The Arc of Greater Beaumont
Issue: 4May, 2013
In This Issue
June Events
An Evening of Stars & Smiles
Disability.gov
Arc Summer Day Camp
Overcoming Obstacles Conference
Baby Baskets Project
Arc Summer Stipends
Texas Votes to End Insurance Age Caps
Quick Links
    
June Events!  

Self Advocate Meeting

Thursday, June 6th

Time: 7:00 pm- 8:00 pm

Where: Foundation for SETX

            700 North St.

            Beaumont, TX 77701

Self Advocate members 18 and up only please.

 

Bingo Night!

Thursday, June 27th

Time: 6:00pm - 8:00 pm

Where: St. Giles Workshop

             7650 Park N. Drive

             Beaumont, TX 77708

Cost: $3.00 per person

Ages 16 and up only please

Refreshments, Prizes, and Tons of Fun!

Photo Album
Photos from  March & April  2013
 
 
  
    
 
   
   
   
   
   
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An Evening of Stars and Smiles at the 2013 Stars of the Arc Celebrity Style Show & Dinner

The stars were out on April 26th as our Celebrity Models (Arc members with intellectual and developmental disabilities) took the stage and wowed the crowd with their smiles, charisma and charm.  Emcee's Kelli and Bob Phillips helped the celebrities shine even brighter as they asked models to sing, dance, and tell them just what the Arc meant to them.  Model Holly McWilliams told the audience, "The Arc means so much to me because I can come to a place where everyone is like me and it's okay to be just a little different."  The annual Style Show and dinner is one of the Arc's major fundraiser and helps to provide funding for programs provided by The Arc of Greater Beaumont.  The 2013 event raised over $65,000 for the Arc, making it the event's best year yet! Models are already getting ready for next years event, scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2014 at the Holiday Inn & Suites Beaumont Plaza. Click here to view photo albums from this year's event.

What is Disability.gov?
An online service providing information on disability services nationwide

The internet can oftentimes be overwhelming when searching for information on disability services.  Disability.gov, a web portal developed and maintained by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), in collaboration with 21 federal agency partners, is trying to make these searches just a bit easier.  You can find answers to questions about everything from Social Security benefits, to employment, to affordable and accessible housing.The site focus' on helping visitors find information in the following areas of service: Benefits, Civil Rights, Community Life, Education, Emergency Preparedness, Employment, Health, Housing, Technology and Transportation. Simple search options and accessibility options are just a few of the ways this site ensures all visitors are assited in finding the answers they are looking for. For details visit www.disability.gov.  

 

Kids and Teens looking for some Summer Fun?
Enrollment Now Open for Arc Summer Safari Day Camps!

Kids Camp July 15- July 19 & Teen Camp August 12- August 16.

Summer is just around the corner and what better way for your child or teen to enjoy their summer than a week full of fun with the Arc! The Arc's annual summer day camps provide a safe, supervised environment for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enjoy activities including bowling, soccer, volleyball, baseball, arts & crafts, and much more! Camp counselors are all experienced teachers and aids who have worked with kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Visual supports will be provided to help with daily schedules, transitions and basic routines, and expectations. For more information or to sign you child up for The Arc's Summer Day Camp please view our camp information online, view and print camp application, or call (409)838-9012. This year's Summer Camps are underwritten in part by a grant from Angels for Autism of Southeast Texas.  Sensory Stimulation toys provided in part by a grant from the Junior League of Beaumont's Done in a Day Project
Arc Overcoming Obstacles Conference
Saturday, August 24, 2013 at Edison Plaza, Beaumont TX
The Arc of Greater Beaumont, in conjunction with Region 5 Education Service Center, will hold its first annual day long conference to provide information for parents and educators on different aspects of the IDD community.  The Arc is proud to have Stephen Shore as this year's Key Note Speaker.  Stephen Shore is a professor at Adelphi University where his research focus' on matching best practices for people with Autism.  Dr. Shore is also living with Asperger's and the author of many books including Understanding Autism for Dummies and Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome. For more information on Dr. Shore visit www.autismasperger.net. The conference will be from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm with a key note address by Stephen Shore in the morning and breakout sessions in the afternoon.  Breakout sessions will offer a variety of different topics related to the disability community. For details call (409)838-9012, email teri.hawthorne@arcofbmt.org, or view a printable flyer.
Down Syndrome Family Group Baby Baskets
Bringing information and support to families of newborns with Down syndrome
In February 2013, The Down Syndrome Family Group launched their "Baby Basket" campaign.  Baby baskets with information on the Arc's Down Syndrome Family Group, books, diapers, newborn clothing, a teddy bear, and much more were put together in a beautiful basket in hopes of brining some important information to families of newborns with Down syndrome.  Within the three months this project has been up and running the group has given out six baby baskets and introduced even more families to The Arc of Greater Beaumont Down Syndrome Family Group and all it has to offer. "All the families have been very appreciative of the baskets.  One recipient event takes things out of the basket only to put it back in when she is finished because 'it's just so pretty' " says Sarah Hardin, active member of the Down Syndrome Family Group. For more information on the Down Syndrome Family Group visit their Facebook Page or call (409)838-9012.
Arc Summer Stipends
Now accepting applications from parents with children ages 3 to 21
The Arc of Greater Beaumont is offering stipends up to $500 for families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 3 to 21.  The purpose of this stipend is to provide assistance to parents and guardians of children with IDD to continue education and development during the summer months.  Funding is to benefit those students not eligible to receive the services through an extended year program provided by the school. Stipend applications will be accepted on a first come first serve basis until July 30th and funding must be utilized during the 2013 summer break.  For questions concerning the Arc Summer Stipend Program please call (409)838-9012, email teri.hawthorne@arcofbmt.org, or click here for a Summer Stipend Application. 
Texas Legislature Approves Bill to End Insurance Age Caps for Autism Benefits

On May 20, 2013 the Texas legislature approved a bill that will eliminate age caps for receiving autism insurance benefits. The bill has been sent to Gov. Rick Perry for his approval.  The current law requires state-regulated health plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism, including behavioral health treatment, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), as well as speech, occupational and physical therapy for individuals up to the age of 9.  The new law takes away the age limit and allows children aged 10 and above the chance to receive ABA benefits up to $36,000. (Autsimspeaks.org) For more information or to sign up to receive autism advocacy alerts visit www.autismspeaks.org.

  
Save the Date!
2nd Annual Beaumont Buddy Walk
Saturday, October 26th
Beaumont Event Centre's Great Lawn
  
Start getting your teams together to support the Beaumont Buddy Walk and The Arc of Greater Beaumont!  The Buddy Walk is a one mile walk in support of Down syndrome awareness. Proceeds from this event help support programs provided by The Arc of Greater Beaumont and the National Down Syndrome Society.  We look forward to another amazing year! Registration web site coming soon.  For details and sponsorship opportunities call (409)838-9012 or email teri.hawthorne@arcofbmt.org

   

The Arc of Greater Beaumont is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization affiliated with The Arc of the United States and The Arc of Texas. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.