Happy New Year!

2025 is here, and we are celebrating 75 years!

Have a Child with a Disability? Where do I start?

If you have a child with a disability, the first step is to contact your child's pediatrician to discuss a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan; you can contact The Arc Mid-South to assist with Early Intervention services, to explore local organizations that specialize in your child's specific needs to provide resources for available services and potential benefits you may be eligible for.

Key initial steps: 

• Medical evaluation: Get a comprehensive diagnosis from your child's doctor to understand the nature and impact of the disability. 
• Individualized Education Program (IEP): If your child is school-aged, work with the school district to develop an IEP outlining their educational needs and accommodations. 

Parenthood and raising a family can bring many joys and great memories. At the same time, we all know there are financial and emotional realities that come with any child, including children with disabilities. Caring for children with intellectual or developmental disabilities (i.e., cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, spina bifida, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, etc.), or special healthcare needs can be challenging, confusing, and stressful at times.

Research shows that parents of children with developmental disabilities experience higher levels of chronic stress, anxiety, and depression than parents of children without disabilities. Seeking support for yourself as a parent or caregiver can help maximize your own strength, capability, and capacity for caring for your child with a disability.

Many times, when we hear the word “support,” our minds go straight to formal programs or services that are specifically for our family member with the disability. However, families and caregivers also need support to help them in their roles as parents and providers of care. In addition to the services that help with day-to-day needs, individuals with disabilities and their families also need information to help guide their decisions and assist them in finding emotional support sources to provide comfort and assurance that they are not alone.

Parents can find emotional and informational support through connecting with and learning from other parents who have children with disabilities, through organizations that serve families of people with disabilities, and through many other avenues in their local community.

Right now, the essential services millions of people with disabilities rely on are in jeopardy.

Medicaid funds 75% of disability services, and next year, Congress will consider budget cuts that will deeply affect lives in every community. There are already about 711,000 people with disabilities waiting for services.

Imagine how many more families will be left waiting—or denied care altogether—if these cuts go through.

The Arc is leading the fight to protect Medicaid, but we can’t do it alone. Please help us take action NOW!

Thank you to the Memphis Police Department K-9 Unit, and especially to officer Enos Jackson and Dono (DOUGH-no). They visited our L.E.T.S. students and taught the life skills class about the importance of police K-9 dogs, what the dog’s training was like, what his life is like, and where the dog came from. Dono is about 10 years old, bred in Germany. Most K-9 unit dogs retire at about 9 years old, but this dog still has a few working years left in him.

Enmotion Promotion

Congratulations to our sponsor of the month! Thank you for making a difference! Please meet Melissa Smith.

Melissa Smith is the owner of Enmotion Promotion, a company specializing in creative promotional products that help businesses and organizations connect with their audiences. With a heart for giving back, Melissa has built a reputation for supporting schools and non-profits throughout Memphis and Shelby County, offering expertise in selecting the perfect gifts and branded items to make a lasting impression.

Melissa is also actively involved in her community, serving as the Polio Plus District Chair for Rotary District 6800 and supporting various charitable causes, including The Arc Mid-South. She is proud to partner with organizations like The Arc Mid-South that share her commitment to empowering individuals and creating positive change.

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her two children and is passionate about making meaningful connections and creating opportunities that inspire others to succeed.

Creative Arts Ensemble

Germantown Performing Arts Center

Friday, January 31, 2025

6:00pm - 8:00pm

We invite you to bring your friends and join us at our first Creative Arts Ensemble of 2025 on Friday, January 31, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. We’re so excited to be collaborating once again with Marcin and Rebecca Arendt of Iris Collective to continue their “Music Conversations” programming, which will also be the theme of our Creative Arts Ensemble sessions on April 11 and May 2. Attendees will have the opportunity to have a fun evening exploring the language of music by creating their own tunes and learning how to “talk to each other” with drums, singing, and other sounds.

At GPAC, one of our favorite recurring events to host is our Creative Arts Ensemble, which is a multidisciplinary experience that provides adults with special and unique needs the opportunity to be understood and heard, to execute self-expression, to build confidence, and to promote self-advocacy through a variety of performing and visual arts. There is also no experience necessary in order to participate.

This is a free event for all those who join us, and pizza and drinks will be provided. Reservations can be made by emailing Jenn King at jenn@gpacweb.com. More information can be found on our website here.