Author: Bobbie

Are you interested in work that makes a difference in communities and in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities?  START has an opening for a coordinator. Relatively new to the support system, START provides crisis response and prevention for individuals with developmental disabilities. START’s focus and practice is on community-based person-centered supports so individuals can remain in their home or community residence. Think de-escalation of the usual unintentional and uninformed emergency network response that results in over-blown/inaccurate responses or interventions. And there’s more, but you’ll have to check out the job description linked below or fill out the short form, or both!  Here’s your chance for that rewarding career move.

Link here to the job description

Short Form:

Here’s a an article from the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities you might find interesting.

• The AAIDD Journal article has a small per article fee, or subscriptions are available; articles are archived and available into the future. Here’s a link to the article:
  • http://aaiddjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1352/1944-7558-120.6.514
• Here’s a quick summary of the AAIDD Journal report on this study which is free, but time limited:
  • http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/life-style/health/357226/kids-with-disability-don-t-affect-couple-s-divorce-risk

Photograph from PhotoAbility

PHOTOABILITY is looking for inclusive photographs, photographs of inclusivity.  Do you snap shots? or have high quality inclusive shots to share? You might give PhotoAbilty your consideration…

Here’s copy direct from PHOTOABILITY –

“The disability sector represents more than 20% of the population and is growing in strength. Like all of us, when people with a disability shop, travel or engage in leisure pursuits, they rarely do it on their own. The multiplier is almost a factor of 3 once family, friends or business associates are all taken into account. People with disabilities are a discerning loyal market who want to feel that they belong and are valued as customers or clients. When an able-bodied model is put into a wheelchair that is obviously not their own and the image is then used in a website, publication, or advertisement, it is seen as fake and disingenuous and gives a poor impression to the audience. Using models with an actual disability in your imagery conveys a clear message that you care about genuine representation and creates real employment opportunities for these models.”

And there’s more: “We are looking to break the mold and discover the best inclusive photos that will change the way the public, advertisers, magazine editors and business owners see disability. Your images can help eliminate social, structural and professional barriers. Images should depict real people with disabilities of all ages. ”

PhotoAbility is a venture of Travability Pty Ltd and PUSH Living Inc.  Visit:  photoability.net

AUTISM is the subject of a day long event sponsored by the Arc of Steuben with renowned communications and autism expert, Dr. Jed. Baker, PH.D. Mark your calenders for October 28, 2015 8:30am-4:00pm at the beautifully appointed Radisson Hotel in Corning, NY (check out their rotating Corning Collection Glass in the lobby and hallway museum quality display cases – Stunning and Informative!)

Jed Baker, Ph.D. is the director of the Social Skills Training Project, an Organization serving individuals with autism and social communication problems,  He is an award winning author featured on the ABC World News, Nightline, Fox News, CBS and the Discovery Health Channel.  Learn more about Jed Baker by visiting his web site: www.jedbaker.com

READY TO REGISTER FOR THIS VITAL EVENT SO CLOSE TO HOME?
Here are the details –
Contact Megan Sutton at Arc of Steuben
Fee:  $50 professionals; $25 for families and caregivers. Lunch on your own in lovely downtown Corning!

 Watch this blog for the latest information on 2016 as it becomes available. Opportunities to offer a workshop and to enroll in workshops will be linked here.

  April 3, 2015: Dancing and rhythm sticks inspire JoAnn to join the movement circle in the dance studio in Winn-Seeley at Hobart & Wm Smith Colleges. This is a first since JoAnn broke her leg a year ago!

Here are two great shots of one a banner featuring faculty dance instructor Candance Whittier working with a member of the Arc of Schuyler.  The banner is hanging in the foyer of Hobart & Wm Smith’s Scandling Center.

“Community,” was the theme for this year’s festival, the 6th annual one. Judging by the numbers, one “great big community” was created at the Arts fest on the HWS campus in Geneva, NY! There were record numbers this year: 31 workshops, over 1000 participants, 500 of whom are from the Arc’s, and so many instructors and faculty members.

The festival is building a rich, diverse body of expressive community members. At the heart of artistic expression is the freedom of choice and the freedom of expression, two main ingredients of any healthy, thriving community.  It’s time to bring “community” home and expand the possibilities for full inclusion in our communities. What can you do in your community to invite full expression and inclusion of its members?

See you in 2016!