May, 2015

Promote Autism acceptance and awareness!

On Saturday, August 1, 2015 The Arc of Greater Beaumont in collaboration with our community is launching the 1st Annual Step Up for Autism Event. The goal of the event is to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Autism. The day will kick off with a one mile walk for Autism Awareness. After the walk, participants will have the opportunity visit the "Autism Awareness Expo" located inside the Beaumont Civic Center. Participants will be able to travel through various simulations that mimic some of the sensory overloads that affect many individuals with autism. The expo will also have a variety of informational booths and vendors. Registration is $10 and includes a T-Shirt. You can register as an individual, create a team, or join a team. ~Learn More ~
The Arc's 2015 Summer Day Camp 
The Arc Summer Day Camp addresses the need for stimulating summer activities for children ages 5 to 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The Arc Summer Day Camp works to ensure participants receive continued education and support while not in school. Participants will enjoy a week full of fun recreational and educational activities. This year Kid's Camp (ages 5 to 12) will be held July 13th thru 17th and Teen Camp (ages 13 to 21) will be held August 3rd thru 7th.  Camps will be held at Westgate Memorial Baptist in Beaumont. ~Learn More ~
The Arc attends the Buddy Walk on Washington

On April 11-15, Teri Hawthorne, Director of Programs and Sarah Hardin, Buddy Walk Co-Chair traveled to Washington, DC to attend the Buddy Walk on Washington. This 2 day event brought together self-advocates, parents and professionals to advocate for legislative priorities that impact the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families*. "It was amazing to see how everyday people who care about a cause can can come together and make a difference" said Sarah Hardin, Buddy Walk Co-Chair and parent of a child with Down syndrome. ~Learn More~

*National Down Syndrome Society

 
2015 Stars of The Arc Style Show a success!
On Friday, April 24, 2015 over 70 models with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) took the stage to spotlight the abilities of individuals with IDD. "To watch these children, teenagers, and adults with IDD having such a blast doing this show is something I won't soon forget...we saw the money at work! You can't go to an event like this and not be touched by such an awesome group of people and volunteer who put on the show." said one Style Show attendee.   ~ Learn More  ~

The Arc of Greater Beaumont Executive Director testifies before the Texas Senate & House. 

On March 23, 2015 Gary Hidalgo, Executive Director of The Arc of Greater Beaumont, testified before the Texas Senate and House Health and Human Services committees in Austin. He testified in favor of House Bill 2699 and Senate Bill 204.  The bills proposed the closer of Austin Supported Living Center, a State Supported Living Center (SSLC), by August 31, 2017 and the establishment of a Restructuring Commission appointed by the Governor to recommend how many SSLCs are needed in Texas and which ones should be closed. ~ Learn More ~
Future Planning: It's Possible & Necessary
The Arc of The United States has developed a website to help!
Future planning is important for all families. Yet, thinking about the future can be challenging and emotional. Last year, The Arc launched the Center for Future Planning to encourage and support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families as they plan for the future. Having a plan is important especially after the parent or caregiver can no longer provide support. With an estimated 600,000 - 700,000 families in the United States where an adult with I/DD is living with aging family members and there is no plan for the individual's future, the need for this resource was clear.  The Arc's Center for Future Planning launches its new website! Visit the site today for the tools you need to begin planning for the future: futureplanning.thearc.org.  
Article by The Arc of the United States    eNewsletter
$5,000 in Summer Education Grants given to children in 2015.
Thanks to funding from the 2014 Beaumont Buddy Walk The Arc was able to give 10 children an opportunity for continued development during the summer. "I can't thank The Arc enough for helping my grandson be able to attend camps this summer.  Without your help (my grandson) would have no activities available to him during the summer" said one grant recipient's Grandmother. Grants were awarded to children ages 5 to 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities to help their continued education and development. 
Self Advocate Spotlight 
Rebecca Alford is the current SETX Self-Advocate Vice President and State Representative.  She has attended state and national conferences to learn how to advocate for her rights and the rights of others with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).  Rebecca has visited the Texas State Capital on multiple occasions to advocate for the rights of those with IDD living in Texas.  She works at Krogers and loves helping her customers in any way she can. Rebecca enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Matt, and attending The Arc's Dances.  "I want people to know that I am not defined by my disability.  I can do anything I set my mind to" says Rebecca.  
Video of the Month 
the advocate, david egan
the advocate, david egan
David Egan is the first person with an intellectual disability to be awarded the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation Public Policy Fellowship. Watch his inspiring story that continues to foster awareness for persons with disabilities. Produced in partnership with American Values.
The Arc of Greater Beaumont is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization affiliated with The Arc of the United States and The Arc of Texas. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.