Upcoming Events
American People 2012 Kickoff! February 6th at 7pm Library Basement Meeting room
Abate Can Dance for The Arc! February 25th at 7pm Our Place Tavern in Bismarck
Remaining Partners in Policymaking Sessions in Bismarck February 3-4, 2012 March 2-3, 2012 March 30-31, 2012 April 20-21, 2012 |
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News
Please watch this video on Autism and Technology!
Click on the picture below to be redirected:
SATT seeks several more participants!
SATT or Self advocacy Through Technology is seeking several more participants for its pilot project through the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities at Minot state University. The program recognizes the need to increase the access and use of new technologies for disability populations in North Dakota. Please visit their website at:
for more information or to sign up!
Health Care Summit a Major Success!
The Arc of Bismarck in coordination with Protection and Advocacy of North Dakota (PANDA) and The Consensus Council hosted a townhall meeting on December 8th on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and what it means for all North Dakotans. Health Care has been the subject of much confusion and misinformation in the past 15 years and this legislation will bring about many practical changes in health care including:
-Expanding Coverage to the 30 Million Americans without Health Insurance
-Banning lifetime "caps" on insurance coverage
-Banning denial of coverage because of pre-existing conditions
-Chain Restaurants must now display nutrition information
-Health Care Exchanges in each state that provide information on coverage options and recommendations for individuals
The event was held in the Tom Baker Room at the City/County Building and included panelists with a wealth of knowledge and expertise:
-Christine Hogan of the Protection and Advocacy Project
-Rebecca Ternes of the Office of the ND Insurance Commissioner
-Maggie Anderson of the ND Department of Human Services - Medical Services
-Julie Fedorchak of the Office of Senator John Hoeven
-Rhonda Boehm, a parent of a son with a Traumatic Brain Injury
-Josh Askvig of AARP North Dakota
The Arc is featured in Time Magazine (click on the picture!)
Annual Meeting brings Everyone Together...
The Arc of Bismarck held its annual meeting on Tuesday, November 15th at the Kelly Inn (Minerva's). The event highlighted the accomplishments of the past year, award winners, thrift store employees, the board, and friends and family of The Arc members. It was a great time to get together and hear about 2011 through the eyes of the non-profit and it was a very good year!
A silent auction and social began the evening, with several items donated by individuals and corporate donors:
*FabYOULous Salon and Spa
*Scheels All Sports
*Target Corporation
*Shooters Billiards
*Support Systems Inc.
*Cash Wise Foods
*Superior Silk Screen
The annual meeting contained the approval of last years minutes, a slate of nominations and elections, reports by the Executive Director and Partners in Policymaking Program Director, and finally the award winners for 2011. About 50 people showed up for the event and the Hors D'ouvres, friends, and awards made for a great evening! Congratulations to the following Award winners:
Vision Award: Sara Jo Fliflet
Vision Award: Tracy Livingood
Vision Award: Don and Julie Wald
Volunteer of the Year Award: Anna Bankes
Professional of the Year Award: Joyce Smith
Bill Sackter Citizenship Award: Gary Cullen
The Arc of Bismarck hires new Executive Director
The Arc of Bismarck is pleased to announce the hiring of a new Executive Director! David Mau, originally from Minot, ND, has taken the position vacated by Veronica Zietz, who is pursuing Graduate School. David has a broad background in both human services and hospitality, and will bring many new ideas and approaches to the position. He had formerly worked at the Howard Johnson Hotel in Grand Forks, ND as Director of Food and Beverage. A graduate of Hamline University, David studied both Religion and Political Science before taking a job as Supported Employment Services Manager with Pinnacle Services in Minneapolis, MN in 2005.
"I couldn't be more excited to accept this position and take on new challenges and projects with the Arc. Making the move to Bismarck was a big life transition for me, but after meeting Julie Wald, John Glaser, and Joyce Smith, I was reassured that this was an outstanding team of people working towards achievement and excellence for people with disabilities. I couldn't be happier to be here!"
David brings many varied skills to the position including a broad understanding of hospitality and retail, graphic and web design, and public speaking. "My initial goal is to meet as many people like you that make The Arc great, and then branch out and introduce The Arc to the larger Bismarck community. After attending the 2011 National Convention in Denver, the direction was clear: Lets get this message of inclusion and achievement to the public!" With an exciting 2012 ahead and an incredible staff of volunteers, board members, and employees, David is looking forward to working with everyone to achieve our common goals.
The Arc Thrift Store Completes remodel!
The Arc of Bismarck Thrift store on 12th and Park in South Bismarck recently underwent a remodel that involved structural and cosmetic changes to the building that has been in place for a few decades! The store now has a new drop ceiling which has improved lighting, changed the outdoor signs to the new logo, and new carpet and paint. It looks great! Come down and see what all the buzz is about...
Partners in Policymaking Classes in Bismarck
The Arc of Bismarck, a non-profit education and advocacy organization, is seeking applicants for the next class of Partners in Policymaking, designed for parents of children with disabilities and adults with disabilities from across the state, to begin in October. If you want to build leadership and advocacy skills, develop self-confidence and learn effective strategies that will help you acquire appropriate services for yourself or a family member, this program is just what you've been looking for! The eight sessions are provided completely free of charge to selected applicants, including hotel rooms, meals, costs for travel, child care and other needed supports. For more information including an application, session dates, or for comments from past participants click here. For more information email joyce@thearcofbismarck.org or call 888-258-7949 toll free or 701-258-7949.
Let's Get Cookin'
Sharing recipes is a wonderful tradition and we need yours! The Arc of Bismarck is publishing a cookbook featuring the best recipes of our members, families and friends. We would love to include some of your favorites. Please share 3 or 4 of your best recipes so you can be represented in our cookbook. Your name will be printed with each of your recipes. The best part of this project is that all the proceeds from cookbook sales will benefit The Arc's self-advocacy group, American People! If you'd like to participate please go to www.gandrpublishing.com and in the upper right corner log into our account. The username is TheArc and the password is bismarck. If you are unable to complete the form
electronically please download the recipe form by clicking here and submit to The Arc of Bismarck P.O. Box 2081, Bismarck, ND 58502-2081. The deadline to submit recipes is May 31, 2011. If you are interested in ordering a cookbook call 222-1854 or email veronica.zietz@thearcofbismarck.org.
The Capability Chronicles Reaches Milestone
The Arc of Bismarck and Dakota Media Access just released its 10th episode of the Capability Chronicles. This series highlights the strengths and contributions of people with disabilities in our community, with the purpose of showing the unique value all individuals possess by featuring the achievements and successes of people who have a disability through media. The Capability Chronicles features different subjects that are important to all and have most recently included: gainful employment, Partners in Policymaking, Public Transportation and Athletics. With the purpose of promoting community inclusion, each segment features a success story of a person with a disability and encourages individuals to live their dreams and contribute to our shared community. For more information on the Capability Chronicles or
to learn how to get involved visit www.thearcofbismarck.org/ccpage. This program is now available to the public on Bismarck's Community Access Cable Channel 12 and online at www.freetv.org.
Brand New Brand
The Arc of Bismarck is proud to unveil our new brand identity along with renewed energy and dedication to providing opportunities for people with disabilities and their families. In the next few months you'll find a dynamic new logo on our publications, web site, building and promotional materials and along with it a comprehensive new brand identity which will serve to unite affiliated chapters across the county under the banner "Achieve With Us." It's at once an invitation and a command, as it represents our movement's determination to achieve even more in terms of participation, inclusion, acceptance and respect for people with disabilities in the years to come.
In the logo's design, you'll see the energy and determination The Arc brings to supporting and embracing people with disabilities and their families across their lifetimes and across many diagnoses. You'll notice a bold color combination of orange and yellow chosen specifically because it is unique in the realm of nonprofit organizations, and can be exclusively associated with The Arc much like a specific shade of pink is associated with breast cancer awareness or red with The American Red Cross. This identity was developed by the national association over the course of a year including in-depth research, professional brand consultants and a dedicated team of individuals inside The Arc who understands our mission and goals.
With respect to our mission, the elements of the brand represent a strong, energetic organization working to provide opportunity for people with disabilities; opportunity for hope, opportunity for growth and opportunity for change. We know a thing or two about change as we have been on the front lines of a movement that has ushered in dramatic changes in the law, in schools, in health care, in communities and often on a very personal level affecting families as well as individual's lives.
It's also an identity designed to communicate the collective power of a group of like-minded people who are embracing, determined and experienced in promoting and protecting the civil rights of as well as providing the services and support needed by people with disabilities and their families across the arc of their lifetimes and across many diagnoses from Down syndrome to autism and many more. In fact, The Arc is the nation's largest and leading organization for people with disabilities and their families with a 60 year history of fighting discrimination and providing people with disabilities the opportunity to live full, satisfying and self-determined lives as valued and contributing members of their communities.
As our brand becomes widely recognized and promoted on a national level, our local organization will benefit in terms of support from donors and volunteers and in the ease with which everyone will be able to identify with our mission. The new identity will take us forward as a movement and command the kind of respect and recognition on a national basis that our organization deserves. That respect and recognition, in turn, will allow us to continue to achieve our goals for people with disabilities. We invite you to Achieve With Us, today!
The Arc of Bismarck has Moved
The Arc of Bismarck has moved! We are happy to announce the relocation of our offices; please update your database with our new contact information to ensure the timely receipt of any billing, publications or other communication. Our new contact information is below.
The Arc of Bismarck/Partners in Policymaking
Location: 411 North 4th Street, Suite #3 Bismarck, ND 58501
Mailing/Billing Address: P.O. Box 2081 Bismarck, ND 58502-2081
Phone/Fax: 701-222-1854/701-258-7949
The Arc Thrift Store
Location: 1211 Park Avenue Bismarck, ND 58504
Mailing/Billing Address: P.O. Box 2081 Bismarck, ND 58502-2081
Phone/Fax: 701-258-1410
At this time we would also like to invite you to an open house celebrating our relocation. It will be held Tuesday, November 9, 2010 from 3:oo pm to 5:oo pm at our 4th Street location. We hope to see you there!
The Arc of Bismarck Celebrates Twenty Years of the ADA
On July 26, 2010 The Arc of Bismarck hosted a rally at the Capitol to celebrate twenty years of advancement in equality and independence for people with disabilities through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark federal legislation opened up services and employment opportunities to millions of Americans with disabilities. This law struck a balance between reasonable accommodations and the capacity of private and public entities to respond. Essentially the five titles of the law work to eliminate illegal discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The ADA was incremental to the disability community and has greatly benefited individuals with disabilities since it was enacted in 1990 and will continue to enhance independence and equality for many years into the future. The Rally
featured speakers including: Juna Wentz, a self-advocate from Fessenden, ND; Emma Lewis-Sullivan a national expert on ADA from Indianapolis. The rally also had a performance of Grease by LISTEN Performing Arts Center & Self Advocacy Solutions of North Dakota. Congressman Pomeroy, Senator Dorgan and Senator Conrad provided a written letter commenting on the ADA which was presented by a group of staffers. For news coverage of the event please follow the links.
2010 Disability Policy Seminar
The Arc of Bismarck had representation at the 2010 Disability Policy Seminar which was sponsored by The Arc of the the United States, United Cerebral Palsy, American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities and Self Advocates Becoming Empowered. The seminar was held April 12-14 in Washington DC, with the purpose being to advocate in a bipartisan manner for national public policies promoting the full inclusion of people with disabilities in our society. The Arc held meetings with each of North Dakotas federal delegates to discuss important pieces of legislation being voted on right now. Check out the fact sheets below for more information on specific bills.
Spread the Word to End the Word
It is time we Spread the Word to End the Word and build awareness for society to stop and think about its use of the R-word. That R-word is something hurtful and painful - "retard" or "retarded." Most people don't think of this word as hate speech, but that's exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and friends. This word is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur. Visit www.r-word.org to make your pledge today.
People around the world are taking a stand and raising awareness of the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the words "retard" or "retarded" and are helping encourage others to think before they speak.
Up to three percent of the world's population have intellectual disabilities - that's 200 million people around the world. It's the largest disability population in the world, perhaps you know someone?
People are encouraging everyone to visit www.r-word.org and make their pledge to not use the R-word and have set a goal of reaching 100,000 pledges on March 3, 2010.
We ask that you help us change the conversation and help eliminate the demeaning use of the R-word from today's popular youth vernacular and replace it with "respect." We are asking for your help in creating a more accepting world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and all those people that may appear different, but have unique gifts and talents to share with the world.
We're asking every person - young and old - to help eliminate the demeaning use of the R-word a common taunt used to make fun of others. Often unwittingly, the word is used to denote behavior that is clumsy, hapless, and even hopeless. But whether intentional or not, the word conjures up a painful stereotype of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It hurts. Even if you don't mean it that way.
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are capable and enjoy sharing life experiences: listening to music, playing video games, watching the latest movies, and yes, having fun. They can attend school, work, drive cars, get married, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many ways.
Did you know that by casually using the word r-word to refer to an action as less than ideal you are making someone with an intellectual disability feel less than human - whether you mean to or not? Demeaning any of our fellow human beings by using inappropriate words toward any population negatively impacts all of us.
Truckload Sales
The Arc of Bismarck Thrift Store just received a truckload of brand new merchandise. Brand new items in perfect condition are marked far below suggested retail prices. Jewelry, hydraulic jacks, pet supplies, kitchen ware, small appliances, linens, toys, books, dvds, small electronics, beauty supplies, as seen on TV merchandise, wii accessories and more! Stop in Monday - Saturday 10am-7pm. All proceeds from The Arc of Bismarck Thrift Store go toward providing education, advocacy and supports to adults and children with disabilities to foster empowerment and full inclusion in the community. Visit our online store at The Arc Thrift Store at Bismanonline.com.
Online Shopping
The Arc of Bismarck Thrift Store now offers online shopping.Whether you're a serious collector or casual treasure hunter, The Arc of Bismarck Thrift Store is the place to find that special item. We offer a wide array of antiques and collectibles as well as new and nearly new items pulled from our vast inventory of donated goods. From unique one-of-a-kind items to estate pieces, the depth of resources is enormous. All proceeds from The Arc of Bismarck Thrift Store go toward providing education, advocacy and supports to adults and children with disabilities to foster empowerment and full inclusion in the community. Visit our online store at The Arc Thrift Store at Bismanonline.com.
Winter Accessibility for All
The Arc of Bismarck and American People Self-Advocacy Association wants to remind the community of the problems last year's weather caused. The winter poses many challenges to walkers, people who use wheelchairs or canes and all citizens of our community. The heavy snow and ice gave everyone grief over the last year and made safety and accessibility a huge challenge; we think the people of Bismarck can do better this season. Many people with disabilities had scares in the past winter.
~One individual broke his foot outside the residential area where he lived.
~Another person using a wheelchair got stuck at a curb cut because it was filled with ice and snow; it took three people to set her free.
~Another person slipped and fell, causing him to break a rib while volunteering at a place of business.
~Another individual visiting a downtown business couldn't go to other area establishments because curb cuts were inaccessible and her wheelchair tipped in the street.
All of these accidents caused individuals with disabilities and other people who use walkways much distress and sometimes severe injury. These problems can be easily remedied if everyone takes their responsibilities seriously. It is the law for property owners, residential or business to shovel their adjacent sidewalks and curb cuts within 24 hours of snow fall. Though there seems to be an endless cycle of shoveling and everyone has experienced their driveways and curb cuts being plowed in by the city, it is still the responsibility of the property owner to go back and make sure their adjacent walkways are accessible. Everyone benefits when walkways are clear, more customers can visit businesses and liability of injury is greatly decreased. Keep Bismarck safe this winter and do your part. Report repeated
offenders to 355-1508.
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