The Arc Alliance & Ambucs Partnering in Support
The joy in a child's face is absolutely priceless! When you couple that joy with a families emotional appreciation it can be humbling. This past Wednesday night The Arc Alliance Children's Services partnered with our local Ambucs Chapter to provide four families and their child with a first tryke. As you can see from the sampling of images below, it was a great night. The Arc Alliance Children's Services has had many opportunities and the privilege to partner with Ambucs and provide children with a Tryke Bike. On this night, we were happy to assemble four families and finalize the measurements and adjustments to each child's unique Tryke. It was awesome watching each child light up when they realized it was their own [...]
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 [...]
Someone In Our Corner – by Anne Marie Newell
My son Matthew's journey started when my son was diagnosed with PDD at 21 months. We were soon thereafter introduced to MARC because we were told that he was entitled to certain therapies at home, including speech, OT and PT too, I believe. These people were frequent visitors in our home to help Matthew bridge the gap in the areas that needed boosting, so they were coming often 2x per week. As you can imagine, the therapists would eventually feel like friends because of the amount of time they spend with you and your child. It is a good thing to have when you are just starting to get used to the "new life" with the impact the diagnosis can have on you as the [...]
Music Together has made our kiddos little musicians!
Dear Ms. Fran, Ms. Dana & The Arc Alliance: Music Together - Children Enjoying Making Music Music Together has made our kiddos little musicians! “J” (3-5 years and known as “J” in class) and “A” (15 months) have enjoyed music class at The Arc for three semesters and wish each class they grow more excited and confident. I signed on for the first 10-week session while “J” was involved in weekly speech therapy through the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit last September. Her speech was significantly delayed and she was very uncomfortable in larger social settings. “A” was just shy of 6 months when he came along for his first class and dozed through most of it. I am incredibly thankful for the [...]
AHCA/Medicaid block grants – potential negative impact
On Wednesday May 17, 2017 Julie Gerhart-Rothholz, participated in a press conference with Senator Casey & Senator Maggie Hassan and an Occupational Therapist to address the AHCA and Medicaid block grants. As a parent and Boar Member of The Arc Alliance, Julie addressed the topic of how AHCA/Medicaid block grants can negatively impact her son Evan. Julie ended the session providing a significant context on this challenging issue. Link to Video It is extremely important for each of us to contact our legislators and tell them the potential impact these proposed changes will have on our loved ones. Join with Julie and let your voice be heard locally, state wide and nationally! Link to find your Legislator
Paul Stengle’s interview of Nancy Thaler Deputy Secretary of the Office of Developmental Programs
On April 4th, 2017 Paul Stengle, CEO of The Arc Alliance, interviewed Nancy Thaler, Deputy Secretary of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), about updates with ODP and the potential impact on individuals and families. Paul Stangle and The Arc Alliance community, thanks Deputy Secretary Thaler, for her willingness to participate and her candid responses in this interview. As you will see there are significant changes taking place and The Arc Alliance is here for you and your family with resources and access to decision makers at each level. Below is the link to the full 27 minute interview. LINK To full interview taped Tuesday April 4th You are also able to view clips of the interview on The Arc Alliance Facebook Page. LINK TO [...]
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 [...]
Help Close State Centers for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Please contact your state representative and ask them to sign on as a cosponsor to Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre) memo that requires Department of Human Services (DHS) to develop a plan to close state centers by January 1, 2023. Do you know that Pennsylvania has 5 State Centers for Individuals with Intellectual & developmental disabilities? Thankfully there is a plan in place to close the Hamburg State Center, relocating 80 individuals into the community by 2018/19. However that means our state still has 4 State Centers (Like Pennhurst) in existence housing approximately 800+-individuals! This must end! Help those individuals still segregated and isolated in state centers by contacting your legislator and urging them to sign onto Rep. Kerry Benninghoff's Memo. Below is the link. [...]