Getting ready to set sail for Cruisin' for a Cause

Oh yes, it is that time of year again!

Ontario ARC will host its 18th annual Cruisin' for a Cause on Aug. 19, 2010 at Steamboat Landing in beautiful Canandaigua.  Information about tickets and our great sponsorships opportunities will be available soon and we will post anything new here as it happens.

Last week, Donna Auria, the director of development, put out a call for any volunteers interested in serving on the event committee.  If there was ever a year to join the committee, its definitely this one.  We have a lot of new, interesting ideas that are going to make this Cruisin' for a Cause one to remember.  For those unfamiliar with Cruisin' for a Cause -- its the agency's only major fundraiser of the year and all of its proceeds go towards the Recreation Program.  The Recreation Program is one of the most important services offered by the agency because it offers balance to the lives of the people we serve.  Participants of all ages have the chance to experience fun athletic and entertainment activities, as well as join a Special Olympics team.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to participate in Cruisin' for a Cause beyond serving on the commitee or becoming a sponsor.  The agency will also be looking for volunteers to lend a hand the night of the event.  Make sure you stay tuned to this blog and the agency's main news site for information about this exciting event!

SAVE THE DATE!  If you use Google Calendar, click on this button to add Cruisin' for a Cause to your calendar. 

News Round Up

• Daily Record, Morris County, NJ -- Ground broken in Hanover for home for adults with disabilities
• The Chapel Hill News, Chapel Hill, NC -- Ellen Wheels
• Kansas State Collegian, Manhattan, KS -- Father of autistic child launches 'Operation Jack'
• National Council on Disability, Feb 2010 Newsletter

Who was Maxine Abbey?

As a tribute to Abbey Industries, we've put together some interesting pieces about the work center's early beginnings.  Please enjoy this first piece about Maxine Abbey...

Maxine Abbey was a school teacher – and most importantly – one of Ontario County’s first advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities.  Shortly after moving to Geneva in 1943, Maxine gave birth to a daughter named Cynthia, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.  At the time, it was not uncommon for parents of children with developmental disabilities to place them in state institutions or abandon them at the hospital.  But Maxine Abbey didn’t consider these as even options and pursued a vision of better things for her beloved daughter.

In 1951, Maxine wrote Joseph T. Weingold, then-current president of the New York State Association for Help of Retarded Children, now known as NYSARC, Inc.  Weingold passed along the names of several parents in the area, who were interested in started a local chapter.  Maxine teamed up with Florence Stewart – then-director of the Lochland School – to host the first information meeting for parents and friends of the children with developmental disabilities on December 7, 1953.  A month later on January 12, 1954, the Ontario County Chapter of the New York State Association for the Help of Retarded Children was officially founded.  Together, Maxine and this first group of parents defied society’s “norm” for children with developmental disabilities.  They believed their children had a right to be treated with respect and dignity, as well as the opportunity to develop friendships and be included in community activities. 

Maxine Abbey didn’t stop there.  After a four-year battle with the Geneva Public Schools to offer classes for children with developmental disabilities, in 1958, school system hired her as a teacher for its “Class for Trainables,” offering a formal education to children ages 12 through 21 for the first time.  In 1963, the Geneva Times featured Maxine’s class referred to her as “an energetic teacher whose pioneering and determined efforts in the field have focused considerable attention on Geneva.”

Maxine’s her commitment to assisting individuals with developmental disabilities is still at the heart of Ontario ARC.  Today, we follow the agency’s Values – integrity, respect, teamwork, quality, commitment, person-centered, and quality of life – to fulfill the vision Maxine Abbey saw decades ago.

top picture, left -- Maxine Abbey, date unknown.

bottom picture, right -- Linda Cole and Tom DeMattis at the Class for the Trainables, taught by Maxine Abbey

Ari Ne'eman nomination to National Council on Disability blocked

According to the New York Times, the nomination of Ari Ne'eman to the National Council on Disability was blocked due to his controversial views on autism.  The founder of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, Ne'eman is the first person nominated to the council with Asperger syndrome.  For more about this story, please read the story on Patricia E. Bauer's blog, Patricia E. Bauer: News & Commentary on Disability Issues.  The New York Times also has the story available online.

Thanks to Maggi Sullivan, Ontario ARC's clinic manager, for passing this story along!

News Round Up

Here are some of the top headlines concerning developmental disabilities from around the nation...

• Democrat & Chronicle -- N.Y. budget likely to be late
• The Batavian, Genesee County, NY -- Genesee ARC chief named Social Worker of the Year
• NewsWest9.com, Midland, TX -- New Mexico expands developmentally disabled program
• News-Leader, Springfield, MO -- School-to-work program gives students a chance to gain job, life skills
• The News & Advance, Lynchburg, VA -- Special needs, Special driver

Committee Volunteers Needed

Ontario ARC's 18th annual Cruisin' for a Cause is scheduled for August 19th at Steamboat Landing in Canandaigua. This event is the agency's only major fundraiser ~ last year we raised close to $50,000 for the Recreation Program.

If you are interested in serving on the event committee, please contact Donna Auria at dauria@ontarioarc.org. Volunteers are needed on the committee to help solicit sponsorships and silent & live auction items, and sell tickets to the event. The committee meets at 8 AM once a month, and as we approach the event, the committee may meet more often.

NCAA Bracket

http://disabilitiesnews.blogspot.com/2010/03/autistic-teen-has-perfect-ncaa-bracket.html

Third Annual Kiwanis and Rotary Bowling Tournament

Despite all the craziness that is going on in this world, Ontario ARC has always been extremely fortunate to have strong support from the community.  I think one the best examples of this support comes from the Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club -- both of Canandaigua -- who annually hold a bowling tournament with the participants in the Recreation Program.

Pictured above is Rob Gleason and Rotarian Dick McCaughey taking a break from the tournament to enjoy some soda.  The tournament -- which is now in its third year -- is something that many of the Recreation participants look forward.  Recreation is often thought of as one of the most important services offered by Ontario ARC because it allows individuals to find a healthy balance in their lives, which are often filled with school, programs, doctor's appointments, and other things not found in the category called "fun".  In addition, its help build social skills, forge friendships, and offers positive self-growth.

"Rachel is"

Every morning, I do a little online browsing for interesting, yet genuine items about people with developmental disabilities.  And this morning, I found a YouTube series from the Perkins School for the Blind about a woman named Jane Bernstein...





In 1983, Jane gave birth to her daughter Rachel, who was diagnosed with optic nerve hypoplasia. Doctor also told Jane that her daughter have seizures and intellectual disabilities. I could tell you what she says, but its best to see Jane speak about her life -- both before and after -- Rachel's birth -- click here
 
Jane has also written two books about her daughter -- Loving Rachel and Rachel in the World. But, in addition, Jane's other daughter Charlotte Glynn filmed a documentary about her sister's transition from living at home to being on her own entitled Rachel is. The film can be viewed at the Sprout Film Festival in NYC on Saturday, May 1.

News Round Up

Enjoy!

• The Register-Herald in Eugene, Ore. -- Guest Viewpoint: Give people with disabilities a chance to contribute
• KBZK, Channel 7 in Bozeman, Montana -- Schweitzer restores $600,000 to disability services budget
• NJ.com, The Star-Ledger in Newark, N.J. -- Autistic teen has perfect bracket through two rounds of NCAA Tournament

A Day in the Life

As I've mentioned in some of my previous posts, the individuals we work with are always looking for new opportunities in the community -- whether its through competitive employment, internships, or volunteer work.  Well yesterday, I had the chance the meet a young man named Matt Buttaccio, who is in our residential program...

Matt proudly volunteers with the Victor Fire Department and was recently honored for his commitment and dedication.  For each day he volunteers, Matt earns points -- and he earned the 14th highest amount of all the volunteers.  For almost a year, Matt has helped the fire department tremendously by changing out air tanks and getting tools and equipment ready for use.  He takes his position seriously and even attends professional development courses to "reaffirm a dedication to serve in times of crisis."  Matt recently completed introduction courses in incident command system (ICS) and national incident management systems (NIMS).  And if you have a chance to meet him, you'll understand just how much he enjoys his role with the fire department. 

Matt is just one of the hundreds of individuals we serve that look forward to giving back to their local communities every day in any way.

Wanna win a Harley-Davidson?

Well, do you?

Thanks to our generous friends at Geneva Harley-Davidson, the agency is currently raffling a 2010 Harley-Davidson FXDB.  The raffle also includes cash prizes for second and third place winners.  And, the best part?  A portion of the proceeds will go to Ontario ARC's programs and services.

Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by contacting Allison Cassara or Donna Auria via e-mail or at the Main Facility, 585-394-7500.  Don't miss out on this chance to win!!

Healthcare Bill & Autism

From CNN.com, about the new healthcare bill and its effects on one family:

Ontario ARC blossomed under ‘Bill C’s’ care - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow

Ontario ARC blossomed under ‘Bill C’s’ care - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow

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Local mothers featured on magazine cover to raise autism awareness - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow

Just in case you missed this yesterday, the Daily Messenger covered a story about six mothers from the Rochester area, who are on a mission to raise awareness about autism:
Local mothers featured on magazine cover to raise autism awareness - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow

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Great read!

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month proclamation

Just arrived in my mailbox this morning...

Click on the Proclamation for the PDF version.

Learn more about our programs and services

Well, Friday is finally here.  So what can you do today to celebrate Developmental Disability Awareness Month?


Take five minutes today and learn more about programs and services Ontario ARC has to offer.  There is probably one or two out there that you didn't know about, but that you and your loved ones could benefit utilizing.  Do you have a child?  If so, have you ever looked into play therapy?  Trying to figure out what comes next for your 16-year-old?  Did you know Ontario ARC has a Transition Coordinator that can help you navigation through this process?  


If you haven't already, I highly suggest looking through Ontario ARC's Resource Manual and contact your Service Coordinator or JoEllen Meath -- the agency's Intake / Family Support Coordinator -- for more information about programs and services you are interested in.

RECAP: How to celebrate Developmental Disability Awareness Month...

1. Share Ontario ARC Speaks! posts with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, or your own blog 
2. Make a pledge to 'Spread the Word to End the Word'
3. Volunteer with Ontario ARC

News Round Up

• The Milford Daily News, Milford, Mass. -- Taking a pledge
• WHYY-TV, Wilmington, Dela. -- Some worry about Delaware's 'most vulnerable' and possible funding cuts
• Times-News, Burlington, N.C. -- Mental health cuts hit some hard: Disabled residents face tough choices after funding slash
• Times Herald-Record, Middletown, N.Y. -- Ulster police's tracking device helps people who wander

Volunteer with Ontario ARC

The season of giving isn't limited to the holidays -- it is a year-round thing with Ontario ARC.  The agency is always on the lookout for volunteers for a wide variety of activities -- Cruisin' for a Cause, Holiday Gift Wrapping Booth, assisting individuals in our community learning center or recreation programs.  And getting involved is a great way to help us celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month...

Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page on the Web or call the Main Facility at 585-394-7500 and ask to speak to our volunteer coordinator.

Ontario ARC’s longtime leader to retire - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow

Ontario ARC’s longtime leader to retire - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow

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Make Your Pledge Today!

Want to participate in Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month?  Well, here's your second tip for raising awareness during March...





Did you make your pledge yet? A few weeks ago, I wrote about making a pledge with the Special Olympics campaign to "Spread the Word to End the Word."  Today is their official day of awareness, although they work year round eliminate use of this derogatory word.  So, if you haven't already pledged -- do your part today and make a pledge.  The site also offers badges -- like the one above -- so you have share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, or whatever you are using.

News Round Up

Here's some news from around the country to start your morning:

• ABC.com -- Bipartisan House Education Bill Spurs Partisan Fight 
• The Associated Press -- SC may gut programs for 26,000 disabled residents 
• NBA.com -- NBA supports Special Olympics in bid to "End the Word"

Check back here for more later.

ARC Inside News, September 1991

As a part of celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, as well as Abbey Industries, please enjoy another gem from our agency's publication archive.  This time, September 1991's ARC Inside News:

Celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awarness Month with Ontario ARC

 

This month, Ontario ARC -- along with thousands of other organizations across the state and country -- is celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.  Each day, we'll be giving you tips on how to raise awareness within the community so that everyone can celebrate our differences and individual uniqueness.  In addition, Ontario ARC will debut its video series, "Meet A Self Advocate."  Each week, viewers will have an opportunity to meet one member of the Self Advocacy Group of Ontario County and learn about their dreams, goals, and why being a self advocate is so important.  These videos will also be posted on the agency's YouTube channel.

So how can you raise awareness today?  Click on the "Share" button below and share this post with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, or whatever social networking tool you are using.  Let the world know that you share Ontario ARC's vision of a community where people with developmental disabilities are welcomed, respected, and involved.

Dr. Temple Grandin speaks about her autism

Did anyone get a chance to see the movie about Dr. Temple Grandin? I found this recent clip of her speaking about autism from CNN:





Here's a few more autism- and ASD-related articles:

• CNN.com -- Scientists look to help children with autism find a voice
• Time Magazine -- Six tips for traveling with an autistic child 
• Time Magazine -- The Autism Debate: Who's afraid of Jenny McCarthy?