowest incomes by family size. Applicant income may not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty index, which is $2,794 per month before taxes for a household of four people. Completed LEAP applications can be faxed, mailed or delivered to the appropriate county office. Potential program applicants may obtain an application through the following:

·     Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to have an application mailed.

·     Visit any county department of social/human services across the state.

·     Download and print an application. 

To find out if you qualify for LEAP, call toll free 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) or click here to view the most current program application requirements.

USDOL Proposes New Rule to Increase Hiring of Individuals with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) has proposed a new rule that would require federal contractors and subcontractors to set a hiring goal of having seven percent of their workforces be individuals with disabilities, among other requirements. This new requirement would strengthen the affirmative action requirements established in Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 obligating federal contractors and subcontractors to ensure equal employment opportunities for qualified workers with disabilities. USDOL's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has invited public comment on this proposal. Comments must be submitted no later than February 7, 2012. More details on the proposal and how to submit comments can be found in the USDOL news release  and the Federal Register. The proposed rule can also be found by clicking here and searching for Document ID: OFCCP-2010-0001-0130.

Disability.gov Website Provides Thousands of Federal, State, Local, and Community Resources

Disability.gov is the federal government website for comprehensive information on disability programs and services in communities nationwide. The site links to more than 14,000 resources from federal, state and local government agencies; academic institutions; and nonprofit organizations. Disability.gov is managed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy in collaboration with 21 federal agency partners, including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The site is organized into 10 main subject areas - Benefits, Civil Rights, Community Life, Education, Emergency Preparedness, Employment, Health, Housing, Technology and Transportation.

To school-aged self-advocates Who's Leading Your Individualized Education Program (IEP)? The Importance of Self-Advocacy - Part 2 of 2 - 12/12/2011