July 13th, 2009 by John Dickerson
With over 700 Self Advocates present, Friday’s annual SAI picnic was a resounding success. This was the largest ever picnic and kicked off the new election cycle for the SAI Board of Directors.
One of the constant reminders throughout the picnic is how important so many people were to not only the success of the picnic but to the lives of people. The entire INARF staff was present to help with many tasks from parking to snow cones - and thanks to them my photography equipment was not ruined in the rain- thanks guys. A special thank you also to the entire staff of The Arc of Indiana who were there as well.
We had numerous providers that made it possible for people to come from all corners of the state by making tranportation and staff available.
The leadership of the state was there from FSSA, the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, IPMG and many more. The health screening by Indiana Special Olympics was busy all day and was a great addition to the day.
Helpers and support staff from each of the SAI chapters were present and our state board were remarkable as always. Thanks again for all you do.
Soon we will have photos up for people to order on line as in the past.
It was a great day added to the fact over 400 items of food were donated and taken to a food pantry on Saturday morning that works with homeless families in need. They were greatly appreciative of this effort and one we hope will only continue to grow in the future.
All in all a wonderful day with lots of people who made it possible. Once again our thanks to all.
Tags: Add new tag, self-advocates
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July 5th, 2009 by John Dickerson
This Fourth of July holiday had found us traveling across the midwest to see family in South Dakota. Each state we have spent time in, Illinois, Minnesota and South Dakota are all facing very tough decisions regarding state funding. A common theme in each is that they must cut spending with human services and education heading the list.
In Illinois, a budget impasse - which we avoided in Indiana - is leaving many families and community organizations wondering what will happen. In Minnesota, the Governor is using his authority to reduce the budget and people with disabilities will face real cuts.
There is no doubt that our future ability to educate and support people with disabilities in Indiana will depend on how quickly our economy responds to federal and state initiatives. Many believe we have not hit bottom yet, others see signs that it the economy is responding to these initiatives.
It is going to be a tough two years as the budget passed by the General Assembly will force some difficult choices. The state budget combined with the reduced county revenue adds to the problem. Some of our county leaders are working hard to continue their support of programs for people with disabilities while others have already targeted eliminating county funding for programs for people with disabilities, will put tremendous pressure on agencies and families.
Our work is just beginning as we look toward the future. It will again come back to how well we organize, find new answers to these challenging problems and pull together. We have done it before and will again.
One of the values of traveling is realizing how good home looks. Seeing what is happening in other states makes me realize how very good it is to be from Indiana - because of you. Thanks for all you do.
Tags: Budget, Developmental Disabilities Funding, education, special session
Posted in General, John Dickerson's Blog | Leave Feedback
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