Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: (615) 248-5878
Toll Free: (800) 835-7077
Fax: (615) 248-5879
The Arc of Tennessee, an affiliated chapter of The Arc of the United States, is proud to celebrate the national organization's 60 years of advocacy and service on behalf of people with I/DD and their families.
!!NEWS YOU CAN USE!!
Dear Staff and members of The Arc of Tennessee:
As many of you probably know, Governor Bredesen announced the use of rainy day funds to fund the Family Support Program at $7.1 million each year for the next two years during his budget presentation on Monday, February 1, 2010. The fact that he restored funding to this vital program is a testament to all the grassroots efforts that have been going on across the state to educate people on the importance of this program to individuals with disabilities. Anyone who was involved in this effort should take a moment to congratulate himself/herself and also to thank the Governor and his administration for putting Family Support into his budget. They need to hear our appreciation.
And though having the Governor use the rainy day funds to restore Family Support funding is a step in the right direction, we cannot afford to sit back and celebrate just yet. The legislators are working on the budget right now and we still need to let them to know how important it is to keep the Family Support funding in the final budget. Please continue to contact your legislators. Let them know how important the Family Support funding is to your family and what it does to help you and your loved ones. Continue sharing your stories.
Should you have any questions or concerns about the Family Support program or need assistance in speaking with your legislator, do not hesitate to contact us at office. We would be happy to assist you.
Sincerely, Carrie Hobbs Guiden, Executive Director
Go to http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/gov/state-of-the-state/ for links to Governor Bredesen's address.
Disability Days on the Hill (DDH) provides a unique opportunity for people with disabilities, their families, and friends to engage our state’s policy makers. This year is particularly important because of the loss of the Family Support Program. It is crucial for our lawmakers to understand how important this program is to people with disabilities, and for them to be encouraged to restore funding to this cost-effective program.
Disability Days on the Hill 2010 will be at Legislative Plaza in Nashville from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm the following dates. Tours of the Capitol will be available at 1:00 pm on each day and last about 45 minutes.
Wednesday, February 24 for residents of West Tennessee
Wednesday, March 3 for residents of Middle Tennessee
Wednesday, March 10 for residents of East Tennessee
Dozens of disability agencies will be participating. The Arc of Tennessee will have a display table with helpful information and key talking point sheets to aid members in speaking with their legislators. Make your appointments with your legislators today! They know we are coming! To find your senator and representative go to http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/.
If you need more information about DDH or need help scheduling appointments, please call The Arc at 1-800-835-7077 or 615-248-5878.
Registration Open for Vanderbilt Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Workshop
Pre-Workshop Event: A Parent’s Journey with AAC, Robert Rummel-Hudson, author of Schuyler’s Monster: A Father’s Journey with His Wordless Daughter, Fri., March 26, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 204 Mayborn Bldg/Peabody . No fee.
Workshop: We Dance, We Sing, We Do All Kinds of things--Working with Young Children with Multiple Disabilities Using Assistive Technology, Karen Casey, M.S., CCC-SLP, Sat., March 27, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Room 8380 Medical Center East/South Tower. Workshop covers a wide range of strategies and easy-to-use communication systems, including low to high assistive technology options. For speech-language pathologists, special educators, other professionals in related fields, students, parents, and family members. Offered for .6 ASHA CEUs (intermediate level, professional area). Workshop fee (include 2 CDs of instructional resources, make/take materials, lunch/breaks): $175 professionals, $50 students/parents if registered by March 15; additional $25 thereafter.
For details and to register for either or both events, see http://kc.vanderbilt.edu/registration. Information (615) 322-8240. Flyer: http://kc.vanderbilt.edu/kennedy_files/AAC_flyer.pdf
The Arc of Washington County is seeking applicants for Executive Director. Bachelor's degree with 10 years minimum experience or Master's degree with minimum five years successful experience in management and leadership in disability/advocacy services. Submit resume, three reference letters and cover letter with salary requirements to arc.ed.search@gmail.com.
Overcoming Disabilities Series -Joshua's Pet Treat Bakery Story on Fox 17 News
Overcoming Disabilities-Part 2 on Fox 17 News
Overcoming Disabilities-Part 3 on Fox 17 News
This project is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee.
