The Arc of Orleans County Celebrates National Developmental Disabiltities Awareness Month

(Artwork reprinted by permission of Martha Perske)

During the month of March each year, The Arc of Orleans County celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month with its sister chapters across the state as well as across the nation.

Individuals with developmental disabilities have goals and dreams like everyone else - they want to make friends, have caring relationships, be independent, find meaningful employment, and make contributions and be involved in their community. National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a perfect time to step up and make a difference. You can help by hiring a person with a disability; inviting one to participate in your civic organization or community activity; contacting your legislator and asking him or her to support citizens with disabilities in your community; or giving time or money to an organization supporting people with disabilities.

The Arc of Orleans County has begun its Annual Membership Drive for 2012. If you haven’t already become a member, please consider doing so and make a gift to help The Arc of Orleans County continue the work of assisting people with disabilities. The membership letter has been mailed to everyone on The Arc's mailing list. If you aren't on the mailing list and are interested in becoming a member, please call The Arc's Community Relations Department at 585-589-5516 ext. 227 (Denise Withey).

Thank You for Your Support!

A very special thank you to everyone who came out to

The Nutrition Program's Stuffed Chicken Breast Dinner.

Your support and generosity are greatly appreciated!

Hope to see you at the Spaghetti Dinner Thursday, April 12, 2012!

The Advocacy Center Presents Webinar Opportunities for Parents

Join them from your home or from your office – no need to travel!

Date: Thursday, March 1, 2012
Time: 6:00 – 7:15 pm

Topic: IEP Essentials
When a child qualifies for special education services, federal law requires the development of an Individualized Education Program. The IEP serves as a roadmap for services, including important information about a child’s levels of performance and needs, as well as goals for the child. This webinar will prepare participants to actively participate on the IEP team.

Presenters:
Laura Arrington, Parent Education Specialist
Colleen Brown, Public Education Coordinator

Please note: This will be the same curriculum that was presented on 1/19/12. We are offering an evening session for those who were not able to attend the daytime event.

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Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012
Time: 12:00 – 1:15 pm

Topic: Diploma Options
Learn what diploma options are available for students with disabilities in New York State. What does each diploma offer for a student’s future? What is the difference between an IEP diploma, a local diploma, and a Regents diploma? This workshop will help you and your student make informed decisions regarding school, placement, and services.

Presenters:
Julie Buick, Parent Education Specialist
Laura Arrington, Parent Education Specialist

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Date: Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Time: 12:00 – 1:15 pm

Topic: What’s in Your Toolbox?
Preparing for CSE/CPSE Annual Review Are you ready for your child's Annual Committee on Special Education Meeting? An annual review is a Committee on Special Education (CSE) meeting to plan for the next school year. This webinar will help parents prepare for annual reviews. Topics to be covered include pre-meeting preparation, importance of understanding your child's IEP, and tips to help parents collaborate in designing an appropriate program for their child.

Please note: This will be the same curriculum that was presented on 2/9/12. We are offering a lunchtime session for those who were not able to attend the late afternoon event.

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Date: Thursday, August 9, 2012
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 pm

Topic: Manifestation Determination
This webinar will provide a general overview of Manifestation Determination. Participants will gain an understanding of what a manifestation of a disability is, they will learn how to prepare for the Manifestation Determination meeting, and they will gain an understanding of the unique circumstances that surround each of these situations.

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PLEASE NOTE: These webinars are free to parents, family members, and individuals with disabilities, our target audience for this event. Professionals may attend for a fee of $25. We also offer webinars for a fee where the target audience is professionals. For more information on webinars and other presentations aimed at professionals, please contact Colleen Brown at brown@advocacycenter.com or (585) 546-1700 ext. 267.

STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST DINNER

FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT
“MEALS ON WHEELS” “NUTRI-FAIR”
IN ORLEANS COUNTY

THURSDAY, February 23, 2012
4:30PM TO 7:00PM

TICKETS $8.00 CHILDREN UNDER 10 $5.00
16 EAST ACADEMY(SOUTH SIDE) - ALBION, NY

CALL 589-7817 FOR MORE INFO.

TAKE OUTS AVAILABLE

Family Group at Batavia Rainbow Preschool

Family Group
At Rainbow Preschool Batavia

3:30-4:30
February 28, 2012

How do I pick the right classroom for my child?

Please bring your ideas and past experience knowledge to share with the whole group.

Childcare provided-please call 344-4404 to let us know how many children will be here so we have appropriate staff.

Thank you to everyone who ordered T-shirts!!!!!

NYSARC Gives Back

Help The Arc Give Back

As one of the chapters of NYSARC, Inc., The Arc of Orleans County is taking part in the ongoing NYSARC Gives Back initiative. President’s Project Week is scheduled for Sunday, March 25, 2012 through Saturday, March 31, 2012. The goal of President’s Project Week is to have all the NYSARC Chapters participate in a volunteer program in our community during that week.

The Arc of Orleans County will be collecting personal care items, household supplies and pet related items from Monday, February 20th through Friday, March 30th. These items will be donated to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee to be given to people in our community who are in need (transitional, lower income, homeless).

Annette Finch from Community Action stated that these are the type of items that they don’t typically get donated but they are sorely in need of. Please see below for a list of some of the items we would like to collect.




Personal Care Items
Soap
Shaving Cream
Shampoo
Razors
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Brushes/combs
Deodorant
Diapers

Pet Related Items
Cat food
Dog food
Kitty Litter
Shampoo

Household Supplies
Detergent – clothing & dish
Cleaning supplies
Toilet paper
Tissues/Paper towels



You can drop off items Monday through Friday (February 20th through March 30th) at the following sites:

1. Orleans Enterprises - 215 Washington Street, Albion
2. A & O/Community Relations - 122 Caroline Street, Albion
3. Albion Rainbow Preschool - 243 South Main Street, Albion
4. Batavia Rainbow Preschool - 45 Liberty Street, Batavia
5. Arc Auto Detail - 11337 Maple Ridge Road, Medina
6. Case-Nic Cookies - 439 Main Street, Medina

Our Goal is to collect 1000 items!!!



Thank you for helping us Give Back!

Xania Hernandez Named December Student of the Month at Rainbow Preschool

Xania Hernandez was named the December 2011 Student of the Month! She received this award because she had graduated from a smaller classroom due to her hard work, improving skills, and overall growth in all areas.

Xania has a spirited personality that staff and peers embrace. She is a happy and delightful student, smiling and participating in classroom activities. Xania is increasing her socialization both with adults and peers, as she spontaneously greets and shares in the classroom setting both vocally and with her communication device. She excels at singing. Xania is working so hard and demonstrates a positive attitude in learning- we love watching her bloom!!


The Arc of Orleans County and Rainbow Preschool would like to congratulate Xania on a job well done!

Tiffany Grabowksi Named Volunteer of the Quarter

(Tiffany and her son, Kole Alan)

Tiffany was awarded Volunteer of the Quarter for October through December 2011. She interned with Family Support Services from September through December 2011. She worked with the Director of Family Support Services on an extremely difficult case during this time frame. Tiffany put together numerous documentations and did an intensive time line for an individual. This allowed The Arc of Orleans County to advocate strongly for the individual. Along with the Director of Family Support Services, Tiffany attended court procedures and attended meetings with various local agencies. If it wasn’t for Tiffany’s assistance, the outcome of this situation may not have ended as positively as it did.

It has been a pleasure to have Tiffany intern with Family Support Services!

Worked at Agency how many years: I have worked for The Arc on and off since 1993.

Went back to College in: I earned my Associate’s Degree from GCC in 1997 and will be finishing up my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Buffalo State in May 2012. I will be applying to graduate school at the University of Buffalo to obtain my Master’s Degree by spring of 2013.

I went back to college because: I went back for my family and to fulfill myself. I have been through some challenging circumstances and I would like to help others to overcome any challenges they may have. I want to give them a hand up.

Plans after degree: I would like to open a mission in Medina for people in need of assistance
( homeless, lower income). The mission would provide transitional housing, counseling and living skills aimed at self-sufficiency.

I would also like to go into politics so that I can make changes that work for the people and help them to be self-sufficient.

Born: In Albion at the Old Arnold Gregory Complex in 1975.

What’s on my TV: Intervention

Favorite movie: The Breakfast Club

In my car you’ll find me listening to: Anything but country music.

I would like to trade places for a day with: A politician.

My very first job: Double Dips. This job was where I learned my work ethic.

Favorite vacation spot: New Hampshire – I love the country and nature.

Favorite time of day and why: Dinner time because I get to spend time with my family - sons Drake (16), Gage (13), and Kole Alan (1 mo.) as well as my boyfriend Shaun Jones.

Favorite food: Homemade pizza with peppers, onions and pepperoni.

My secret talent: I have talented toes. I can pinch people, pick up things and tie bows.

On the weekend you can find me: Hanging out with my family.

What I admire most in others: Genuineness.

My heroes: My Mom and Dad. They had three children and stayed together through many things. Dad worked hard and we never wanted for anything. They taught me that it’s better to be rich in love and happiness rather than material possessions. Mom and Dad also taught me to be spiritual and to try and make the world a better place.

What I would say to a potential volunteer: Volunteering at The Arc is a very good experience. It’s rewarding and you gain knowledge of the program and the field. I am amazed at the strength of the individuals served by The Arc and I know you will be too.

Special Education Advocacy Training Series

The Arc of Orleans County’s Empowering Families Program
Presents...

Special Education Advocacy Training Series

Starting March 6, 2012
6:30—9:00 PM

This is a nine week series that will meet every Tuesday evening. During this series participants will learn about the many different aspects of special education. The series will also provide an opportunity to connect with other parents and to learn advocacy skills that will help to navigate in the world of special education.

Every participant will receive a free copy of the book written by Pete and Pam Wright , “From Emotions to Advocacy”, along with other state and federal resources pertaining to special education.

Seating is limited—please register early.
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Training will be held at:
122 Caroline Street Albion, NY

Please call 589-1750 ext. 2236 for more information or to RSVP

Employment Listing - 2/3/12 Vocational Training Assistant

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT


POSITION: VOCATIONAL TRAINING ASSISTANT – REGULAR FULL TIME
ORLEANS ENTERPRISE


REPORTS TO: OPERATIONS MANAGER – DAVE BELUCCI
PRODUCTION MANAGER – PAULA KNAAK

LOCATION: 215 WASHINGTON ST, ALBION

DUTIES: Provides direct hands on supervision, training and counseling to people with disabilities in a variety of vocational & community settings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Working level knowledge of production techniques, methods and/or training involving adults who are disabled preferred. Demonstrates skills equivalent to a high school diploma. Ability to deal with people at all organizational levels, reliable, friendly, flexible, team player, good administrative, organizational, problem solving, training and oral & written communication skills required. Capable of completing SCIP, CPR & other required training. Needs a valid NYS driving license.

STARTING RATE: Grade 7DC - $9.10/hr.

Vocational Training/Community Living Assistants who are currently paid at grade 9, will continue to be paid at grade 9.

Interested candidates should submit a resume by February 10, 2012 to:
Carol Fox
Human Resource Department
The Arc of Orleans County
PO Box 439
Albion, NY 14411

Email cfox@arcoforleans.org Fax (585) 589 - 5669

THE ARC OF ORLEANS COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.


Posted: 2/10/12

Valentine's Candy Sale

Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Are you prepared?

Why not purchase a chocolate heart sucker for the loved one in your life? The Self-Advocates at The Arc are selling milk, dark, and white chocolate heart suckers from Della's Chocolates for $1.00 each. This fundraiser runs from February 6th through February 14th and proceeds will benefit the Self-Advocacy program.

Stop in to the Community Relations Department at 122 Caroline Street or see Vickie Randall, Recreation Manager, at 243 South Main Street(2nd Floor).

If you have any questions about the sale, please contact Vickie Randall at 589-1750 ext. 2233 or email her at vrandall@arcoforleans.org.

Thank you for your support.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Employment Listing - 2/1/12 Community Living Assistant

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION: COMMUNITY LIVING ASSISTANT – REGULAR FULL TIME


REPORTS TO: ELAINE NEWTON – COMMUNITY LIVING MANAGER

LOCATION: WEST AVENUE - ALBION

DUTIES: Provides program participants with support and training in independent living skills, such as meal planning and preparation, home maintenance, money management, etc.

Qualifications: Good math & writing skills. Must have a valid NYS driver’s license. Experience preferred but not required. Must be willing to work various hours to include evenings, overnights & holidays. Must be capable of completing SCIP, CPR, First Aide and other trainings as required.
STARTING RATE: Grade 7DC, STEP 1 - $9.10 per hour.

Interested candidates should submit a resume by 2/8/12 to:


The Arc of Orleans County
ATTN: Carol Fox
P.O. Box 439
Albion, NY 14411


Fax (585) 589 – 5669 E-mail: cfox@arcoforleans.org

The Arc of Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

posted: 2/1/12