Arc news

The American Jobs Plan

President Biden’s speech announcing the American Jobs Plan, included a MAJOR announcement of an investment of $400 Billion to expand access to HCBS and support the direct care workforce. The plan is linked here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/31/fact-sheet-the-american-jobs-plan/ Of specific note isn’t only the size of the investment, it is also the inclusion of both services and workforce supports AND the inclusion of a permanent reauthorization of the Money Follows the Person program. There are not a lot of specifics, and The Arc will be working with Congress to figure out how we can operationalize this in legislation. We will need everyone's support to see this important legislation becomes law. This package is expected to take until late summer/early fall to come together. President Biden’s plan will: [...]

By Carly Cooper|2021-04-01T17:18:59-04:00April 1st, 2021|Action alerts, advocacy, Advocacy update, Advocacy updates, Arc news, Blog, Blogroll, Community, In the news, News & Views, Releases|0 Comments

Governor Wolf Proclamation – Direct Support Professional Recognition Week Sept. 9-15, 2018

Direct Support Professionals play a critical role for individuals with disabilities and their families. In many cases these staff become almost as close as family. The Arc Alliance and all our staff are honored to be part of our families lives. We are also happy that Governor Wolf has taken time to recognize those in our community who have dedicated their lives and careers to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. As you see Governor Wolf has crafted and presented a state proclamation, identifying, September 9-15 2018 as a time to recognize and appreciate those professionals who contribute to the enhancement of the lives of individuals with disabilities. Although many families share their appreciation regularly with direct support staff, we urge you [...]

By Scott|2018-09-13T10:24:28-04:00September 13th, 2018|Arc news, Blog, Blogroll|0 Comments

PA ABLE is Here!!!

Important Information for People with Disabilities and Their Families Pennsylvania Treasurer Joe Torsella is pleased to announce that the Pennsylvania ABLE Savings Program (PA ABLE) is open for enrollment. PA ABLE is an extraordinary, new, low-cost saving vehicle that allows people with disabilities and their families to have greater control of their finances and to plan for a more financially secure future. Saving with a PA ABLE account helps people to save for a wide range of disability-related expenses without jeopardizing government benefits. Plus, savings benefit from several great tax advantages, including tax-free growth when used for a wide range of qualified disability expenses. If you want to learn more about the features and benefits of the PA ABLE Savings [...]

By Scott|2017-04-03T15:08:14-04:00April 3rd, 2017|Arc news, Blog, Blogroll, In the news|0 Comments

Chandler Balch – Legislative Visit

Bringing reality to Harrisburg, through the testimony of those facing real issues. On January 31, 2017 Chandler Balch, student intern for The Arc Alliance, along with other self-advocates from across the state and staff from both The Arc of PA as well as The Arc Alliance met with several Legislators and their staff to discuss issues facing individuals with disabilities. The meetings focused on key legislative issues concerning those persons with disabilities and their families. The issues presented covered Burden of Proof placed on parents verses school districts, the troubling Waiting List for I/DD Services, lack of funding for valuable services, increased employment opportunities as well as the closure of state institutions. Chandler took an active role presenting concerns focused on the lack of [...]

By Scott|2017-02-01T13:15:39-05:00February 1st, 2017|Arc news, Blog, Blogroll, Chandler Balch, News & Views|0 Comments

Hamburg State Center Closure Hearings

In support of Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, The Arc Alliance has been advocating and working with legislators and administrations for decades to resolve the five remaining state funded centers. The Arc Alliance is proud to commend Governor Tom Wolf, Department of Human Services Secretary Ted Dallas and all those in support for their courageous action in announcing the closure of the Hamburg State Center. Secretary Dallas expects the closure to take approximately 18-24 months. “For the 30 years I have been CEO of The Arc Alliance, our goal has been to provide individuals with the freedom of choice and support to live as independent a life as possible. Research has shown, people with developmental disabilities function better when living in the community with [...]

By Scott|2017-02-01T11:18:29-05:00February 1st, 2017|Arc news, Blog, Blogroll, News & Views, Stories|0 Comments

State Announces the closure of the Hamburg State Center

In support of Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, The Arc Alliance has been advocating and working with legislators and administrations for decades to resolve the five remaining state funded centers. Today, The Arc Alliance is proud to commend Governor Tom Wolf, Department of Human Services Secretary Ted Dallas and all those in support for their courageous action in announcing the closure of the Hamburg State Center. Secretary Dallas expects the closure to take approximately 18-24 months. “For the 30 years I have been CEO of The Arc Alliance, my and The Arc Alliance's goal has been to provide individuals with the freedom of choice and the support to live as independent a life as possible. The announced closure of the Hamburg State Center is another [...]

By Scott|2017-01-12T11:56:08-05:00January 12th, 2017|Arc news, Blog, Blogroll|0 Comments

December 2016 Newsletter!

By Scott|2016-12-16T10:41:08-05:00December 16th, 2016|Arc news, Blog, Blogroll, Stories|0 Comments

Staff recognized for distinguished service

Congratulations! Staff recognized for distinguished service to persons with developmentally disabled! Expect, Receive and Achieve with Us! Congratulations to Linda Chesney, Lori Nichol and Tim Connors of The Arc Alliance for being recognized by Montgomery County Board of Commissioners and the Office of Behavioral Health Developmental Disabilities for distinguished work with and support of persons with developmental disabilities. The Arc Alliance administration, board of directors and staff are proud of their dedication and commitment to persons with developmental disabilities. These award recipients are representative of the dedication, passion and commitment of all the staff of The Arc Alliance. Linda Chesney and Tim Connors, Supports Coordination staff of The Arc Alliance Advocacy Services are recognized for the care and extraordinary support they provide to persons [...]

By Scott|2016-02-12T12:46:47-05:00February 12th, 2016|Arc news, Blog, In the news, News & Views|0 Comments

Chandler Budget Impasse

I'm not sure Harrisburg cares! We need to let them know that we care and we can make a difference! Paul Stengle Addressing Families Today the blog will be about the meeting with legislators that The Arc Alliance held on November 12th. There were about six or seven legislators present. The reason they were having this event was because of the recent budget impasse. Pennsylvania still does not have a budget! Legislators Addressing Families The Arc Alliance wasn’t the only organization present. There were many other human services organizations also there to tell their stories. There were also parents there to advocate for their children. Some of the stories they told were very emotional, you could see it on their [...]

By Scott|2015-11-30T09:36:29-05:00November 30th, 2015|Action alerts, advocacy, Arc news, Blog, Blogroll, Chandler Balch, In the news|2 Comments

Families in Crisis Montgomery County Human Services Roundtable Budget Cuts and Impasse

On November 12th The Arc Alliance, Resources for Human Development and the MAX Association joined together in hosting a legislator discussion with families who have a loved one with special needs. Over 110 individuals representing families and providers of services and support came together with 10 legislators and Aids from Montgomery County to tell their stories of the budget impasse and how it is affecting their family. The legislators heard many examples of how the lack of a budget is impacting their loved one as well as requests for expansion of funding for Human Services in the future. Several families presented how their children, who graduated from High School this past May have been pushed to the margin because no new individuals with intellectual [...]