The Arc of DFW Area

Join us for the People Planning Together Training on September 26th & 27th. You'll need to attend both days.

For more details on this training and to register, please take a look at the flyer below.

Register here: https://bit.ly/SepPPT

If you have any questions, please email us at: [email protected]

🎉 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝘂𝘁𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿: 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝟯𝟲𝟬! 🎉

We are excited to share that 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝟯𝟲𝟬 is the Title Sponsor for our upcoming Putts for Progress event! Their generous support helps us empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community to live life as they define it. 🌟

🗓 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: September 19, 2024 (Only 3 weeks away!)
📍 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Puttshack, Addison, TX
🏌️‍♂️ 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: Mini-golf tournament, raffle, great food, fun games, prizes, and more!

⏰ Time is running out! Gather your friends and colleagues and register your team today to be a part of this fun event and help us continue our mission. ⛳️

👉 Register Your Team Here: https://putts4progress.com

Let’s come together to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. See you there! 🌳

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thearcofdfw.org

The DFW Area Disability Policy Summit, hosted by The Arc of DFW Area, in conjunction with The Arc of Texas' Tour of Texas, will be held 2pm-4pm on September 21, 2024. Admission to the summit is free, and we encourage you to join us at the Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center, Stonebriar Lecture Hall, located at 5700 Dallas Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75034.

This event presents a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and collaborate on initiatives that can make a positive impact on disability policy in our community.

We hope that you will be able to attend this important summit and contribute to the conversation.

Please RSVP at your earliest convenience to secure your place and invite other passionate disability advocates in your personal network to join you. https://bit.ly/dadps24

You're invited to join us this Saturday for a showing of "Fly Me to the Moon". Now open to Non-members! More information can be found at the link below. You must register for this event. Seating is limited! https://thearcofdfw.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/thearcofdfw/eventRegistration.jsp?event=69

Attending the Tarrant County Listening Session organized by the Justice Reform Project about the very concerning issues with incarceration of individuals with mental health and/or IDD.

We are thrilled to launch The Arc of DFW Area’s inaugural Putts for Progress event! This new fundraiser will help us further our mission to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families to live life as they define it. Proceeds from this event will go directly to expanding our advocacy for improved community-based support and services. This fun evening will feature a tournament on Puttshack's tech-infused mini golf course. There will be other exciting game challenges, an innovative reverse raffle, and great food and drink (full cash bar available) for all. Recruit your team and encourage your friends and allies to compete as well. https://thearcofdfw.org/putts4progress/

Over the last few weeks we have shared information about why and how to celebrate Disability Pride Month.
The Arc of US shared the information below!

Hire People With Disabilities

Right now, 85% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are unemployed. Many of them want to work and have skills to contribute. Among those who are employed, people with IDD are working fewer than 13 hours a week on average and less than one-fifth of them are getting workplace benefits. But research shows that disability inclusion is a proven good business decision. Read these stories from employees and their employers.

There are many other ways you can celebrate Disability Pride Month, and we hope this list gives you a good starting point. Thank you for doing your part to amplify the voices and experiences of people with disabilities!

As a parent, navigating the challenges and joys of raising children can sometimes feel overwhelming. Parenting is full of questions and uncertainties, and sometimes you just need a little guidance. During this session Michelle and Jennifer will share their experiences and ah-ha moments that have been helpful in parenting a child with a disability.

SESSION TITLE:
If I Knew Then What I Know Now: The Ah-Ha Moments That Made a Difference

SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Raising a child (regardless of age) with a disability often comes with a steep learning curve and decisions that must be made to help your child live a meaningful life – one with hopes and dreams for now and in the future. This session was created by experts in the trenches – parents who are raising a child with a disability. During this session they will share their experiences, ah-ha moments, and resources that helped them embrace the journey, find their people, see past attitudinal barriers, and challenge the status quo.

A Look Ahead Conference
Saturday, August 10, 2024
9 am - 2:30 pm
313 North Center Street
Arlington, Texas 76011

REGISTRATION REQUIRED!!!
Reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/AUG24ALA
Registration will close when capacity is reached.
⭐️ Conference Fee $20
⭐️ Limited stipends available for individuals with disabilities and family members. Please complete this form https://bit.ly/ALAStipendRequest to request a stipend.
⭐️ Texas Educator and Social Worker CEUs available and included in the conference fee.
⭐️ Sponsorships and Exhibitor Please email: [email protected] for additional information.
For conference updates & additional conference information, check back often.

SPEAKER BIOs:

Jennifer Jordan is a mom of two teenagers, one with a disability and the other who is neurodivergent. As a special education teacher, Jennifer has taught students in life skills and resource programs. Additionally, she serves as a volunteer special education advocate helping families navigate the IEP planning process. Jennifer believes that all people deserve to live a meaningful life - one they define. In her spare time, she can be found reading and crafting.

Michelle Lunday is wife to James and mom to 10 year old Luke. She is a 2018 graduate of Texas Partners in Policymaking. Michelle is an advocate for Luke in all areas of his life, and she has a special passion for helping families understand Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and the process. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, musicals, and baking.

https://thearcofdfw.app.neoncrm.com/forms/membership

Watching the Texas Rangers game with friends from The Arc of DFW Area and The Self Determination Group. GO RANGERS!! ⚾️🧢🎆🌭🥧

10 Years of ALA!! Always great info - every single time!! This one looks fabulous!

The Arc of DFW Area

Tomorrow - Friday, July 12th

📣 CALL TO ACTION! 📣

Join us at the Texas Capitol on Friday, July 12th, 2024, as the Finish the 5 Campaign continues its effort to bring the message to our elected representatives that we should invest in care and support for kids and communities, not prisons.

As we prepare for the 89th Texas Legislative Session, we’re coming together to build the strength of our movement and collectively share our stories and mission with lawmakers ahead of the session.

Register using the link in our bio. You’ll receive more details about the event upon registration.

Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July and is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. Why July? It marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark legislation that broke down social barriers to inclusion.

People with disabilities deserve to live full, self-determined lives, just like everyone else. Yet discrimination persists for the 1 in 4 U.S. adults living with a disability. That’s why we spotlight inspiring stories in July and beyond that show what’s possible with inclusion.

The History of Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month happens every July to mark the ADA’s anniversary, which was passed on July 26, 1990. The first celebration was a Disability Pride Day that took place in Boston in 1990. Chicago hosted the first Disability Pride Parade in 2004. Now there are events nationwide empowering people with disabilities to take pride in who they are. Here’s more about the history of Disability Pride Month and the story behind the flag.

“We Want a Life Like Yours” is 2024's theme for Disability Pride Month.
This theme comes from The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates. It reflects the disability community’s dreams for life experiences that they are too often denied.

We're excited to invite you to join us on 9/19/24 for a fantastic night of fundraising and fun playing miniature golf. It's going to be a great opportunity to support a good cause while having a blast with friends and family.

Stay tuned for more details on sponsorship and ticketing information, which will be coming your way soon! We can't wait to share all the exciting ways you can get involved and help make this event a huge success.

Get ready to putt, laugh, and make a difference on 9/19/24. We hope to see you there for an unforgettable evening of mini-golf and making memories. Let's make it a night to remember!

The upcoming People Planning Together Training has been canceled due to a lack of registrants. Additional opportunities will be scheduled in the near future. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at: [email protected]

Lots of fun was had by all at the Breakfast & Bowling Event this morning! Thank you to everyone who participated and broke bread with us. We have other events coming up, so be sure to check our website often at: www.thearcofdfw.org/events

Big Heart Theater wants to expand its program to serve more of Dallas. They are recruiting any adult (18+) with an intellectual or developmental disability.

If you know of a family with an adult member that has special needs like Down syndrome, autism, or other learning disability, please pass on our information to them - the sooner the better. Our deadline for enrollment is August 7, the program is co-sponsored by the city of Dallas and will take place at the Pleasant Grove library. Rehearsal will occur twice weekly for six weeks, ending with a free performance for the community on September 14th.

THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR PARTICIPATION.

You can find testimonials from pastors, parents, and participants on the organization’s website at www.bighearttheater.org
You can also reach out directly to: Lisa Lee Schmidt, Director of Big Heart Theater

214-601-3191

SECURE YOUR SPOT! LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! We have space reserved for breakfast at Lupe Torilla in Las Colinas and for bowling and arcade games at Pinstack right next door.
Go to our website for more details and registration: https://bit.ly/4arTEAN

Hey everyone! In just 12 days, we’re rolling out the ultimate combo of delicious breakfast and exciting bowling!

Bring your appetite and your A-game for a morning full of strikes and smiles. Whether you’re a bowling pro or just in it for the pancakes, it’s going to be a blast!

Breakfast is free for members and $10 for nonmembers. Bowing is also discounted. Register today at

The Arc of DFW Area

Texas…putting the profit in for-profit

State rejects health insurers' pleas to halt plan that will shake up coverage for 1.8 million Texans Affected Texans who receive Medicaid coverage would be shifted to new insurers next year if the state health and human services agency sticks to its plan. It’s now up to the executive commissioner to make a final decision.

https://youtu.be/fH1qG5JePZk?si=SYv_bc-__1C2z0-6
Mid-Year update & Upcoming Events. A lot going on this summer. You won't want to miss out. You can register here:
thearcofdfw.org/events

The Arc of DFW Area Mid-year Update 2024 Mid-year update from The Arc of DFW Area's President, James Lunday.