PennsylvaniaMessage

Winter 2013 - Volume LII, No. 1Quarterly Publication

Governor’s Budget Includes Waiting List FundsOn February 5, Governor Tom Corbett proposed a budget for Fiscal Year 2013-14 which includes almost $20 million to move more people with intellectual and developmental disabilities into community-based services. In his address to the state legislature, he called for the complete elimination of the Waiting List for services by the end of his tenure as Governor.

“The Governor called for the elimination of the Waiting List for services, and he proposed $20 million to begin this process,” said The Arc of Pennsylvania’s Executive Director Maureen Cronin. “We appreciate his recognition of this significant problem, and we welcome his strong and clear words about the state’s role in supporting people with disabilities during today’s budget address.”

The Governor proposes a $28.4 billion budget, which would be an increase in state expenditures of $678.8 million (2.4 percent) over the current fiscal year.

Community Waiver Program - $19,867,000 was requested for “Expanded Services for Individuals with Disabilities” to provide home and community-based services for 380 people on the Wailing List, 700 graduating students, and moving 100 people out of state centers. An additional $1,497,000 was requested “to provide home and community-based services for 118 additional Individuals with autism spectrum disorders”.

Human Services Block Grant – Under the block grant pilot program approved last year, 20 counties are able to combine funding and redistribute it as they feel is needed for six programs: community mental health services, behavioral health services, intellectual disability community base services, county child welfare special grants, homeless assistance programs and drug and alcohol services. The Governor proposes this pilot be expanded to all counties that want to participate.

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Voting Rights for EveryoneHappy New Year! We are beginning another exciting chapter for The Arc of Pennsylvania! As with most New Years, we all try to make resolutions and commitments that will have positive impacts on ourselves and those around us. At our September 2012 Board Meeting, we worked on the new Strategic Initiatives for The Arc of PA. At our January 2012 Board meeting, we reviewed the initiatives and directed the staff and committee to define specific objectives. These will be presented at our Annual Membership Meeting in April 2013. I think of these initiatives as our “New Year’s Resolutions”. These strategies will advance our efforts as the leading advocacy group in PA for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

These past several months have been very busy for The Arc. I was fortunate enough to attend The Arc of US National Convention, which was held in connection with Inclusion International. The variety of topics, the international flavor, and the fellowship were exceptional. It was enlightening to see that people from all over the world are facing some of the same challenges as we are and some of them are having the same successes we are in terms of inclusion of individuals with I/DD. The President of The Arc of US hosts a meeting with the Presidents of all the state chapters. This was a wonderful opportunity to network and identify some opportunities that might help us here in PA. I took away my advocacy marching orders — as one presenter said we need to continually push to insure individuals are part of their communities “because it’s the right thing to do!”

This Fall, we finalized a two year contract for our Executive Director, Maureen Cronin. Maureen took the reins in Dec. 2012 and hasn’t stopped since! 2012 was a very challenging year, especially related to the state budget. But with Maureen’s leadership, The Arc was seen as the leader in advocacy efforts across the state and we clearly influenced the budget outcomes. Maureen has also worked with the Executive Committee on several key issues. The slow pace of Pennsylvania developing an operational Olmstead Plan has resulted in The Arc taking the lead with a coalition of other advocacy agencies. And remember, Olmstead isn’t just about where a person lives; it’s about many other aspects of living, including employment.

I have great expectations for all of us for 2013. Our new Strategic Initiatives will focus our advocacy efforts. Our new office will create a welcoming environment for all advocacy groups. And as members of The Arc, I want us ALL to re-energize our commitment to The Arc of PA and to those that need our advocacy. Are you with me??

Jeanne Downey is from Erie County, Pennsylvania.She began her 2-year term as President of The Arc of Pennsylvania in June 2011.

President’s Message - Jeanne Downey

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Executive Director’s Message - Maureen CroninGovernor Recognized Our Efforts

The recent Governor’s budget address said so much about where we have come in advocacy. Of his 5,432 words, 824 - or 15% - of the words focused on the lives of people with disabilities.

The Governor spoke of his visit to Visions for Equality, meeting Brittany Morton and said “we must not turn our backs on all the other Brittanys … currently on the waiting list.” The Governor further recognized the wonderful life of Chloe Kondrich. “I am determined that by the time Chloe, and the thousands of other young people with disabilities, have reached adulthood, they will be able to step into a full and active life as citizens of this state… We will find a way to erase this waiting list.”

It was very moving to hear Governor Corbett speak of his conviction to the value of every person with disabilities, their rights to a full life and the responsibilities of government. The Governor asked for help in keeping his promise to end the waiting list. Unfortunately much of the additional revenue supporting the proposed budget is contingent on other legislative actions (selling state stores, pension reform, etc.). People with disabilities cannot be held hostage until there is gubernatorial and legislative concurrence on many controversial proposed budget solutions. It will be critical in the next four months to visit your legislator and share with them your priorities. Legislators can and will change the proposed budget. Budgets are statements of values; make sure your legislator knows your values.

Meet Your Board MemberJean Searle

Where were you born? Philadelphia

What is your current job? I work for the Disability Rights Network. I am a receptionist. I have been there since 1994.

When and why did you get involved with The Arc? I got involved with The Arc because they asked me to serve when they needed a self-advocate.

Why do you think other people should get involved with The Arc? Because The Arc knows a lot about the system and know how to help people who need help. They treat people like they’re human beings.

What other groups do you volunteer for? The Arc of Philadelphia, Developmental Disabilities Council, Vision for Equality, Co-President of Pennhurst Memorial & Preservation Alliance, President of PA TASH

What do you think are the most important current issues for Pennsylvanians with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Closing institutions is clearly number one. Getting people out of workshops and into their community is also really important.

What are the most important things you have learned by serving on The Arc of Pennsylvania Board of Directors? The important thing is that we all have different aspects of seeing how the system serves people. It’s the disability side, the parent side, we all see things in our own way. We learn from each other.

In addition to her service on The Arc of PA Board, Jean is Co-President of Pennhurst Memorial and Preservation Alliance.

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SystemsAdvocacy &GovernmentAffairs… In Brief

The Arc’s 2013-14Public Policy Priorities

WAITING LISTSupporting people with intellectual and development disabilities is a core responsibility of state government. The Arc of PA calls on the Governor and General Assembly to provide sufficient funding to serve everyone on the emergency waiting list.

STATE CENTERSThe 1999 Supreme Court decision (Olmstead) affirmed a person’s right to receive community integrated services rather than segregated institutional living. The Arc of PA calls on Department of Public Welfare (DPW) to publicly post a quarterly list of the numbers of admissions and transitions, reporting on Money Follows the Person (MFP) progress, and close the five remaining state-run institutions by relocating all residents to community living.

REFORM STATE SPECIAL EDUCATIONFUNDING FORMULA

Pennsylvania ranks 39th in the nation when it comes to educating children with disabilities with their peers without disabilities in their neighborhood schools and classrooms. A contributing factor is the unnecessary segregation of students with disabilities. The Arc of PA supports legislation (HB 2 and SB 470) that provides: 1) Adequate funding for special education, 2) Financial grant opportunities to increase school district compliance with federal and state inclusion requirements, and 3) Greater accountability and oversight to protect taxpayers’ interest in public special education funding being used to properly prepare Pennsylvania students with disabilities for adult life in the community.

HUMAN SERVICES BLOCK GRANT The Arc of PA is concerned that people with intellectual disabilities will lose critical services such as respite, individual supports, as well as those utilized in an emergency, as well as many recreational programs. The Arc of PA calls on the General Assembly to 1) Restore the FY 2011-12 10% budget cut; 2) Require an adequate review of current pilot counties before expanding to other counties; and 3) Add protections that assure no reduction of ID funding as long as there is a waiting list for services. The Arc supports HB 315, Representative Gene DiGirolamo’s bill to return the line items to their FY11-12 funding levels.

ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICESIt is time to fully implement the APS Act. The Arc of PA calls on the Governor to acknowledge public safety as one of the guiding principles of the budget development by adequately funding a statewide APS system and to work with the legislature and IRRC to assure an expedited rulemaking process.

EMPLOYMENTThe Arc of PA supports systemic change in publicly-funded programs to reflect an “Employment First” approach; which means community-integrated employment should be considered and pursued first for a person with an intellectual or developmental disability before other day activity that exclusively or mostly serves only people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc of PA strongly urges DPW to review and revise with stakeholder input its policies, funding, and rate structure in order to develop and implement an Employment First Policy.

BURDEN OF PROOF ON SCHOOL DISTRICTS,NOT PARENTS

Pennsylvania has no statute or regulation that assigns the burden of proof to school districts. Surrounding states (New York, New Jersey, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Delaware), DC and six other states have legislatively assigned the burden of proof to school districts. Few parents go into this process with the resources or knowledge to properly present their child’s case against seasoned professionals and bureaucrats representing school districts. The Arc of PA supports legislation which would place the burden of proof in special education matters on school districts rather than parents.

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IMPROVE SCHOOL CLIMATE FOR STUDENTSWITH DISABILITIES

All schools should be welcoming to students with disabilities and the learning environment conducive to educational progress. The Arc of PA supports efforts to improve school climate through the following means: expansion of Statewide Positive Behavior Supports (SWPBS), passage of regulations to end unnecessary restraints and seclusion, proliferation of effective anti-bullying programs, and promotion of effective technical assistance, training, and least restrictive environment compliance programs that increase the rate of inclusion for students with disabilities in regular education classrooms with their peers without disabilities in their neighborhood school.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE NAME CHANGEThe Arc supports Representative Thomas Murt’s efforts to change the name of the Department of Public Welfare to the Department of Human Services. According to him the name change will “more accurately reflects the wide range of services the department provides without the stigma attached to public assistance and welfare.”

BUREAU OF HEARING AND APPEALS PROCESSThe Bureau of Hearings and Appeals (BHA) handles medical assistance recipient appeals for denials, reductions, changes, terminations etc. The BHA also hears fair hearing requests for individuals enrolled in the PFDS Waivers and the Consolidated Waiver. The Arc of PA is concerned about the number of appeals waiting to be processed and the delay in hearings needing to be scheduled, and asks that statistics with regard to number of hearing officers, recipient appeals, Intellectual Disability appeal cases, denials, etc. be publicly and regularly reported.

State Centers - Despite the funds to move 100 residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities from state centers to community services, a $12.1 million increase for the state centers is also included.

Special Education - This would be the 6th year of flat funding for special education subsidy funding - forcing local school districts to cover the cost of living increases. In addition, school districts will have a .50% deduction from their special education subsidy to be put into the statewide Contingency Fund. School districts can submit requests for the Contingency Fund to cover special education costs that are outside of the norm.

Early Intervention - A $5 million increase for preschool is projected to cover approximately 1,500 additional children ages 3 to 5. For children aged ages 0 to 3, a $1.8 million increase is included, but no estimate was included to show how many more children might be served.

Adult Protective Services – In the first full year of APS, $2.2 million was requested, which equals flat funding based on the partial year of funding in FY 12-13.

Medical Assistance Fair Share Premiums – The budget includes $8.3 million in savings “as a result of implementing a cost sharing requirement for families with children enrolled in the Medicaid Special Needs program” Department of Public Welfare Secretary Gary Alexander indicated this would be a Medical Assistance premium of $100 for families with household incomes above $100,000. No details on this premium plan are currently available. In the past, premiums have not received federal approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Numerous budget documents, including the Governor’s “Budget Dashboard” and The Arc’s full analysis are available at www.thearcpa.org.

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Include Me From The StartInclude Me From The Start has experienced some exciting new developments during its third year. In 2012, Include Me partnered with the Bureau of Early Intervention Services to provide inclusion support for preschools and Head Start classrooms in Intermediate Unit (IU) preschool locations across the state. Include Me consultants are working with their Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) and IU team partners to provide inclusive practices training and resources to parents and preschool teachers.

Include Me is thrilled to expand its inclusive practice impact through working with these Early Intervention partners and our Include Me consultants. Nicki Habecker is the Include Me Preschool consultant for IU 15. She has a Masters in Counselor Education from Ohio University and is the Co-Chair of the Berks County Right to Education Task Force. She developed inclusive practice trainings for staff and a questionnaire for EI staff and parents to help encourage inclusive decision making for children entering the IU preschool program. Nicki completes observation visits at a unique preschool housed in a local elementary school, which connects preschoolers with 1st graders for literacy and socialization activities.

Jenn Kutzner is the Include Me Preschool consultant for IU 4. She is a clinical social worker who has worked closely with individuals and families with disabilities and teaching in the Head Start program. Jenn is currently pursuing her PhD in Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. She works with the IU 4 team to plan community and family inclusive activities for IU and inclusive classrooms, so that families can experience inclusive practice options. Jenn is also working with her team to create a resource for their Birth-3 providers to inform parents of their choices for preschool and revamping a checklist on what parents should look for in an inclusive preschool program.

Amy Matz is the Include Me Preschool consultant for IU 6 and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in School Psychology. She is working closely with the IU 6 team to offer a training they developed to preschool and Head Start teachers. Amy is also providing in-classroom support through observations and consultations on how to implement inclusive practices. She is working with her team to create a pamphlet for parents and IU about inclusion as well as a resource for parents about the services available in the IU 6 region.

Discovery Training and Customized Employment: Include Me is offering three training sessions on the “Discovery Process” for transition-aged youth with disabilities seeking sustainable employment, their families, and care providers. Lunch provided.

March 20, 9:30-2:00 Johnstown, PAMarch 21, 9:30-2:00 Wilkes-Barre, PAMarch 22, 9:30-2:00, Harrisburg, PAContact Pam Klipa at The Arc for more information or to RSVP at pklipa@thearcpa.org or 1-800-692-7258.

Learn more about Include Me From The Start at www.includemepa.org, on Facebook (Include Me From The Start), and Twitter (@IncludeMePA)!

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crucial to maintaining productive, professional relationships,” observes Rosemary. “The Arc hosts collaborative professional meetings where we design forms that all agencies and schools can collectively use. This eliminates paperwork and everyone is familiar what they are using regardless of what school or what agency they are working at.”

Through the plethora of relationships developed with parents and professionals, The Arc of Blair County ascertains need in the community. The Arc is proud to offer educational opportunities at no cost to the public, engaging expert speakers in their respective fields from across the country.

“Sharing information so everyone has the opportunity to try new tools is exciting,” reports Rosemary. “I believe eliminating obstacles and creating a strong team unit is one of my key roles.”

Thank you Rosemary for your commitment to The Arc and the people it serves. And thanks to Maria Brandt and The Arc of Blair County’s Board of Directors for making sure advocacy remains a core part of the mission of your local chapter of The Arc.

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Who’s Your LocalChapter Advocate?

Advocacy has been the backbone of The Arc of Blair County since its early beginning, formed by a group of concerned parents, and initiated in the backyard of an Altoona neighborhood. The Arc of Blair County is not a traditional service provider who receives government funding to offer support services. Instead, The Arc of Blair County focuses primarily on advocacy and education to self-advocates, families, educators, professionals and the public. The Arc of Blair County is led by a small, yet dedicated staff. There is no charge for any of the services offered by The Arc of Blair County.

Standing in the center of the advocacy front line is Blair County’s advocate, Rosemary Malone. Rosemary embodies The Arc of Blair County philosophy of collaboration, communication and teamwork to produce effective, data driven outcomes. “One of the biggest contributions The Arc of Blair County makes is to help team members come up with solutions,” notes Rosemary. “Being able to share perspectives, to build awareness of what a person may need to impact his or her life, and to develop creative ideas to support people as a team, has been fulfilling for me to participate in.”

Prior to coming to The Arc, Rosemary contracted with Ascend Management to conduct SIS (Support Intensity Scale) assessments throughout the central region. This background allowed Rosemary to become acquainted with many Arc of Blair County members. It allowed Rosemary to witness the positive results achieved when strong data was used to determine service needs.

There is not an advocate manual. The position constantly changes and work is based on day to day need. It is common to see Rosemary in one of the Blair County schools several times each week. Researching best practices and new tools to share with team members constitutes a large part of activity. “Rosemary is very effective at listening to what team members are saying,” says Executive Director Maria Brandt. “She observes what is not working and this allows The Arc of Blair County to develop strategic conferences and educational workshops based on need.”

It is not only self-advocates and parents who have benefited from The Arc’s advocacy services. The Arc is a key component in building bridges among professionals and agencies. “Bringing everyone together at one time is

The Arc of Blair CountyAdvocate Rosemary Malone

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“TECH TALK”Are You Ready?

Emergency Preparedness, Assistive Technology and Persons with Functional

and Access Needs

by Amy S. GoldmanInstitute on DisabilitiesTemple University

Communication is essential for staying healthy, holding a job, managing a household and participating in the community. Modern technology has changed the way most people communicate through voice, data and video services. But for people who have combined vision and hearing loss, special equipment may be necessary to make a phone call, send an email or access the Internet.

The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (also known as iCanConnect), is being administered by Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology, a program of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University. iCanConnect provides communications technology free of charge to low-income people of all ages who have combined vision and hearing loss. The program provides a wide range of hardware, software and applications to suit the varied communications technology needs of people who have hearing and vision loss. Examples include products that are available to the general public and may be accessible to people with hearing and vision loss (e.g. wireless tablet devices), specialized equipment (e.g. the DeafBlind Communicator),

or products that are adaptable through the use of specialized equipment, screen enlargement software, screen readers or braille displays.

To be eligible for iCanConnect, an individual must have combined vision and hearing loss that would meet the definition of being deaf-blind, although they may have intellectual and developmental disabilities as well. People may become deaf-blind as they get older, losing their hearing and their vision, they may have been born deaf or blind and lose the other sense, or they may have been born with those (and other) disabilities. Eligibility is restricted to “low income” applicants, whose household income is less than 400% of the federal poverty guidelines.

When someone is eligible for the program, a specialist from iCanConnect will conduct a free assessment to determine the appropriate technologies that will meet their needs. Program specialists will also provide training on how to use the equipment.

For more information, please contact iCanConnectPA at 800-204-7428 (voice), 866-268-0579 (tty), or iCanConnectPA@temple.edu (email).

RESOURCES FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

PA Assistive Technology Foundation—1-888-744-1938 (voice) or 877-693-7271 (TTY) or 484-674-0510 (fax) or email patf@patf.us Website: www.patf.us

PA Initiative on Assistive Technology—1-800-204-7428 (voice) or 866-268-0579 (TTY) or email ATinfo@temple.edu

PA Telecommunication Device Distribution Program 1-800-204-7428 or email TDDP@temple.eduhttp://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/piat

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NEWS OF NOTE

SAVE THE DATE: Annual Meeting on April 8, SAGA Day is April 9 in Harrisburg. • The Arc of Pennsylvania’s Annual Systems Advocacy and Government Affairs (SAGA) Day in in Harrisburg on Tuesday, April 9. Arc advocates and staff from across the Commnwealth will gather at the Sheraton Inn Harrisburg-Hershey to share strategy, receive state policy updates and advocacy training, and renew their commitment to ensuring that people with intellectual and deveopmental disabilities can live full and productive lives in their own communities. Following the meeting, advocates will visit their legislators to discuss The Arc’s state policy priorities, then join together for the annual Legislative Reception at the Harrisburg Hilton. On Monday April 8, The Arc of Pennsylvania will hold its annual meeting, also at the Sheraton Inn Harrisburg-Hershey, which will include approving new officers and members to the Board of Directors. Every local chapter in good standing will be able to vote. This meeting is open and all Arc members are encouraged to attend.

Phil Rosenbauer Retires. • The longtime executive director for The Arc of Butler County has retired. Former Board President for The Arc of Pennsylvania MJ Bartelmay said “I first met Philip almost 20 years ago. I was immediately impressed with the depth of his knowledge about the issues that face families like mine. As time went on I became more impressed with his compassion and realized that was what drove his success as an advocate.” Phil, the consumate gentleman, has been one of the most respected Executive Directors due to his steadfast commitment to The Arc.

RatificationsFailsforConventionontheRightsof•Person with Disabilities. Despite strong support from The Arc and numerous other disability advocates across the country, the U.S. Senate failed to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) during a vote in December. The members voted 61-38 in favor of the treaty, but passage required approval by 2/3 of the Senate. Advocates expect the President to re-submit CRPD for approval later this year.

Former President Tom Ryan Passes.• Tom Ryan, President of the Board of Directors of The Arc of Pennsylvania from 1996 to 1998, and involved for decades with the Barber Center in Erie, died in January. Joe Angelo served on the Board with Tom and reflected on his passing: “Tom was a very humble person, and his humility was the gift that made him a successful leader. He was very easy to like, and was an ardent advocate.” Larry Conway was President immediately before Tom, and said “The Arc movement has lost a valuable volunteer and leader. He will be remembered fondly as someone who gave everything he could to assist persons with Intellectual disabilities.”

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The Arc Creates Employment Events with MIG GrantsThe Arc of Pennsylvania secured a 2012 mini grant through the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG) program for “Promoting Employment for Persons with Disabilities”.

With the MIG, the state chapter was able to assist three local chapters (Jefferson/Clearfield, Lancaster, and Delaware) in presenting local employment events. The Arc of PA served as the technical and financial support for these three different, but successful events.

The Arc of Jefferson/Clearfield Counties hosted an Employment Expo in October, in collaboration with Career links and Penn State, DuBois, which reached approximately 100 persons with disabilities, including about 75 transitioning students and 25 businesses and support services.

The Arc of Lancaster County purchased a booth at The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Expo in October to promote the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. Lancaster/ Lebanon IU #13 School to Work students highlighted their button-making business and won 1st prize for Best Sales Effort.

In December, The Arc of Delaware County sponsored a seminar and luncheon during the Open House and Grand Opening of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce’s new offices titled “The Benefits of Hiring Persons with Disabilities” and featured Pam Zotynia, Executive Director of The Arc of Luzerne County.

“GoDirect”forallFederalBenefitChecks

Paper checks are about to stop for all federal benefits for people with disabilities, seniors, low-income individuals and veterans. If you or a loved one are still receiving paper checks, you must register byMarch 1 to switch to electronic federal benefit payments - either through a new Debit Card or with Direct Deposit into a bank or credit union account.

Make the switch before time runs out. It’s fast, free and easy to sign up.

Call the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at (800) 333-1795 Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. for your debit card. You can arrange for direct deposit by visiting your local bank or credit union or through www.GoDirect.org.

The Arc of PA Moves to a New Home

The Arc of Pennsylvania moved to a new office in January. Located two blocks east of the old location, the new office offers on-site meeting space for Board and committee meetings, better security, and room to expand. The new address is: 301 Chestnut Street, Suite 403, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Representatives of the WalMart Hiring Center discuss job opportunities at the Jefferson/Clearfield

Employment Expo, created through a MIG grant.

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The Arc of PA Board of DirectorsJeanne Downey – Erie PresidentChristopher Gorton – Dauphin 1st Vice PresidentNancy Richey – York 2nd Vice PresidentSara Wolff – Lackawanna SecretaryKen Oakes – Philadelphia TreasurerPaul Conway – Montgomery Past PresidentChristy Lewis - Washington PCE RepresentativeFrank Bartoli - Delaware At LargeWilliam Burke – Lackawanna At LargeWayne Freet – Adams At LargeKaren Grady – Lehigh At LargeSarah Holland – Lancaster At LargeBetsy Messina – Chester At LargeMichael Marsh – Montgomery At LargeNancy Murray – Allegheny At LargeJean Searle – Philadelphia At LargeDuane Stone – York At LargeJoshua Stranix – Schuylkill At LargePamela Zotynia – Luzerne At LargeM.J. Bartelmay – Mercer Ex-Officio The Arc of U.S. BoardGary Horner – Allegheny Ex-Officio The Arc of U.S. Board

StaffExecutive Director Maureen CroninTraining & Special Education Coordinator Pam KlipaPublic Policy Advocate Maureen WestcottDirector, Include Me From the Start Rita CheskiewiczOffice Manager Gwen Adams Administrative Assistant Amy HouserAdministrative Assistant, Include Me From The Start Ashlinn Masland-SaraniDevelopment & Public Relations Consultant Todd A. Dickinson

Suite 403 — Pennsylvania Place301 Chestnut Street

Harrisburg, PA 17101717-234-2621

www.thearcpa.org

LEARN MORE/DO MORE

Website Updates

Our website www.thearcpa.org has been redesigned to reflect the new branding of

The Arc and for easier use. Some items are still being added, so please be patient during our

reconstruction.

Stay Informed with PIE

Email us at pie@thearcpa.org to receive electronic alerts and the quarterly newsletter from the Policy Information Exchange (PIE),

which The Arc of Pennsylvania manages for the PA Developmental Disabilities Council.

PIE covers public policy issues for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, their families, and advocates.

Email Edition of thePA Message

In order for us to reduce printing costs - and for you to receive your news more quickly - we

need your email address.

The Pennsylvania Message is now available via email. Everyone who provides us an email

address will receive an electronic edition.

Please send your full name, local chapter, and email address to:

dickinson@thearcpa.org

The Pennsylvania Message is published by The Arc of Pennsylvania.The Arc of Pennsylvania is affiliated with The Arc of the U.S.

& 34 local chapters covering 51 counties in PA.

The Arc of Pennsylvania301 Chestnut Ave.Suite 403 Harrisburg, PA 17101

Thank You Knights!The District Deputies of the Pennsylvania State Council of the Knights of Columbus met in Grantville in January. The Arc of Pennsylvania Executive Director Maureen Cronin was invited to address the gathering.

She thanked the Knights for their decades-long commitment to The Arc through the statewide Measure Up Campaign. Over the past 34 years, the Knights have raised more than $5.5 million to help The Arc ensure that people with intellectual and deveopmental disabilities can live full and productive lives in their own communities.

At the end of the meeting, the Deputies took home supplies (rulers, posters, carpenter aprons) for the 2013 Measure Up campaign.

The Knights of Columbus welcomed The Arc’s Executive Director Maureen Cronin to their January meeting.

From Left to Right: Past State Deputy and current Arc of Pennsylvania Board member Wayne S. Freet, State Chaplain Father V. David Foradori, Maureen Cronin, State Deputy Eric

C. Johnson, and District Deputy Robert J. Gowell.