BlogTalk

A Look at Health and Developmental Disability

2011-12-21T10:12:00.000-08:00

Keeping developmentally disabled adults healthy: Q & A with The Arc San Francisco’s Alan Fox
-Laura Shumaker, Writer & Autism Advocate, SF Gate

My son Matthew, who is 25 and on the autism spectrum, is the most stoic person I know–so much so that by the time the time tells me he is not feeling well, he’s already really, really sick. Since a recent illness and hospitalization (from which he has recovered, thankfully) I’ve learned of the importance of monitoring the health of adults with developmental disabilities, and teaching them to advocate for themselves.
The topic is a professional and personal passion for Alan Fox, the Chief Operating Officer for The Arc San Francisco, a non-profit service and advocacy organization for adults with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families living in San Francisco and San Mateo counties. Alan is also the parent of a young son with autism.
Alan has a unique perspective on the state of services for people with autism, both as a leader in an organization that provides services, and as someone who must find them for his son. He oversees a number of programs at The Arc, including independent living support services, employment placement, and ArtRearch, an innovative program that teaches adults with developmental disabilities to be professional artists. He also oversees support and outreach activities to families of loved ones with developmental disabilities.
Alan will talk about his health advocacy work for adult with developmental disabilities at UCSF’s 11th Annual Developmental Disabilities Conference March 8 and 9. This is a conference that I recommend highly to both parents and professionals as it provides an invaluable opportunity for dialogue among experts and families in the care and future of individuals with disabilities.
Q) My son Matthew doesn’t like to tell people when he isn’t feeling well, and by the time his caregivers figure it out, he is really sick! How does The Arc of San Francisco monitor the health of its clients?
A) My son too hardly ever complains of feeling ill and never calls attention to injuries which occurred outside my personal observation. Parents are usually adept at sensing when their child is in pain but a low-grade fever or headache is harder to figure out. When your child has a lot of idiosyncratic behaviors to begin with, an odd behavior that could indicate not feeling well may be hard for even the most attentive parent to discern as unusual.
My wife and I have to play close attention to signals of distress and I visually examine my son for wounds daily. He will hardly ever alert us to an injury. When he does have a wound, we have to carefully monitor it as it heals, because Joe tends to pick off scabs and re-open healed wounds. Some wounds he got when he was a child took months to heal and have left many visible scars. I have often heard that some people with autism are hyposensitive to pain, and while this idea may have some scientific merit, I think it is pernicious because it tends to minimize the urgency of potential health concerns and should be challenged whenever it is raised. For example, I try to over-medicate. That is, on the theory that people with developmental disabilities tend to be under-medicated, at any sign of illness or elevated temperature, I am a lot quicker to dispense the children’s acetaminophen to him than to my neurotypical child.
The Arc monitors the health of adults with developmental disabilities in a few ways. At our Seniors center where we serve elders, The Arc employs an on-site RN who performs basic health surveillance. She has worked in geriatrics for many years and through her knowledge and experience with our clients, is able to provide regular screening and earlier response that prevents many health problems from worsening.
Clients enrolled in our Health Advocacy service are assigned to a single Health Advocate who coordinates that client’s health care. The Health Advocate not only provides case history and diagnostic information to the doctor, but also can provide in-the-moment technical assistance to the client’s clinical care team, who are not likely to have a good command of the health impacts of developmental disability. Health Advocates partner with the clinical care team to ensure that the client complies with medical orders after the visit is over. All Arc staff are certified in first aid and CPR, but our residential services staff become more involved in client health care than other staff. A key idea we teach to our staff is that your gut is a good indicator, so if you think something is wrong with your client, then something probably is wrong.
Q) When my son was in the hospital recently, it was clear that few knew how to communicate with him. How do your clients seek medical care? With caregivers? On their own?
A) That must have been pretty scary for him and for you.
It really depends on the client’s level of development, their ability to express themselves, and whether they have family members in their lives. Communication can be difficult for a lot of
people we serve at The Arc and medical issues can make communications harder or even impossible. If family members are present, they likely have a case history available and also ability to communicate with the person. The Arc always seeks to engage family members in a person’s health care team. Often, it is family members who are the first Health Advocates and the ones who will seek medical care for our client.
For clients who do not have family members, The Arc staff often act in loco parentis. We prefer that this be done in accordance with an advanced health directive and encourage people we serve to complete one as a matter of course. Medical care is sought also at times by staff of board-and-care homes where many people with developmental disabilities reside after they no longer live with family members. People we serve will commonly present to their Arc staff problems they need help solving, and this includes problems with their health.
But your question also speaks to the larger issue of access to health care. I imagine most of your readers would be shocked to learn how difficult it is for those who depend on public health insurance to see a doctor. After all, the public is spending itself into poverty on health benefits, isn’t it? Dentistry, podiatry, and other critical services are simply not offered to people who are dependent on public health benefits, including most adults with developmental disabilities. Even when these services were available, they were limited. Medi-Cal would not pay for preventive dental care, but would pay for tooth extraction! Anyone who cares can look in the mouths of the people we serve, and see the dental caries, the inability to chew nutritious food, and the results of years of lack of preventive care. The lack of access to health care by operation of the insurance system is only aggravated by the lack of clinicians who are trained, qualified, and who feel competent to treat people with developmental disabilities as patients.
Q) Many of your clients have aging parents who are overwhelmed by the needs of their adult children. Your thoughts on this problem?
A) This is a big problem and it will only become bigger. For years, we have told parents it was wrong to institutionalize their children with developmental disabilities, we want their children to live with us, as a community. But we have not kept our promise to ensure that the services that were formerly available in institutions would be provided more cheaply, and more appropriately, in the community. Now we are approaching a generational inflection point where devoted parents who have largely shouldered the cost and the work themselves will no longer be able to depend on the ever more meager help provided by underfunded charities like The Arc. If you have a child with a developmental disability, the time to begin planning transition to adulthood should begin by age 16. That gives just about 6 years to make a good plan for what adult life should look like. At The Arc, we have received phone calls from anxious parents on the Friday their child graduated from high school, asking us where they should go on Monday! Parents who have not planned will put their child in an otherwise avoidable predicament.
In my experience, it is relatively rare that parents choose to keep their adult child at home; it is more often the result of a lack of choices. We love Joe unconditionally, but I do not want my child to live with me and my wife as we age! I want him to be independent, happy, and to live in the community like people without developmental disabilities do. I want him to have whatever help he needs to do this. My wife and I know we will never be able to make that happen on our own and we question whether the commitments made to parents like us by the State of California in its laws really have any meaning anymore. We understand life is not fair, but that our leaders are failing us is clear, and unfair.
The one piece of advice I would offer regarding health care is to be sure to find an adult practitioner when your child reaches maturity. While developmental pediatrics is a very well developed medical specialty, there are too few adult practitioners who are trained, qualified, and feel competent to serve older youth and adults with developmental disabilities. Parents need to create more demand for this field and need to ensure their adult child is no longer being treated on a pediatric panel.
Q) It’s almost flu season! Does The Arc encourage its clients to get flu shots?
A) Absolutely! We always emphasize preventive health care and flu shots are an effective prevention method. They are highly indicated for people with developmental disabilities (and their staff) because they often have co-occurring issues or prescriptions which compromise their immune systems and ability to fight infection. The Arc trains its staff on health and safety issues at least every quarter. We have trained staff on how to cough and sneeze safely, how to wash their hands properly, earthquake safety, injury prevention, and other health issues. Our safety committee meets quarterly and reviews worker’s compensation claims and injury reports, develops correction action plans, drills on evacuation, and maintains our emergency procedures. All staff carry client emergency cards with them when in the community and also carry first aid kits.
Q) How healthy are your clients overall?
A) We survey Arc clients annually on their health and they report themselves as being fairly healthy. In 2011, 71% percent said they feel healthy “most of the time.” About the same percentage report it is “easy” to see a doctor or get medicine overall.
In relating to your question above about aging family members, 42% of clients who live with family members say their family members are sick “half the time” or more.
However, The Arc also tracks incidents where clients have a medical emergency, injury, or illness leading to emergency medical response or hospitalization. This measure has significantly increased in the last few years reflecting both the increasing age and fragile health of people with developmental disabilities. In the year ended Jun. 30, 2011, reportable medical incidents increased 79% compared to the year ended Jun. 30, 2010. In the quarter ended Sep. 30, 2011, medical incidents increased 300% compared to the quarter ended Sep. 30, 2010. Medical incidents have been the largest category of reportable incidents for 4 consecutive years.
The sad fact is although the state collects reams of data about people with developmental disabilities, no one really knows how sick or how healthy Californians are with developmental disabilities.
Q) Does The Arc have counseling for nutrition/exercise/wellness?
A) Everyone knows that eating right and exercise are the foundations of good health, but these remain a challenge for most people with developmental disabilities. Many people take medication that affects their appetite, ability to eat, and metabolize food. As mentioned above, poor dental care can lead to poor digestion because the teeth cannot fully perform their digestive function. Diabetes is fairly pervasive as is obesity. Most people we serve at The Arc can afford to buy good food but need help to shop and cook. Sometimes our clients make poor choices about eating and do not take advice about how to lose weight. The people we serve generally cannot afford to go to a gym or buy equipment so their choices for exercise are limited, especially if they need support or encouragement to exercise.
We have found group exercise to have enormous benefits and offer fitness classes to our clients, including clients with ambulation and mobility disabilities. Twice a week a fitness instructor comes on site and does classes so that everyone, with a diversity of fitness levels and abilities, has a chance to get exercise.
The Arc also has a working kitchen where every day our staff teach clients how to shop, plan and prepare meals. Being able to take care of nutritional needs isn’t just about good health. Being able to prepare one’s own food is a critical skill for living independently in the community.
Q) What is the biggest health problem your clients face?
A) Wow, this is a tough choice. I would say the biggest health problem is our clients’ own inability to fully function as partners in the way the U.S. health care system seems to expect of patients. Too much is left to patients to do on their own, for example; maintaining case histories, coordinating specialty care, and complying with treatment plans. Think how hard this may be for you to do for your own health and then consider how hard it would be to do for someone else, let alone someone who may not be able to communicate with you. The Arc and its partners have proposed a reform model that we think would make the system work a lot better for people with developmental disabilities, but so far, we are still working to generate policymaker interest in it

Alan Fox, The Arc San Francisco COO is the 2012 recipient of the Shriver Award from UCSF in recognition of his efforts, with UCSF and many other community partners, to reform the health care system to provide better access and care for individuals with developmental disabilities

Learn more about The Arc San Francisco HERE.
More about Laura Shumaker at http://www.laurashumaker.com/

Hear more of Alan’s conversation about The Arc’s Health Advocacy Program by registering for the UCSF Developmental Disability Conference HERE.
The conference is presented by the UCSF School of Medicine and the UCSF School of Nursing, and is open to family members and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities.
A generous grant from the Special Hope Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c ) 3 organization, made this year’s meeting possible, (and last years as well).

Holiday Gift Cards for Clients Drive

2011-12-01T10:24:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

With the season of sharing upon us, I invite you to help us fulfill the wishes of our many clients by purchasing a Gift Card for someone in need. Gift Cards are a great way to share the holiday spirit and empower people with developmental disabilities to make their own purchasing decisions.

Gift Cards must be delivered to The Arc by December 19, so don't delay!

Clients with a Holiday Gift Card Wish
Meet just a few of the clients hoping for a special gift this year, and learn how to purchase Gift Cards that will make their spirits bright.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A GIFT CARD FOR A CLIENT

Shop Online and Support The Arc
Make your online holiday purchases through Ark.com, and 5% of your purchase will be donated to The Arc San Francisco. Choose from over 3,000 popular retailers.

Your Meaningful Donation
Your support brings hope, health and opportunities to all those we serve, and it's so easy to Donate Online. For all you do to make the season brighter for our clients, I thank you and wish you the happiest of holidays.

Sincerely,
Glenn
Dr. Glenn Motola , CEO

P.S. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed. The Arc San Francisco Federal Tax I.D. number is: 94-1415287.

City of San Francisco Honors The Arc

2011-11-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to be honored by the City of San Francisco with a Certificate of Honor "...in appreciative public recognition of distinction and merit for outstanding service...on its 60th Anniversary."

Members of The Arc are delighted to be acknowledged by the Board of Supervisors for "...60 years of advocacy on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering these San Franciscans to live lives of self-determination, dignity and quality in our community since 1951."

Thank you to Supervisor Jane Kim who sponsored the Certificate of Honor, to all the Supervisors who support us, and to all of you in The Arc's extended family--our clients, parents, staff, advocates and community partners--who have such a huge part in our success.

Dr. Glenn Motola, CEO

Tim Hornbecker, Advocacy and Public Policy Advisor

Arc Angel Breakfast a Success

2011-10-24T16:06:00.000-07:00

Over 300 guests attended the 10th Annual Arc Angel Breakfast on October 14th, celebrating our 60th anniversary year in style at the Westin St. Francis Hotel on Union Square.
Keynote speaker Peter Magowan set the tone for the inspiring "We Can Do It!" theme, highlighting the benefits of hiring Arc clients at the two organizations he helmed, Safeway and the San Francisco Giants.
The event raised over $170,000 and garnered 17 new Arc Angels who made multi-year financial pledges to help sustain our employment, health care and independent living services. SEE COMPLETE LIST.
The program also debuted a powerful video featuring clients' personal stories of struggle and achievement. WATCH "WE CAN DO IT!" VIDEO. "I'm so proud of our clients and grateful to our supporters who play a vital role in the success of our mission," said CEO Dr. Glenn Motola. "Together, we can make a difference."
Enjoy our photos and tip your hat to all our event speakers, volunteers and donors who made this 60th anniversary friend- and fund-raiser such a success.
SEE PHOTOS.

(Photo caption)
CEO Dr. Glenn Motola and friends singing
'Happy Birthday!' to The Arc.

Back to School; Back to Bullies

2011-08-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

From Disability Scoop
Study: Bullying More Common Among Students with Disabilities
By Michelle Diament

Kids with disabilities and other special health care needs are at increased risk for bullying and generally show less motivation to succeed in school, new research indicates.
The findings come from a study published this week in the journal Pediatrics that looked at more than 1,450 students in fourth through sixth grade attending three rural school districts in Maryland and West Virginia.
Through surveys of the students and their parents, researchers found that about 1 in 3 kids in mainstream classrooms at the schools had some type of special health care need ranging from asthma and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to emotional and behavioral disorders.
When the survey responses were matched up with school records, it became clear that children with disabilities missed more days of school and had lower grades, according to the research team from the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins and Marshall University.
These kids also reported higher levels of bullying and were less likely to feel safe in school, the study found.
Moreover, when it came to academics, students with special health care needs were less likely to report that getting good grades mattered to them.
“These problems threaten both their well-being as youth and their future flourishing as adults,” the study authors write. “Health and school professionals will need to work together to identify these children much earlier, ensure that they receive appropriate supports and services and monitor the effectiveness of services.”
Of the students surveyed, boys were twice as likely as girls to have special health care needs. Children from lower income households were also at increased risk for falling into this category, which could explain the high rate of the conditions among students in the study sample.

July 29, 2011

New State of California "Employment First" Policy

2011-07-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

To All Advocates:

On July 27, 2011, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities will vote on an “Employment First” Policy for California. That policy will be recommended to the Legislature to become law in California. The Employment First policy has a very good intent – to improve employment outcomes for people with developmental disabilities.

The Arc strongly supports the effort to improve employment outcomes for people with developmental disabilities. And we certainly support our friends at the State Council. But we have a difference of opinion about what is the best wording for an Employment First policy for California. The State Council will vote for this wording to become law in California:

“It is the policy of the State of California that integrated competitive employment is the priority outcome for working age individuals with developmental disabilities. In plain language: WORK IS FOR ALL”.

We object to this wording because, in California, every person with an intellectual and developmental disability has the right, through the IPP, to determine his or her own goals. In California, the State is not supposed to tell people what their “priority outcome” must be. We know there are people who believe that anyone who objects to the proposed wording is just trying to protect the status quo. If the status quo is the IPP, we agree!

We want a strong Employment First policy that improves employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, without weakening the right of every individual to determine his or her own goals through the Individual Program Plan (IPP) process.

The Arc of California is urging the State Council to adopt an alternative statement – one that respects the IPP and the individual’s right to choose. We invite you to do the same. Please see the sample below.

Please share your comments with the State Council before they vote on July 27!

Send an e-mail to: council@scdd.ca.gov

Write to: State Council on Developmental Disabilities

1507 21st Street, Suite 210

Sacramento, CA 95811

Be sure to request that all Council members receive a copy of your message.

___________________________________________________

Dear State Council on Developmental Disabilities;

I am writing to express opposition to the draft Employment First policy unless it is amended. Please transmit my comments to all members of the council.

The Arc of San Francisco strongly believes in paid employment and the competitive labor market. The Arc closed its sheltered workshops 8 years ago to promote the inclusion of our clients in paid employment.

But the policy as written subverts the right of people with developmental disabilities to set their developmental goals through the IPP process.

The draft policy does not account for the state’s own actions in continually reducing funding for employment programs that have significantly reduced our capacity to provide the employment and job placement services presumed available by the Employment First policy.

The draft policy does not account for the state’s dismal performance generating new jobs and economic growth, placing people with developmental disabilities at even further disadvantage when pursuing paid employment in a competitive labor market.

The draft policy does not account for the state’s failure to provide a free, appropriate public education for youth with developmental disabilities that adequately prepares students for paid employment when they leave school.

The draft policy does not account for people with developmental disabilities who can afford not to have paid employment, are too sick to have regular paid employment, or wish to pursue higher education through community college or 4-year institution.

The draft Employment First policy will not create any new jobs or new placements in paid employment for clients served by The Arc of San Francisco. The draft policy will subvert choice for people with developmental disabilities in California.

Please vote NO and adopt a policy that respects individual choice and the IPP.

___________________________________________________

Alan S. Fox, M.P.A.

Chief Operating Officer

Wells Fargo Bank Gives a Boost to Arc Job-Seekers

2011-06-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

Arc Job-Seekers Join Staff from Wells Fargo at a Presentation About Successful Job Interviews

The Arc, the Rotary and Wells Fargo all think alike: more jobs for our clients means more dignity, pride and independence for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This week, Wells Fargo Foundation’s Katy Johnson presented The Arc with $10,000 for our Supported Employment program. Wells’ HR Strategy Consultant, Eric Schmautz is a longtime Arc volunteer, (remember the tall smiling fellow in the chef’s hat at our Thanksgiving luncheon—that’s him!) and a big booster of more opportunities to bring clients of The Arc in to the workforce, and we thank Eric, Katy and all the Wells team for their vision and support of our mission.

As part of the Rotary “We Gotta Job” project, Wells Fargo hosted 7 client job-seekers at their downtown office, followed by mock job interviews.

The presentation included tips on how to be successful in a job interview, including a note to remember to ask for the job.

At the close of the presentation, one of our clients respectfully raised her hand and asked, "What about here? Do you have any jobs at Wells Fargo?”

Now that’s the right job-seeking attitude!

Tim Hornbecker, CEO

CDC Study Reports 17% Increase in Developmental Disabilities

2011-06-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Developmental disability is on the rise in the U.S. Between 1997 and 2008, the number of school-age children diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or another developmental disability rose by about 17 percent, a new study showed.
That means roughly 15 percent of kids - nearly 10 million - have such a disability.
The numbers were based on information collected from parents, who were asked whether their kids had been diagnosed with a variety of developmental disabilities, including cerebral palsy, seizures, stuttering or stammering, hearing loss, blindness, and learning disorders, as well as autism and ADHD.
Boys were twice as likely to have a developmental disability, according to the study, which was published in the June 2011 issue of Pediatrics. And except for autism, developmental disabilities were more common among children from low-income families.
"We don't know for sure why the increase happened," study author Sheree Boulet of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told Reuters. There is now a bigger emphasis on early treatment, she said, and greater awareness about the conditions among parents.
But Philip Landrigan of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, told USA Today that improvements in diagnosis can't fully explain the increase. Research suggests that environmental chemicals - including pesticides and the phthalates found in soft plastics - can affect kids' mental development, he said.
Whatever the cause of the increase, experts said the finding should remind parents to make sure their kids get screened. As Alison Schonwald of Children's Hospital Boston told USA Today, "It's great to diagnose them early, so we can intervene early and help them reach their full potential."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on developmental disabilities.
March 23, 2011 by David Freeman (CBS News Health)
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20065315-10391704.html

DDS Hearing Update

2011-05-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Advocates,

The Oakland DDS hearing with Terri Delgadillo, Executive Director, was attended by over 300 parents, self-advocates and advocates from the Bay Area, especially The Arcs of San Francisco, Alameda and Contra Costa. After a 2 1/2 hour wait in line in the cold wind just to get into the Federal Building for the hearing, we made our testimony. Terri Delgadillo responded to my concern that there were no details to the DDS Headquarter and Developmental Center budget cut proposed savings of 55 million dollars. She will send out a chart with the details per our request.

The Arc has supported AB171, the Autism Insurance Bill, which was not in the budget proposals but we recommend. The Arc has reserved our support for many of the proposed recommendations by DDS until they actually publish the implementation details in Trailer Bills that will be part of the Governor’s budget. The devil is indeed in the details, which hurt us in last year’s budget.

Please keep advocating. Disability Capitol Action Day will be on May 25, Wednesday, 10 AM – 2 PM. A March to the Capitol, Educational Rally, and Resource Fair will take place in front of the Capitol Building with over 3,000 advocates expected. Please contact me if you are interested in attending.

Thank you,
Timothy Hornbecker, CEO

Calling All Advocates

2011-05-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Arc of San Francisco Advocates,

I want to make sure that you have the local hearing location and time on the proposed savings (Budget Cut) of $174 million from the Department of Developmental Services. Please attend if you can, call in, or send your comments.
See the complete DDS Proposal here.

I will be sending recommendations from The Arc California and the Lanterman Coalition hopefully by Thursday, 5/5.

WHERE AND WHEN

DDS Hearing:
Monday, May 9, 2011 - Oakland
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Federal Building Auditorium
1301 Clay Street, Oakland 94612
DDS Public Forum Conference Call Number: (800) 288-8968

Written input is also welcome and should be submitted by May 9, 2011, to Patti Samuel at the following address. For additional information, please contact Patti at (916) 651-1484.

Department of Developmental Services
Office of the Director
1600 9th Street, Room 240, MS 2-13
Sacramento, CA 95814

Thanks for advocating on behalf of The Arc,

Timothy P. Hornbecker
CEO

Fight to Protect Medicaid

2011-05-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

HOW IMPORTANT IS MEDICAID TO YOU?
Then fight to preserve it!

Do you or someone you know:

* receive home and community based services from your state developmental disability agency?
* rely on Medicaid to pay for doctor's visits and other health care?
Unless we mobilize to support the Medicaid program, these critical services could disappear for many people. The U.S. House of Representatives has already voted to:
• cut Medicaid by 20% (or about $770 billion over 10 years)
• cap the amount the federal goverment spends on it. The funding would not keep up with health care inflation.
• block grant it to the states. This means that states can spend the money almost any way they like and can just cut out groups of people or services. They could even return to placing people in institutions. (Click here for more information)

Take Action

Call your U.S. Senators today and ask them to speak up and support The Arc in this fight. Contact your Senator today.

Here is what to say:
• Medicaid is a lifeline for people with I/DD and we need you to be our champion;
• Please oppose block grants or caps for Medicaid that would hurt programs that help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live in the community; and
• Don’t risk the health and safety of people with I/DD by slashing funding for Medicaid.

New Housing, New Life for Sarah

2011-04-27T09:21:00.001-07:00

This week, 19 new apartment units for people with developmental disabilities opened, and we're working to secure the next 14 units.

Dreams of independence (in housing that is actually affordable--and green!) are coming true at last. Check out Sarah as she gives us (and Senator Pelosi, Mayor Lee and a host of other VIPs) a tour of her new digs.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/04/26/BA761J74BO.DTL

Photo: Mike Kepka/The Chronicle

Meredith

Meredith Manning
Marketing and Community Relations Manager

Hands Across SF and CA

2011-04-18T14:23:00.001-07:00

The Arc advocates and self-advocates joined hands this past Sunday to raise awareness of budget cuts and tuition increases (from $26 to $66 per unit) to Community Colleges across the state. Services and classes for students with disabilities have been cut by 41%! Many of our clients take computer and other classes at City College, as well as City College instructor Bob Fitch teaches classes at The Arc. Our advocates literally joined Hands Across California with other groups and celebrities, including MC Hammer, Arsenio Hall, and Ryan Seacrest! “We joined with over 200 other volunteers from the City College of San Francisco downtown campus and Paul Johnson, Department Chairperson for the Disabled Students Programs and Services”, according to Joseph F., chair of The Arc Client Advocacy Committee. Other self advocates included Clinton, Gina, Andrew, Chloe, and parents Ron Bixler, Sally Spencer, Pat Napoliello, and myself, lined up and down Market Street holding The Arc Banner and smaller signs “Why Hold Hands? To Save Our Community Colleges!”

Tim Hornbecker

Hands Across SF & CA This Sunday

2011-04-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Advocates and Self Advocates, INFORMATION FLYER ATTACHED! Services for Disabled Students Programs and Services at our California City Colleges have been cut back 41% in the last couple of years. Now the legislature is considering further cuts to the community college and the possibility for increasing tuition fees to $66 per unit from the current $26, according to Paul Johnson, Dept. Chair, DSPS, City College of San Francisco. You are being invited to literally join Hands Across California and San Francisco this Sunday, April 17, 1:30-2:30 PM with Community College supporters across California. They hope to form a human chain across the state! I will be at Van Ness and Market in front of the Bank of America with some of the signs made by our clients at 1:30 PM. I hope that some of you can join me, and please try to get friends, family members and self-advocates to join hands and hold our signs until 2:30 PM. We want to keep having our clients attend classes at City College and continue having their college instructors at The Arc! If you have any trouble opening the attached flyer, there will be flyers at our front desk on Howard Street. Hope you can participate! Thanks, Tim Timothy Hornbecker, CEO

SF Chronicle Op-Ed: "Better Off in Prison?"

2011-04-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

All,

Our Development Director wrote a very compelling piece that was published in The San Francisco Chronicle. Take a look.

Tim

Timothy Hornbecker, CEO

Self Advocates in Sacramento

2011-04-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

Self Advocates in action! Board member Liz with Tatyana, and Anna advocating in Sacramento against the 10% cut to ICF (Intermediate Care Facilities) homes in the community, as well as the 10% cut to fees paid to medical staff along with service cuts and increased co-pays for Medical. They joined over 150 other people with developmental disabilities from around the state, including GGRC and our neighbor Lifehouse from Marin.

Tim
Timothy Hornbecker
Chief Executive Officer, The Arc of San Francisco

Senator Yee to The Arc: 'This is Life or Death'

2011-03-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

At today's press conference at The Arc, myself, Senator Leland Yee and many advocates spoke about the unfair share of pain that people with developmental disabilities face in the state budget cuts. See photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/38610578@N04/sets/72157626352504802/show/

Over half a billion dollars (including federal matching dollars) is the largest cut to any one group on the chopping block in Sacramento.
Our safety net is disappearing. Our clients will either be out on the street or have to go to a $300,000 per person (per year) state institution.
What a waste--of client lives, of taxpayer dollars.

Here are quotes from today's speakers:

Jackie Kenley (parent and advocate): "These cuts are a step backwards--and they will cost us more money, not less, over time."

Hermie Yema (Family Home, Inc.) "My clients need medical care and close monitoring and support. Where will they go--who will help them if my doors are closed because I cannot afford more cuts?"

Matt Tarver-Wahalqyist, Opportunity for Independence: "The truth is, clients will die as a result of these cuts."

Senator Leland Yee: "This isn't the end of it--it's important to let us know...let legislators in Sacramento know that there is a serious human toll to these cuts. But there are things we can do; language to bills we can add. My message to you is don't give up. This is life or death."

Tim
Timothy Hornbecker
Chief Executive Officer, The Arc of San Francisco

Senator Yee at The Arc

2011-03-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

To Clients, Staff, Families and Supporters:

Senator Leland Yee will be at The Arc of San Francisco (1500 Howard Street) this Friday, March 25th, 12-12:30 AM upstairs in our large room. He will be holding a Press Conference to speak about the ‘budget cuts to people with disabilities’. I have been asked to speak for 2-3 minutes, but I’m hoping that (parent)Jackie Kenley and her daughter will speak to let the media know how they will be impacted! I know that this is during the workday, but please attend if you can. We will have a large number of client self-advocates and staff here. This is part of our new community organizing and advocacy efforts. Our parents and family members from The Arc’s Advocacy Committee will also try to attend.

Thanks for your advocacy; see you Friday at noon!

Tim

Tim Hornbecker, CEO

2011-03-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

Calling All Advocates to Let Policymakers Know What the Lanterman Act Means to You

The Lanterman Act in 2011 and Beyond
Dear Friends:

The Senate Human Services Committee chaired by Senator Carol Liu (from the same district Frank Lanterman represented, and the winner of The Arc’s 2009 Legislator of the Year Award)) will be having an Oversight Informational Hearing this Tuesday March 22, 2011 from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm in the John Burton Hearing Room (4203) in the State Capitol, Sacramento, California.

Come and deliver a message to policymakers with your testimony. Your voice and your face will tell policymakers why the Lanterman Act is so important to our community and why so many of us oppose changing it from the current individualized personal approach to the proposed set standardization model.

Agenda

Opening Remarks
Senator Carol Liu, Chair, Senate Human Services Committee
Other members
The Lanterman Act: Past, Present, Future
Michal Clark, Director, Kern Regional Center
Kiara Hedglin and Nickole Bouslog, Consumer Perspective
The Individual Program Plan and Purchase of Service Best Practices
Catherine Blakemore, Executive Director, Disability Rights California
Catherine McCoy, Service Coordinator, San Andreas Regional Center
Rocio Smith, Executive Director, Area Board V
Steve Miller, Executive Director, Tierra del Sol Foundation
Accountability, Transparency and Beyond – Implementation of the 2011 DDS Trailer Bill
Jim Burton, Director, Regional Center of the Easy Bay
Doug Pascover, Executive Director, Arriba Independent Living Services
Nancy Chance, Executive Director, Training Toward Self-Reliance
Audit Updates
Terri Delgadillo, Director, Department of Developmental Services
Elaine Howle, State Auditor, Bureau of State Audits
Carol Fitzbiggons, Director, Inland Regional Center
Vicki Smith, Executive Director, Area Board XII
Public Comment & Concluding Remarks

I hope to see you Tuesday.

Greg

Greg deGiere
Public Policy Director
The Arc and United Cerebral Palsy in California

P.S. Please forward ward Action Alert far and wide.

State Budget Update

2011-03-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of California Disability Community Action Network

State Budget Update

LEGISLATURE APPROVES OVER $6 BILLION IN HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES SPENDING CUTS – WILL TAKE UP REVENUE, OTHER TRAILER BILLS AND MAIN BUDGET BILL POSSIBLY THURSDAY

Republicans Give Support to Spending Reductions – But Still No Support Yet for Revenue Piece of Governor’s Plan – Spending Cuts Budget Trailer Bills For Medi-Cal, IHSS, SSI/SSP, Developmental Services, CalWORKS, Adult Day Health Care, Multipurpose Senior Services Program, Proposition 63 Mental Health, Proposition 10 Head Next To Governor – Elimination of Redevelopment Agencies Trailer Bill Falls 1 Vote Short in Assembly – Will Likely Be Taken Up Thursday – Both Houses To Meet 11 AM Thursday

SACRAMENTO, CALIF (CDCAN) [Updated 03/16/2011 – 9:23 PM (Pacific Time) – The California Legislature took a major step in what it hopes will help to solve the State’s enormous budget crisis, by approving – with Republican support – several of the budget related bills dealing with over $6 billion in cuts in State general fund spending to health and human services, and reductions in general government that largely follow the Governor’s proposed reductions.

The Assembly however fell 1 vote short of approving the $1.5 billion cut to Redevelopment Agencies, with the last vote 53 to 23 taken just before the Assembly adjourned this evening at 09:23 PM. The Senate adjourned at 09:04 PM.

But the Legislature however did not take up the main budget bill, education and other budget trailer bills or the budget related bills that deal with revenues – the part of the Governor’s proposed budget for 2011-2012 that needs – and still lacks crucial legislative Republican support.

Next Steps

· Both houses will meet again Thursday to possibly take up those measures and other remaining budget related bills.

· The State Senate adjourned at 09:04 PM Wednesday evening and will reconvene Thursday morning at 11:00 AM.

· The Assembly adjourned at 09:23 PM Wednesday evening and will reconvene Thursday morning at 11:00 AM.

California Faces Enormous On-going Budget Crisis

California faces a projected budget shortfall of over $25 billion through the end of June 30, 2012, and on-going projected deficits of over $20 billion through at least 2016 unless permanent action is taken by the Legislature and Governor – a point raised by Sen. Mark Leno (Democrat – San Francisco), chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield (Democrat – Van Nuys, 40th Assembly District), chair of the Assembly Budget Committee when they both brought the budget “trailer” bills up for votes on the Senate and Assembly floors today.

Several legislative Republicans in both houses, while supporting many of the budget “trailer” bills, responded that legislative Democrats that some of the reductions were not real cuts and that the budget plan was not addressing critical issues that they believe could mean big savings to the State in reforms to public employee pensions and State regulations.

What the Legislature Did Today (March 16th)

· Both houses approved a total of 8 budget related (“trailer”) bills:

· Approved 5 budget “trailer” bills dealing with health and human services spending reductions dealing with health (Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, Adult Day Health Care), Developmental Services (regional centers), Human Services (In-Home Supportive Services, CalWORKS, SSI/SSP, Multipurpose Senior Services Program); Proposition 10 (Children and Families First); and Proposition 63 Mental Health Services Act Funding.

· Approved 1 budget “trailer” bill dealing with General Government [SB 80, passed Assembly 54 to 20 and State Senate 33 to 2]

· Approved 2 other budget related bills dealing with transportation and cash management (SB 82, passed Assembly 54 to 2 and State Senate 39 to 0).

· The Assembly took up for a vote when it first convened at 1 PM this afternoon the budget “trailer” bill dealing with the elimination of Redevelopment Agencies but the initial vote fell short of the needed 54 votes for passage. Throughout the evening the bill was called up again and again for a final vote tally, but fell two votes short of the 54 votes needed for passage. The bill will be taken up again on Thursday by the Assembly. The Senate did not take up that bill but was waiting Wednesday evening for the Assembly to approve it – which did not happen.

· Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee met just after the Senate convened at 1 PM Wednesday afternoon (March 16th) to formally review and refer to the Senate floor, all of the budget trailer bills. The Assembly suspended its internal rules that require the Assembly Budget Committee to meet and refer the bills to the floor, and instead took up some of the budget trailer bills directly for a vote on the floor.

· The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee amended today (March 16th) at 2 of the budget trailer bills – health (AB 97) and transportation (AB 105), before the bills were voted on by the full State Senate and Assembly. The committee also amended the education trailer bill, which did not come up for a vote in either house. The amendments made to the health budget trailer bill (AB 97) deleted provisions dealing with the “Maddy Medical Emergency Services Fund” and the extension of the (AB 1422) Medi-Cal managed care gross premium 2.3% tax. All other provisions in the health trailer bill (AB 87) remained the same.

· With the exception of those two bills, all the other budget trailer bills approved today by the Legislature were not amended or changed today.

What Happens Next

· It is not clear if the Legislature will actually send the approved bills to the Governor immediately or hold them until the main budget bill and the revenue related bills are also approved. Normally the main budget bill is passed first, followed or trailed by the budget “trailer” bills.

· Legislature still needs to pass the main budget bill, and several other budget “trailer” bills dealing including one that will draw some controversy among Democrats – education, which contains $1.5 billion reductions in State general fund spending for higher education, though no real reductions for K-12 public education. The $500 million reduction in State general fund spending for community colleges has major impact on students with disabilities, mental health needs, the blind and others.

· Legislature also needs to obtain 2 Republican votes in the Assembly and 2 in the State Senate to approve the Governor’s proposal to extend for five years temporary tax increases on a June special election ballot.

· Until the main budget bill – which only needs a majority vote, and the special election tax extension proposal – which needs 2/3rds vote or 54 votes in the 80 member Assembly and 27 votes in the 40 member State Senate – are approved, the budget crisis continues unresolved.

Budget Takes Majority Vote To Pass Now – But Placing Measures on Election Ballot Or Raising Taxes Still Requires 2/3rds Vote

· While the overall main budget bill for 2011-2012 can be passed by a simple majority vote – the specific proposal to place on a June special election ballot proposals to extend for 5 years temporary tax increases in order to balance the State budget, requires 2/3rds votes in both houses or 54 votes in the Assembly and 27 votes in the State Senate.

· That means, if all Assembly Democrats and all Senate Democrats vote for the proposal, 2 Assembly Republicans and 2 Senate Republicans would still be needed to pass it.

· The proposed extension of the temporary tax increases (increases which are set to expire on June 30th) are crucial to Governor Brown’s budget plan because it makes up over $11 billion of the overall $12 billion revenue proposals. Spending reductions and fund shifts and new federal money make up over $12.5 billion.

CDCAN STATUS OF BUDGET TRAILER BILLS:

· Latest actions of budget related (“trailer”) bills, listed by subject area.

· The bill number of the actual budget trailer bill – or even the main budget bill – can change during the time it takes to win passage, even if the contents of the bill largely remain the same.

· Both the State Senate and Assembly amended identical budget “trailer bill” language into several bills that each house could use to vote, on Wednesday. Both houses amend identical bills because sometimes one house may get delayed on a certain bill – while the other house may end up passing several (as was the case when the vote actually took place Wednesday). The budget trailer bill that passes first out of one house – is likely (but not always) the bill that ends up being passed by the second house and then sent on to the Governor.

· Sometimes neither identical bill ends up passing – and a totally different bill number is used to amend the same trailer bill language or language that is slightly different.

· “Urgency” clause or provision means the bill is considered an “emergency” or “urgency” that needs to take effect immediately after the Governor signs it. A bill with such a provision needs 54 votes (2/3rds) in the Assembly and 27 votes (2/3rds) in the State Senate. While the bill takes effect immediately if signed by the Governor, the specific things (such as a specific spending cut) could have a later effective date. If it doesn’t, then the spending cut or change in the bill takes effect immediately.

MAIN BUDGET BILL

· The main budget bill does not contain the changes in State law needed to implement reductions or savings in the Governor’s 2011-2012 State Budget (as modified by the Budget Conference Committee on March 3rd).

· The changes in state law needed to implement reductions in the main budget bill are contained in the various budget “trailer bills” below – called “trailer bills” because those bills follow or trail the main budget bill after it is passed and signed into law by the Governor.

SB 69 – Main Budget Bill

Download copy of this bill (704 pages):

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/sen/sb_0051-0100/sb_69_bill_20110307_proposed.pdf

LAST AMENDED: 03/07/2011 (Budget Conference Committee report)

LOCATION: State Senate Floor

LATEST ACTION 03/16/2011: No action or vote was taken on the main budget bill.

MEDI-CAL, ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE, HEALTHY FAMILIES

· Includes reductions to Medi-Cal, including elimination of Adult Day Health Centers, 10% reduction to Medi-Cal providers, mandatory co-payments, reductions to Healthy Families program and other cuts [MSSP reduction, though a Medi-Cal program, is under “Human Services Budget Trailer Bill”]

· Contains provision dealing with Lanterman Developmental Center closure transition.

· Bill was amended 03/16/2011 in the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee (see below CDCAN Note).

AB 97 – Health Budget Trailer Bill

Download copy of this bill (133 pages):

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0051-0100/ab_97_bill_20110314_amended_sen_v98.pdf

LAST AMENDED: 03/16/2011

LATEST ACTION 03/16/2011: PASSED State Senate 36-2 with urgency provision. PASSED Assembly 56 to 14 with urgency provision.

NEXT STEPS: Goes next to the Governor for approval.

CDCAN NOTE: Initial vote on this bill (around 5:15 PM) was taken by mistake without the urgency provision, which requires 27 votes. That provision was added and the vote was retaken at 7:34 PM. This bill was amended in the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee today (March 16th) that deleted a provision dealing with the Maddy Emergency Medical Fund and also the provision that extended the Medi-Cal Managed Care tax under AB 1422 (enacted in 2009). All other provisions of the bill remained the same.

SB 72 - Human Services Budget Trailer Bill

Download copy of this bill (80 pages):

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/sen/sb_0051-0100/sb_72_bill_20110314_amended_asm_v98.pdf

LAST AMENDED: 03/14/2011

LATEST ACTION 03/16/2011: PASSED Assembly 54 to 6 with urgency provision. PASSED State Senate 39 to 0 with urgency provision.

CDCAN NOTE: No changes were made to this bill since 03/14/2011.

REGIONAL CENTERS & DEVELOPMENTAL CENTERS

· This budget related (trailer) bill includes provisions dealing with regional centers and developmental services under the Developmental Services budget including reductions achieved through imposing conflict of interest, audit requirements, administrative caps for those agencies with “negotiated rates”, accountability and transparency measures, and third party liability.

· Also included is continuation of the 4.25% reduction in payments to nearly all regional center providers and regional center operations through at least June 30, 2012.

· Included is direction from Legislature to the Department of Developmental Services on proposal it wants to review and consider approving to achieve the $174 million (previously $150 million) reduction in State general fund spending in regional center community based services

· Note: some provisions dealing with Lanterman Developmental Center transition are in the Health trailer bills (AB 97)

SB 74 – Developmental Services Budget Trailer Bill

Download copy of this bill (36 pages):

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/sen/sb_0051-0100/sb_74_bill_20110314_amended_asm_v98.pdf

LAST AMENDED: 03/14/2011

LATEST ACTION 03/16/2011: PASSED Assembly 56 to 16 with urgency provision. PASSED State Senate 35 to 1 with urgency provision.

NEXT STEPS: Goes to Governor for approval.

CDCAN Note: No changes were made to this bill since it was amended 03/14/2011.

PROPOSITION 10 (CHILDREN & FAMILIES FIRST ACT OF 1998)

· This budget related (trailer) bill contains the necessary changes in State law dealing with the shifting (or reduction) of $1 billion in Proposition funds to Medi-Cal children’s programs.

· Of this amount,$50 million will be from accounts, including reserve funds as specified, under the State Commission; and $950 million will be from combined balances, including reserves as specified, under the County Commissions.

· County Commissions that received less than $600,000 in California Children and Families Trust Fund revenues in the 2009-2010 State budget year are exempt.

AB 99 – Proposition 10 Budget Trailer Bill

Download copy of this bill (7 pages)

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0051-0100/ab_99_bill_20110314_amended_sen_v98.pdf

LAST AMENDED: 03/14/2011

LATEST ACTION 03/16/2011: PASSED State Senate 36 to 3 with urgency provision. Assembly PASSED 55 to 16 with urgency provision.

NEXT STEPS: Goes to Governor for approval.

CDCAN NOTE: No changes were made to this bill since 03/14/2011.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ACT

· This budget related (trailer) bill contains necessary changes in State law to shift (reduction) about $900 million from Mental Health Services Act to 3 mental health community based programs (EPSDT, or Early, Periodic, Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program); mental health services for special education students under AB 3632; and Medi-Cal mental health managed care services.

AB 100 – Mental Health Services Act

Download copy of this bill (17 pages):

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0051-0100/ab_100_bill_20110314_amended_sen_v98.pdf

LAST AMENDED: 03/14/2011

LATEST ACTION 03/16/2011: PASSED State Senate 37 to 2 with urgency provision. PASSED Assembly 55 to 14 with urgency provision.

NEXT STEPS: Goes to Governor for approval.

CDCAN NOTE: No changes were made to this bill since 03/14/2011.

REDEVELOPMENT & AFFORDABLE HOUSING

· This bill deals with elimination of redevelopment agencies and transition process for the orderly wind-down of redevelopment agencies activities, including completion of some mid-phase projects.

· Establishes “Successor Agencies” to the redevelopment agencies effective July 1, 2011, that would be, except in certain situations, such as those involving an Redevelopment Agencies based on a joint powers authority, the entity that created the redevelopment agency.

· If no local agency chooses to be the “Successor Agency”, a designated local authority would be formed, whose three members would be appointed by the Governor.

· Allows for the continuation of housing activities by the “Successor Agency”, which would be permitted to assume responsibility for housing obligations and to use the existing balance in the low and moderate income housing fund Set-aside for these purposes.

· If the “Successor Agency” chooses not to assume the housing activity responsibilities, the funds would be transferred to the local housing authority or to the Department of Housing and Community Development

AB 101 – Redevelopment Agencies

Download copy of this bill (64 pages):

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0101-0150/ab_101_bill_20110315_amended_sen_v98.pdf

LAST AMENDED: 03/14/2011

LOCATION: State Senate Floor

LATEST ACTION 03/16/2011: None

SB 77 – Redevelopment Agencies

Download copy of this bill (64 pages):

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/sen/sb_0051-0100/sb_77_bill_20110315_amended_asm_v98.pdf

LAST AMENDED: 03/15/2011

LOCATION: Assembly Floor

LATEST ACTION 03/16/2011: Vote taken but fell 1 vote short of passage. Reconsideration granted (meaning another vote can be taken on this bill).

NEXT STEP: Will likely be taken up again Thursday either in the Assembly or Senate.

CDCAN NOTE: No changes were made to this bill since 03/14/2011.

EDUCATION

· Education trailer bill was NOT taken up by either the full Assembly or State Senate on Wednesday, March 16. The education trailer bill (AB 94) in the State Senate however was formally heard and referred out of Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee with amendments today (March 16)

· These two trailer bills include changes to state law to implement reductions to higher education (community colleges, California State University and University of California).

· ONE of these two bills, will be passed by both houses and sent to the Governor, though at this point in time, it is not certain which of the two identical bills will move forward.

AB 94 – Education Finance

Download copy of this bill (108 pages):

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0051-0100/ab_94_bill_20110314_amended_sen_v98.pdf

LAST AMENDED: 03/16/2011

LOCATION: State Senate Floor

LATEST ACTION 03/16/2011: Bill was heard and referred out of Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee with amendments. It was not taken up for a vote on the Senate floor today.

CDCAN Note: This bill now differs from the education trailer bill in the Assembly (SB 70), with amendments made today (03/16/2011) in the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee.

SB 70 – Education Finance

Download copy of this bill (108 pages):

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/sen/sb_0051-0100/sb_70_bill_20110314_amended_asm_v98.pdf

LAST AMENDED: 03/14/2011

LOCATION: Assembly Floor

LATEST ACTION 03/16/2011: None

TRANSPORTATION

AB 105 – Transportation Trailer Bill (as amended 03/14/2011)

Download copy of this bill (61 pages):

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0101-0150/ab_105_bill_20110314_amended_sen_v98.pdf

LAST AMENDED: 03/16/2011

LATEST ACTION 03/16/2011: PASSED State Senate 39 to 0 with urgency provision. PASSED Assembly 66 to 3 with urgency provision.

NEXT STEP: Goes to Governor for approval.

CDCAN NOTE: This bill was amended 03/16/2011 in Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee hearing.

REVENUES – TAXATION: PERSONAL INCOME & CORPORATE TAX

· The Assembly and State Senate did NOT take up these revenue related trailer bills on Wednesday, March 16.

· These two identical bills would establish a mandatory single sales factor for apportionment of corporate income tax across states and changes the manner in which the location of sales of service and intangibles are assigned, and would eliminate the enterprise zone tax credits.

· ONE of these two bills, will be passed by both houses and sent to the Governor, though at this point in time, it is not certain which of the two identical bills will move forward.

AB 103 – Taxation – Personal Income and Corporation Tax

Download copy of this bill (156 pages):

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0101-0150/ab_103_bill_20110314_amended_sen_v98.pdf

LAST AMENDED: 03/14/2011

LOCATION: State Senate floor

LATEST ACTION 03/16/2011: None

SB 79 – Taxation – Personal Income and Corporation Tax

Download copy of this bill (156 pages):

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/sen/sb_0051-0100/sb_79_bill_20110314_amended_asm_v98.pdf

LAST AMENDED: 03/14/2011

LOCATION: Assembly Floor

LATEST ACTION 03/16/2011: None

TAX INCREASE TEMPORARY EXTENSION & REALIGNMENT

· The Assembly and State Senate did NOT take any action on this bill.

· This constitutional amendment, titled “The Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act of 2011" will generate approximately $11 billion by maintaining 2010 sales and use tax rates, vehicle license fee rates, and personal income tax rates for five years.

· These revenues will be dedicated to local public safety services realigned from the State to local governments and to help prevent cuts to local public schools and community colleges.

· This constitutional amendment will also guarantee local governments ongoing funding for realigned public safety services beyond the five-years and provides protections to counties against increased costs from future

SCAX1 1 The Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act of 2011: Constitutional Amendment

Download copy of this bill (10 pages):

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/sen/sb_0001-0050/scax1_1_bill_20110314_introduced.pdf

LAST AMENDED: 03/14/2011

LOCATION: State Senate Floor

LATEST ACTION 03/16/2011: None

The Arc Testifies: No More Cuts

2011-02-07T15:25:00.000-08:00

Over 200 advocates, service providers and family members stood in a long line to testify on Friday 2/4 at the California State Assembly.

I was proud to lead our contingent from The Arc of San Francisco and highlight our key concerns:

BUDGET CUTS

The state cannot balance the budget on the backs of people with developmental disabilities. We've already been cut to the bone with rate freezes for the last 10 years and a 4.25% 'discount' that amounts to a loss of over $100,000 each year--just to The Arc of San Francisco alone. Further cuts would essentially dismantle the Lanterman Act which guarantees the supports our clients need to live in the community.

MEANS TESTING

This idea--that the state will assess the income of families and clients and determine who is eligible for services--is discriminatory and stigmatizes lower income families. The Lanterman Act gave all our children with developmental disabilities in California the right to be served, just like all kids have the right to a public education. Will the State also start a 'means test' to determine elegibility for public school?

SETTING STANDARDS BY SURVEY MONKEY

The state has asked for concerned families to provide input using an open-ended questionnaire created on Survey Monkey (!). We cannot set policy using an unscientific, unmeasurable and subjective format. We need changes in our system that are based on what's working and not working efficiently in our state.

WHAT'S NEXT?

On February 17th, Thursday at 9:20am in Sacramento, the Senate Budget Committee, chaired by Senator Mark Leno, will be hearing our concerns. JOIN US! Or email/call your legislator to give your feedback on these issues.

Thanks to eveyone who took time to testify on Friday, and to those of you raising your voices for the services and human rights of people with disabilities so that they can be included in our communities--not segregated.

Tim

Tim Hornbecker, CEO

(Photo: Tim Hornbecker testifying before the California State Assembly)

New Developmental Services Survey

2011-01-28T09:17:00.000-08:00

Message from the CA Department of Developmental Services

IMPORTANT SURVEY: www.dds.ca.gov/survey

The Department has posted a survey on its website to get input on statewide service standards covering:

Behavioral Services
Day Program, Supported Employment and Work Activity Program Services
Early Start Services
Health Care and Therapeutic Services
Independent Living and Supported Living Services
Residential Services
Respite and other Family Supports
Transportation Services

The survey is anonymous, and will be online until February 15, 2011.

Input is sought from consumers, family members, service providers, regional centers, advocates, policy advisors and the general public.

Thank you for your feedback.

Terri Delgadillo, Director

New Health Survey

2010-11-22T14:27:00.000-08:00

Your input is needed. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are grossly underserved in our current healthcare system. The Arc and other local partners are working to create a new roadmap for better quality care.
At the same time, The University of Illinois at Chicago, in partnership with Special Olympics, is conducting a longitudinal study about health needs for people with I/DD. The study will gather knowledge regarding behavior and outcomes of persons with I/DD over a 5-year period. The results will provide more insight and knowledge to help healthcare providers and policy makers better serve this population.
Family members, caregivers, service workers, and adults with I/DD are invited to enroll. Participants will receive a $5 Subway gift card. To register and learn more, CLICK HERE.

Thank you for your valuable contribution! Together, we can change the healthcare system for the benefit of people with disabilities.

Tim
Tim Hornbecker
CEO

Your Comments are Needed

2010-11-17T17:00:00.000-08:00

The Arc of San Francisco, in collaboration with The Arc of the United States and UCP, supports the proposed Social Security Administration Mental Disorders regulations.
SSA has published the proposed regulations and the criteria used to help determine whether an individual with intellectual disability, mental illness, autism, Alzheimer's, traumatic injury or other cognitive or mental disorders is disabled for purposes of the SSI (Social Security Income) program or the Social Security disability programs.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE NEEDED TO SUPPORT THESE PROPOSED REGULATIONS: CLICK HERE.

Thank you for your support!

Tim
Tim Hornbecker
CEO

Senator Yee Honored

2010-10-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

What Senator Leland Yee says, he means! He emphatically told us that the State Budget should not be balanced on the backs of people with disabilities. He would not vote for a budget that added another 1.25% cut to the rates of services for people with developmental disabilities, as well as a cut of 3.6% in hours to people receiving In Home Support Services (IHSS).
Because of his unpopular vote that clashed with the majority of the State Senate, Senator Yee lost his Senate leadership position as assistant president pro tempore. For his bold support of people with developmental disabilities, The Arc of California is honoring him with the Profile in Courage Award at their public policy conference in March 2011.

Thank you, Senator Yee, for your integrity and your courage to go against your fellow politicians who told us the same, but voted for the cuts to the elderly and people with disabilities.

Tim

Tim Hornbecker, CEO

Work, Sweat and Dignity

2010-09-02T16:38:00.001-07:00

Close to fifty clients of The Arc converged on McKinley Square Park today in response to a call for help to clean, clear, weed and restore the small but beautiful park that sits at the top of Potrero Hill.
Billy was among the group and I was curious to see how he'd respond to this new experience. Billy is a young man with severe autism. His speech is limited and when I see him at The Arc's offices, he's often pacing around the lunchroom or sitting in a corner rocking back and forth. He sometimes hits himself repetitively.
But today was different.
At first, he stood apart from the group studying the other Arc clients who were raking dead branches on the park hillside.
It was clear he wanted to get involved, but didn't know how.
Eventually, one of the park gardeners took him aside and helped him put on some gloves. He then patiently showed Billy how to pick up a few fallen branches and bring them to the big pile of slash at the top of the hill. Billy listened quietly and then started gathering branches for the pile. Not just any branch would do--he was selective. But when he had an armful, up the hill he went, joining the line of other guys as the big slash pile grew and grew.
Over and over again, Billy made the trek up the hill with his small pile of carefully chosen branches. He stayed on task, going up and down in the hot sun without complaint. Occasionally, his friends would give him a shout of encouragement; their spirit of camaraderie and support was infectious.
A small smile crept over his face and stayed there--all morning.
I see Billy every day at The Arc. But I have never seen him as quiet, as focused or involved in anything as he was today.
It's great that the folks at McKinley Park welcomed The Arc volunteers. It's good for our clients, our community and the parks we love.
But what our clients' enthusiasm says to me more than anything is: "We want to work."
People with developmental disabilities don't want handouts or charity. Or pity. Like everyone else, they want a job that makes them feel useful, doing something that really matters and earning a decent wage in the process.
Sure, not everyone on the hillside today was working at the same level of productivity. It was hot; it was heavy lifting. But even those sidelined by limitations had responsibilities; handing out water bottles or watching the backpacks--everyone had a job to do.
Billy and other people with Down syndrome, autism or cerebral palsy can learn--that's clear. And then they need a place to apply their abilities.
When people are denied the opportunity to work, they are denied respect and acknowledgment of their worth. Conversely, people who work have the means to express their individuality and realize their potential as human beings.
Teaching Billy new tasks takes a little more time and effort, but isn't it worth it?
Let's think about how we can put more Arc clients to work. 4 hours a day or 4 hours a week, I can promise you that you'll find no more dedicated, loyal--and grateful--employees than clients from The Arc.
To help someone become a real adult in the real working world--it's giving back at a level that's truly transformational. To change someone's entire life through no more than a simple part-time job is an accomplishment we can all be proud of.
If quality of life in San Francisco really means something to us, we've got to put more people with developmental disabilities where they belong: in our workforce.

Meredith Manning

Community Relations

Bill to Restore Services Passes

2010-08-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

At the request of The Arc and Assembly Member Wesley Chesbro, the state has agreed to send notices to all regional centers advising them that people with developmental disabilites still have the right to participate in planning their own services.

This is a huge step for people whose services were reduced, eliminated or changed in any way without Individual Program Plan (IPP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) team meetings, and for anyone who faces that disturbing possibility in the future.

Thank you sincerely to the hundreds of you who responded to The Arc's action alerts this year and sent emails supporting our bill to assure that our community keeps the right to IPP/IFSP meetings. It was Assembly Bill 2702, sponsored by The Arc and introduced for us by Assembly Member Chesbro.

Greg deGiere, The Arc of California

No Limits!

2010-07-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

I was really inspired today at the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at City Hall.
Two decades ago, barriers such as high sidewalks, inaccessible busses, unreadable signage and ramp-less buildings barred millions from leading fuller, more productive lives.
Then came the lawsuits.
As Mayor Newsom said at today's celebration, it took legal action to ensure that all San Franciscan's have equal access to transportation, public services, employment and telecommunications.
The Arc of San Francisco, along with a coalition of other activists, worked hard to make sure we keep Golden Gate Park accessible.
Today, I stood with Supervisor Bevan Dufty who acknowledged the many battles won, but also the work ahead as LGBTQ people with disabilities challenge everyone to look at our assumptions about inclusion and equal access.
Viewing the Disability Pride quilt with all of our clients attending this event, I was proud to be a part of a movement that has transformed the lives of so many.
Let's see what the next 20 years will bring! No limits!
Tim
Tim Hornbecker
CEO

Photo: John at City Hall with the Disability Pride quilt.

Tony's Hookups and Karaoke

2010-07-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

One of our more successful microenterprises is packing the house these days: Tony's Hookups.

Tony hosted a social and karaoke party last week--within minutes of opening doors to the event, there was standing room only for all the clients who came to sing, dance and hang out with friends.

Tony put a business plan together with help from his instructor months ago, and all his hard work is paying off. He charges $2/month to be a member of the social club; parties are another $2.oo and include refreshments and snacks.

Impresario Tony runs the show from his 'chair, surrounded by his assistants, "Tony's Angels."

Stay tuned for more news from our growing client microenterprises!

Tim

Tim Hornbecker, CEO

Big Healthy Salad

2010-06-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

Hi. I'm Helen and I want to share my recipe for a big healthy salad. You can make it for you and your friends like I did.

HEALTHY SALAD
2 avocados
2 head of lettuce
1 cabbage
2 carrots
2 cucumbers
2 cloves garlic
1 cup rice vinegar
1 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 lb. chicken breasts
2 teaspoons hot and spicy bake mix
2 eggs

Boil eggs and slice afterwards. Wash and drain lettuce. Shred. Slice avocados, cucumbers, garlic and carrots. Wash garlic and chicken breasts then cut into small pieces. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil and wait for it to get hot. Add garlic, chicken, hot and spicy bake mix and salt. Heat rest of olive oil and wait for it to get hot. Then turn off heat and wait for cool down. Combine with rice vingar, beat well or mix well. Serve and smile!

Budget Justice Now!

2010-05-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

The Arc of San Francisco sent nine advocates to the Disability Capitol Action Day in Sacramento recently. Along with celebrating 20 years of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), over 2,000 people from around the state asked for "No More Cuts" to people with disabilities. The Governor's budget proposes a cut in services for people with developmental disabilities of 25 million dollars (this is actually a 50 million cut in services due to the loss of Federal matching funds) on top of the 500 million dollar cut last year.

The Arc of California was just one of the 11 organizations sponsoring the event. Our own Senator Leland Yee emphatically told the crowd, "We do not balance the budget on the backs of people with disabilities. I will not vote for the cuts. These services are a lifeline. All of you have dignity--don't ever let any one of us tell you different. No more cuts!"

I urge you all to contact Senator Mark Leno who, contrary to his staunch stand on no cuts to our services, just voted in favor of the 1.25% (25 million dollar) cuts in the Senate Budget Conference Commitee. Please call him now: (415) 557-1300 or (916) 651-4003.

Thank you for speaking up!

Tim

Tim Hornbecker, CEO, The Arc of San Francisco

Photo: State Capitol, Sacramento-(back) Jackie Kenley, Michelle Giacopazzi, Rob Repke, Tim Hornbecker, Kiyoko Shiosaki; (front) Laura Kenley, Spencer De Bella, Tatyana Boyko, Joe Flanagan.

Budget Battle Update

2010-04-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

Last week, I was in Washington D.C. with other advocates at The Arc's National Disability Policy Conference where we reviewed the President's 2011 budget request to Congress. The budget level-funds most disability related programs, provides small increases for some priorities and cuts or consolidates others. Members of The Arc, UCP and other leading advocacy organizations have responded with our own recommendations affecting housing, health care and education for our constituency.
The attached FACT SHEET provides our summary. Work on the FY 2011 Budget Resolution begins in mid-April, so we'll keep you posted.

On the state front, the Schwarzenegger administration asked the Legislature on 4/26 to cut another 1.25% from the amount the state pays to community service providers, and the same percentage from the regional centers' operating budgets. That's on top of the 3% cuts last year.

Together with the loss of adult education and other funds, that would cut some service providers by 10%.

Please take this opportunity to let legislators know cuts to services for people with developmental disabilities is not the fix that's needed. Our Legislator, Senator Mark Leno, needs to hear from clients, service providers and family members regarding the impact further cuts to services will have on people with developmental disabilities, from the continued erosion of basic services and supports to the possible closure of some service resources. Contact Senator Leno today.

Keep advocating!
Tim
CEO, The Arc of San Francisco

CEO Advocacy Update

2010-04-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

Over 500 advocates attended The Arc's National Disability Policy Conference last week, including our own self-advocate Mark Marshall, parents Pat Napoliello and Jackie Kenley, and myself. We heard presentations and national budget recommendations on Health Care Reform, Employment, Housing, Education and Legislation in need of reauthorization. We then visited our legislators on Capitol Hill, urging their support. We were able to personally meet with Senator Feinstein, Senator Boxer, and Congresswoman Jackie Speier (who worked with our clients earlier in her career). We were even able to get into the offices of Senator Pelosi and speak with two of her top aides on Education and Health Care.
Our Governor has requested more funding and an extension of the enhanced federal share of MediCaid spending (FMAP) for California, or he will eliminate our In Home Support Services, CalWorks, and Healthy Families. These services severely impact our clients, including current cuts in MediCal. We asked for their support. We advocated for the passage of the Direct Support Professional Training Act, which would offer increased training and salaries to Direct Support Professionals. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) needs adequate funding for programs like the former No Child Left Behind. Over 40,000 uncertified teachers are currently teaching in Special Education throughout the country.
We gave examples of the serious housing needs in the Bay Area, and informed legislators of the new 53,000 Section 8 Housing Vouchers for which our state should be applying! Mark Marshall shared how important his job coach is to him, and that both the Vocational Rehab Act and Work Initiative Act (WIA) should be reauthorized. Finally, the CLASS Act (Community Living Asistance Services and Supports) is currently part of the new Health Care Reform. It creates a new national long-term care insurance program for people to pay into; so that they can remain independent, employed, and engaged in their community if they develop a functional impairment, thus not having to declare bankruptcy, which is the current situation. We asked our representatives not to vote this out of the new Health Care Reform Act.
I will sharing more on the issues that we emphasized, and I hope that you too will take this opportunity to contact our legislators.

Keep advocating!
Tim
Tim Hornbecker, CEO

Dish It Up!

2010-04-15T12:59:00.001-07:00

This week we have an entry from Helen Yu who loves to cook and share good food with her friends.

Seredipity's Recipes

Hi everyone, I'm Helen. This is my first recipe for The Arc's BlogTalk with many more to come!
When I first tasted this recipe from my instructor Howard, I asked him, "Can you give this recipe to me please?" After I tried it, I felt like this is my favorite recipe and I really love it. It is also very easy to make and healthy to eat. When it was my birthday, I made this recipe and at the same time Howard left me a message saying 'Happy Birthday' and it was serendipity.

Howard's Recipe
7 1/2 lb. salmon, skin removed (or 4 pre-packaged salmon patties)
1/4 cup plain dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon dill
1 egg lightly beaten
1 teaspoon reduced fat mayonaisse
2 teaspoons corn starch
1 onion
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil cooking spray

Mix all ingredients except the cooking spray in a medium size bowl. Form into 4 equal-size patties. Coat a medium nonstick pan with the cooking spray, heat over medium high heat. Cook the salmon patties on both sides until golden brown. Serve. Serendipity!

Dish It Up!

2010-04-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

March: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

2010-03-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

More Alike Than Different
That's the title of a book by Lee Bussard, still available on Amazon.com.
Lee was an ardent advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But he was also a motivational speaker and comedian with cerebral palsy who spoke at conventions and to Fortune 500 companies worldwide.
His goal was to take the "D" out of D-isabled. Labels like "disabled" or "handicapped" emphasize what people with disabilities (note the people first language; not 'disabled people') cannot do, instead of what they can do.
Lee would say that all of us are more alike than different, with the same hopes, dreams and desires for self-determination, dignity and quality of life.
In March, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we invite you to join The Arc in celebrating our similarities rather than our differences.

The Vision of The Arc of San Francisco
A community where disability is a distinction without a difference.

Tim Hornbecker, CEO

End the "R-Word" Now

2010-02-10T11:05:00.000-08:00

The Arc is just one of thousands of organizations joining the "Spread the Word to End the Word" campaign. Tim Shriver and the Special Olympics have collaborated with The Arc to meet with the White House staff in seeking a public apology from Rahm Emanuel's use of the words "f----- retarded" in a closed door rant against some liberal activists' idea to run ads against conservative Democrats.

Then we have Rush Limbaugh almost 'rushing' to Emanuel's defense, and objecting to Sarah Palin's condemnation of the use of the "r-word" by saying on the air, "Our politically correct society is acting like some giant insult's taken place by calling a bunch of people who are retards, retards." (See story.)

Last year, The Arc sponsored a Rally for Respect in reaction to the use of the r-word in the movie Tropical Thunder. I marched outside the Lowe's Theatre with Ray, one of our clients. He told a news reporter and me how hurtful it was to be called "Retard Ray" in grammar and high school. There are thousands like Ray, and enough is enough. Can we finally put an end to the use of such demeaning, damaging terms, equal to using the n-word?

Please do your part. So far, 55,000 people have pledged to "change the conversation" by logging on to www.r-word.org, the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. We're hoping to obtain at 100,000 plus signatures. Help us get there and make your pledge today!

Tim Hornbecker, CEO

Create a Job, Get a Tax Break

2010-02-03T15:54:00.000-08:00

While Mayor Newsom's State of the City address cited San Francisco's 10% unemployment rate, the city's most vulnerable citizens have taken the toughest hits from our faltering economy.

The unemployment rate for people with developmental disabilities is over 70%--a dire statistic with huge consequences for the clients we serve already living at poverty levels.

For most of our job-seeking clients, even getting an interview has been next to impossible. Business have tightened their belts and fear hiring new employees in such an uncertain economy.

Payroll tax waiver can make a difference

That's why the Mayor's proposal to waive payroll taxes on all new hires for two years makes sense. This waiver would incentivize employers to hire new staff, provide significant savings, and inspire businesses to invest in the human resources needed to expand now. The exemption is also a huge incentive for businesses to relocate to San Francisco.

The Mayor has proposed three different tax proposals to address the budget shortfall: the payroll tax waiver, a $2,000 tax credit for small businesses mandated to provide health coverage, and tax incentives for biotech companies moving to our City.

I think our Supervisors should give serious consideration to all three proposals--especially the tax waiver for new hires.

The true force behind a healthy economy is its workers. People with developmental disabilities who work are more self-sufficient, they're less of a drain on social services, and they funnel more money into the economy through their spending and by paying taxes.

Let your Supervisor know that you want the San Francisco Board to give serious consideration to Mayor Newsom's tax proposals.

Tim Hornbecker, CEO

Call to Prevent Harm to Children

2010-01-21T10:59:00.000-08:00

We need your support in calling your representative today to support a bill protecting children with developmental disabilities. HR 4247, S 2860 is the Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act that will establish minimum safety standards in schools.

A disproportionate number of children with autism, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities are victims of these harmful methods used in classrooms.

Call your representative today to ensure their support for this important piece of legislation.

Take Action Here.

Thank you for your support,

Tim

Tim Hornbecker, CEO The Arc of San Francisco

Job Services get a Critical Lift from Wells Fargo

2010-01-07T09:49:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to announce that The Arc of San Francisco has been awarded a total of $30,000 from the Wells Fargo Foundation. The funds will be put toward our Employment Services and couldn't come at a better time.
With unemployment at over 10% nationwide, people with developmental disabilities are struggling with a 70% unemployment rate. Our clients have suffered job losses and cutbacks that severely impact their ability to live independently.
Most of our clients are living on the edge of poverty, and a part-time job provides the critical supplemental funds needed to rent a room in a shared house or apartment.
Losing that income is the tipping point that forces a person to either move back in to a restrictive group home, or become homeless.
Our job developers are working doubly hard to find employment for over 150 Arc clients seeking work. We are grateful to the Wells Fargo Foundation for providing the vital resources we need to keep our clients solvent.
--Tim Hornbecker, CEO
(Photo: Joseph Mah and Ron Atwal from the Wells Fargo Foundation with The Arc's Timothy Hornbecker.)

Awful Gifts from Nice People: 10 Ways to say "Thank You"

2009-12-22T12:48:00.000-08:00

We asked our clients how they handle thanking someone very nice for a gift that is pretty awful.

Here are their suggestions:

Pat: It's beautiful. But I don't think it will fit me.

Jason: Thank you for surprising me!

Donald: It's nice. I'd like to give it back to you, please.

Connie: I have other gifts to open so I'll try it on later.

Melvin: This is a nice present.

Sharon: Your gift is precious to me.

Vernae: I've never seen anything like this before!

John: I don't want to try it on, but thanks.

Vadim: Thank you. Maybe you can give this to someone else?

Beth: Everything is nice. Everything is a gift.

Happy Holidays from all of us at The Arc of San Francisco!

2009-12-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

Our recent holiday celebration was a blast, beginning with a pizza party for 200, moving on to the client Talent Show and then out on to the dance floor. (Didn't know Santa could move like that.)

The party was the culmination of a busy week for staff, volunteers and wish list donors who really stepped up this year to support our clients needing not only a little cheer, but also some basic clothing and household items.

Thank you to everyone who made a tough year a little warmer and brighter for the people with developmental disabilities we are proud to serve.

Check out these photos.
Meredith

Meredith Manning
Community Outreach

International Day of People with Disabilities

2009-12-03T11:43:00.000-08:00

Today, the United Nations and people all over the world are celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Events, forums, performances and advocacy activities will be taking place all day at the UN in New York and across the globe to promote awareness of disabilities issues and advances. From landmine victims in Bosnia-Herzegovenia to students with autism here in San Francisco, we all have much in common.
One of the key messages from the UN this year is "Difference is Natural."

I think this short video with stories of young people thousands of miles away says alot about the world of disability today.
WATCH VIDEO
Even though President Obama signed the UN Proclamation on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2009, we still have a long way to go before we have full inclusion for people with disabilities into all aspects of political, social, economic and cultural life.
Our agency is only a small part of the UN's effort to change the world, but we are waging equality for our clients every day in our community--as Arc job coaches, health advocates and skills instructors. With the passion and dedication of our staff, and the determination and will of our clients, we are all helping to make possible the UN's goal of dignity and justice for all the world's citizens.

Tim Hornbecker

CEO, The Arc of San Francisco

Stuffed and Grateful

2009-11-24T17:39:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like an intimate dinner for 200.

On Tuesday, I shared in all the fun and frenzy of serving a healthy Thanksgiving dinner to our clients. We pulled our round tables from storage, square tables from our conference rooms and assorted chairs from everywhere else, and managed to get everyone seated and served with no complaints.

In fact, clients told me the food this year was better than ever. "I'm stuffed!" said Clinton, giving kudos to the menu of roast pork, roast beef, stuffing, veggies and pumpkin pie.

I can't say enough about the Rotary Club of San Francisco who organized this event, purchased the food and prepared it all in our small kitchen.

Past President Eric Schmautz from Wells Fargo said he was fortunate to have over 40 Rotary volunteers to help him this year--The Arc is a popular destination!

Current President Scott Plakun of The Plakun Group told me how much it meant for his team to lend a hand in celebrating this traditional holiday.

For many clients, this will be their only special meal of the year and it means a great deal to be able to sit down with peers and be served in a dignified setting with a wonderful plate of well-prepared food.

As we all look forward to sharing Thanksgiving with family and friends, I am especially grateful to our volunteers and our dedicated staff at The Arc who made this day possible.

Tim

Tim Hornbecker, CEO

Meeting Your Goals

2009-11-16T15:58:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm Tatyana, and today I want to talk about meeting your goals.
A goal is something you want to acheive. It's really fun to meet your goals. They can help you learn new things and make you feel good. Some examples of goals are being more responsible, being like an adult, saving money, treating people well, and helping others.

Here are some tips to help you meet your goals:

As your staff for help
Go over your goals before you go to bed
Show up to program
Do what your IPP says

Having goals helps you to be more independent and happy.
Good luck meeting your goals!

*Individual Program Plan

Disability Month Disappointment

2009-10-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

I've been informed unofficially that the Employment, Life Skills and Performing Arts classes that are part of the City College curricula for people with disabilities may no longer be taught at The Arc.

This is disturbing news because many people with developmental disabilties find these classes invaluable, but they cannot access them if they are only available at a remote location like the City College campus out on Phelan Avenue.

During October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, our staff and clients are very aware of the challenges people with Down syndrome, autism and other disabilities face as they try and break into the workforce.

City College has a 25-year relationship with The Arc. Their progressive and inclusive approach to education has honed the skills of many people with disabilities over the years--Job Club students like Tom who practiced his interview skills in class and then landed a job at Boudin's Bakery. Or like Nancy, a class graduate who is now a taxpaying 10-year veteran employee at Trader Joe's.

When I first heard about the changes being considered, I wrote to the CCSF Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) Chair Paul Johnson, Dean Larry Klein, Chancellor Don Griffin and President Milton Marks.
I am somewhat relieved that a quick decision was made to continue these classes at least through the Spring term.

But what happens after that?

I'm very concerned that eliminating classes taught at The Arc will deprive students with the least access to the adult education they need to compete in today's job market.

Are students with developmental disabilities any less valuable than other students? Aren't the classes that help these individuals succeed just as important as other CCSF career development courses?

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, as we celebrate the work and achievements of people with disabilities across the United States, I thank CCSF instructors and administrators for providing the innovative classes that are critical to achieve a fully inclusive workplace.

I encourage CCSF's leadership not to eliminate the vital education people with developmental disabilities must have if they are to reach their fullest potential in the workplace and in life.

Tim

Tim Hornbecker is the Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of San Francisco.

Connie's Job Savvy Fashion Tips

2009-09-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm Connie and here are tips for dressing right on the job which is really important if you want to keep it:

Don't over-accessorize Don't include too much "bling" in your outfit. Not only will your boss be turned off, you might lose your job. If you're trying to get a job, you might not get hired.

Don't wear loud jewelry No tacky jewelry except for a watch if you're working or interviewing.

Dress for your interview It's better to over-dress than under-dress here. Don't wear a t-shirt or shorts!

Know the dress code Find out about your dress code so that you know what to wear to work. If there's a strict dress code, then you should follow it--like wearing a suit. Of course, there may be casual Fridays when you can wear anything within limits. Casual clothes are ok for these days like nice t-shirts and jeans, but not a swimsuit, wetsuit, beach cover-up, etc. Wear anything like that and you'll probably lose your job!

I'd like to hear your tips for dressing on the job, so write to me at BlogTalk. (I like stories about fashion disasters, too--have you seen any lately?)

Hurt by Budget Cuts?

2009-09-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

Have the California budget cuts hurt you, a person you care for or a family member with disabilities?

Many people have lost their Medi-Cal benefits covering their dental, podiatry, mental health or chiropractic needs. Others who are under a Level 4 on the Scale of Need by Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) no longer have In Home Support Services (IHSS) to do their shopping, meal preparation and cleaning. Transportation services have been cut, respite hours have been drastically reduced, and our clients over 50 must now be offered a new Senior Service at a 1-to-8 staff-to-client ratio at $35 per day, versus the prior 1-to-3 staff ratio at $72 per day.

$334 million has been cut from our DDS budget, which means many of you have lost services. Please let us know so we can advocate to the Governor and Legislators about how your lives have been impacted. Your voice matters.

From Tim Hornbecker

Timothy Hornbecker is Chief Executive Officer, The Arc of San Francisco

Cruise on the Bay

2009-08-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

On the Bay, SF--8/22/09

The weather cleared just in time for a ship full of Arc Angels to sail the San Francisco Bay in support of The Arc on Saturday. We wanted to show our appreciation for all our Arc Angels do in helping to get The Arc through these difficult financial times, literally keeping our heads above water.

Over 50 people including Arc Angels, clients, family and friends sailed from Sausalito to the Golden Gate Bridge and back enjoying the views (including dolphins!) and hors d'oeuvres (all homemade by guest chef Eric Schmautz with the San Francisco Rotary).

Our vessel was a 75-foot custom built yacht--a special donation from two anonymous contributors especially with the Arc Angels in mind.

Even though times are very difficult, former Board President Greg Murphy urged everyone who could to renew and increase their annual pledges to The Arc so we can sustain our services and continue to provide the best quality of support for our clients.

Special thanks to Pat Napoliello for making this event happen and to Laura Repke for organizing all the details.

And thank you again to all our Arc Angels who braved the seas in support of our mission!

Tim Hornbecker

Tim is Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of San Francisco

Photo: Anne Slater, a client of The Arc, with Dick Essey, Arc Angel.

Making Friends

2009-08-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

Hi, I’m Leonette. I’m going to give you some advice on getting along with friends.

How to meet friends

First introduce yourself to the person you may like. Then you can spend time together. You can do things like go out for coffee, or talk to them on the phone. My roommate Judy and I have been friends for a long time. We met at the Special Olympics; you can meet lots of people there.

Here’s what’s important in a friend

Friends are trustworthy, dependable and thoughtful. They don’t get jealous. A friend is someone you can look up to. It’s important to understand each other.

Friends are helpful

It’s nice to have friends because you can depend on them; like they’ll wait for you. I help my friends if they are in a bad mood or they’re upset. I’ll ask them what’s wrong and try to get them to talk about it. It’s important to listen to your friends. You can help solve problems together; that’s what Judy and I try and do.

Leo is a member of The Arc of San Francisco's Client Advisory Committee.

Photo: Leo (left) with friend Judy.

Eunice Shriver: Mourning a Champion

2009-08-11T16:23:00.000-07:00

As every kid knows, you learn best when you're having fun. No one understood this better than Eunice Shriver who founded the Special Olympics in 1962 as a summer camp in her back yard. She had just been appointed to the first Presidential Committee on Intellectual Disabilities.

Looking back, it seems so obvious. Shriver created a program that enables athletes with disabilities to compete in a supportive and challenging environment. She gave participants an opportunity to achieve their personal best with their families and friends cheering them on. Equally importantly, Shriver gave the wider world an opportunity to see this often-misunderstood community at its best.

As the leader of an organization that serves people with developmental disabilities--and a former tennis and basketball Special Olympics coach--I know firsthand how important the games can be in the lives of people with disabilities. At The Arc of San Francisco, we always know it's Special Olympics award season when our bowlers and basketball players make the rounds of our offices wearing their medals and beaming with pride.

Shriver worked with The Arc of the US and California throughout the last 6 years to thwart budget cuts affecting our clients. I had the opportunity to discuss employment with her, and she emphasized that the largest barrier is people's attitude toward people with disabilities, not the disability! Although we will deeply miss this visionary leader, I am comforted knowing that the powerful idea she championed--that people with disabilities have "earned the right to play on any playing field,"--will continue to shape our ideas about abilities, disabilities and each other all over the world.

--Tim Hornbecker

(Tim Hornbecker is Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of San Francisco.)

PHOTO: Patti gets last minute bowling tips from her coach Reggie.

Connie's 5 Tips for Staying Healthy

2009-07-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm Connie. I don't always follow my own advice, but here are some tips for trying to stay healthy:

1) Don't stay up too late watching TV. It makes you tired the next day.

2) Try to eat less fried food. French fries are ok once in a while, but don't get the large.

3) Eat more fruit and vegetables. I eat fruit at night--it's a good snack.

4) Get some exercise. I play soccer but you can take a walk and that's good.

5) Be creative. I write poetry and short stories--what do you like to do?

Healthy & Not So Healthy

2009-07-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

Hi this is Noki from the No-Key Store, my cafe at The Arc. Last night I made a menu by hand for my cafe. I want people to see what they can buy. Some things are healthy like my fruit and vegetable salad. Other things are not so healthy but they are good! (Like cookies!) I really like to draw and design things my own way. I could have made a menu on the computer but I don't think it would be very good.

What Should We Sell?

2009-02-12T15:02:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody. John here. Today I took a class here at The Arc on how to start your own business. We are working on our business plans...I'm working on it with my friend Briana and our instructor Pam. We want to have a cafe where we can sell coffee and tea. People also like muffins and bagels. Bananas, too. I am asking people here what else they think we should sell at my cafe. Do you have ideas? We need to keep it simple.