December 22nd, 2009 by John Dickerson
I am very pleased to introduce an exciting new voice to our movement, Michelle Fisher.
Michelle is the host of “A View from My Window,” an audio cast that is now a regular feature on The Arc of Indiana web site.
Michelle is a talented young woman who does not let her disability define her, while at the same time accepting it as part of her - just like her sparkling personality.
Michelle’s show will feature interviews and discussions with self-advocates, families, professionals, and policy makers. We hope you will find this ongoing dialogue interesting, informative, engaging and sometimes just fun.
I think you will find that this will be something you want to listen to regularly.
Thanks, Michelle, for making The Arc part of your life, and for sharing your perspective - that unique view from your window - with our listeners.
Tags: A View from My Window, cerebral palsy, developmental disability, John Dickerson, Michelle Fischer, self-advocates, The Arc of Indiana
Posted in A View from My Window, John Dickerson's Blog, Self-Advocacy | Leave Feedback
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
Posted in General, John Dickerson's Blog, Self-Advocacy | Leave Feedback
June 18th, 2009 by John Dickerson
Across the state of Indiana, more people are losing their homes - the two biggest reasons are medical crisis and losing your job. With homelessness comes a tremendous demand on food pantries all across the state.
At recent meetings of Self Advocates and The Arc people wanted to help.
Self-Advocates of Indiana and The Arc of Indiana are partnering to encourage people with disabilities and their families, provider organizations and friends to sponsor a food drive in your community during the months of July and August. To start this process going, everyone is being asked to bring canned goods to the Self-Advocates of Indiana Statewide Picnic on July 10th in Indianapolis. For more information on the picnic click here
www.arcind.org/calendar
All of the food brought on July 10th will go to Gleaners Food Bank and reach people throughout central Indiana.
What should we bring:
- Canned meats like tuna and chicken
- Heat and serve meals such as soups & ravioli
- 100% fruit juices
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Peanut Butter and Jelly
- Other kid friendly foods like Macaroni, cereal, applesauce cups & healthy snacks
Plan on attending the July 10th Self-Advocates of Indiana Picnic and bring food. Then plan what you can do in your own community.
Stone Belt Arc operates a year round project; Hand In Hand. that also provides a key role for people with disabilities helping others - more info at www.stonebelt.org/index.php?pageId+23 This is a great opportunity to give back to our comunities.
Come July 10th, and please contact your local food bank to see how you can help.
Someone you know will need it, and you will make a difference
Tags: food drive, picnic, self-advocates
Posted in General, John Dickerson's Blog, Self-Advocacy | Leave Feedback
Click here to receive content updates.
