July, 2016

The Arc's Back to School Bash! 
 Children with special needs often struggle with communication and
and with changes in routine.  This can make going back to school quite the challenge.  Join The Arc of Greater Beaumont for a Back to School Bash on Sunday, August 7th from 4 pm - 6 pm.  Local organizations and professionals will be on hand with tips, tricks, and tools parents can use to make the transition back to school as easy as possible. The event is family friendly. Bring the family!  We'll have games and snacks for everyone to enjoy.  ~ Learn More ~
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
SETX Self-Advocates are invited to join The Arc to see the Astros vs. Cardinals on Wednesday, August 17, 2016. Tickets are $40 and include admission into the game and transportation to Minute Maid Park. Participants must be able to take care of all his/her own personal needs or have staff to assist them.  Self-Advocates are encouraged to register early to ensure a seat on the charter bus.  ~Learn More~ 
Disability Rights Texas Investigates Sheltered Workshops 

Disability Rights Texas recently released an investigative report on how sheltered and sub-minimum wage work impacts Texans with disabilities.  This report is part of a national effort to examine the treatment of people with disabilities in sheltered workshops.  Disability Rights Texas monitored 12 facilities in the investigation. The investigation identified the following concerns: sheltered workshops do not provide meaningful opportunities for skill advancement to Texans with disabilities; sheltered workshops create a segregated and isolated environment ripe for exploitation; wages in sheltered workshops are minimal, frequently miscalculated, and exclusively controlled by the provider; sheltered work is not leading to competitive integrated employment in the community; and Texas state vocational rehabilitation services are not providing vocational services to Texans with disabilities leaving many individuals stuck in workshop settings.  ~Read the Full Report~
Summer Education Grants Help Children Thrive
Each summer, The Arc of Greater Beaumont offers children an opportunity to receive services that enhance their education during the summer months.  This year, The Arc was honored to award over $5,000 in summer education grants. Funding was used to pay for services including, ABA therapy, speech therapy, swimming lessons, and special needs camps. This project is funded through money raised annually at The Beaumont Buddy Walk.  ~ Learn More ~



Join us on Saturday, October 22nd for the 5th Annual Beaumont Buddy Walk. The Beaumont Buddy walk is one of over 250 walks held across the country to raise awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families. The one mile walk begins at 10:00 am and will take participants around downtown Beaumont.  Come early to enjoy kids activities, informational booths, music, and dancing.  Get a group together and register a team or, join a team to support one of our honored walkers. Registration is only $10 and includes a 2016 Beaumont Buddy Walk T-Shirt.  Don't miss out on the fun!   ~Register Today!~
Self-Advocates, Know Your Right to Vote
According to the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), in the 2012 general election 56.8% of people with disabilities voted compared to 62.5% of people without disabilities. As self-advocates, one of the ways you can ensure your voice is heard is by exercising your right to vote.  If you are not registered to vote or feel your voting rights have been violated in the past The Arc of the United States has some resources to help.  Click here for information on how to register to vote and for information on special accommodations available to people with disabilities. Remember, your wants and needs are important, make sure they're heard.   ~ Learn More ~
Self-Advocate Spotlight

Brandi Herron has been a SETX Self-Advocate member since its inception.  She currently serves as the SETX Self-Advocate communications officers. In this role, she controls the SETX Self-Advocate Facebook page and helps ensure all members know about upcoming activities and events. Brandi enjoys hanging out with her boyfriend, Shane, talking to friends, going to concerts, and going to The Rec during the week.  Her favorite part of being a self-advocate, "learning how to speak up for myself."
Video of the Month

 
Texas STAR Kids is coming this fall. An introductory video on what to expect.
Texas STAR Kids is coming this fall.  

How will this new program affect you?


The Arc of Greater Beaumont | 700 North St. | Suite Q | Beaumont | TX | 77701