Meet Karen Downer, a Member of The Arc's National Sibling Council

Karen Downer of Tennessee is a current member of The Arc's National Sibling Council. Karen's sister, Mindy, is 63 years old and lives in a group home in Tennessee. Initially, Mindy lived in the family home and was placed in an institution at the age of nine. They lived apart for nearly 50 years and her sibling experience is what motivated Karen to be active in the disability community in Tennessee.

Karen serves on the board of The Arc of Tennessee and is active with the sibling group Tennessee Adult Brothers and Sisters (TABS). Karen wanted to take her advocacy to the national level and decided to apply to The Arc's National Sibling Council two years ago.

The Sibling Council has given Karen the opportunity to be a policy and advocacy "sponge" by engaging with members of The Arc's staff and the Sibling Council. Although a lot of progress has been made in the disability rights movement over the years, she notes that "there is so much more work ahead," and it's important to be an informed advocate. Karen wants to have an impact and understands that siblings "can't have an impact if you're not informed." She wants to make sure that services and supports are in place that allow Mindy to age respectfully.

Karen hopes that siblings across the country will consider applying for a spot on the 2021–2022 National Sibling Council, which has also provided her an opportunity to learn about other experiences and stories. Each sibling experience is unique and shapes the broader disability community. As Karen states, "Collectively, it's important to be an informed advocate and know what's possible to better support your sibling."

Are you looking to get more involved in disability rights activism? Consider joining The Arc's National Sibling Council! The Arc seeks applications from siblings who are eager to take a leadership role in The Arc's advocacy movement. Siblings are an important part of the disability rights movement, and we need your perspective as we work to promote and protect the rights of individuals with IDD throughout the country.

The deadline to apply is February 5. Have questions? Contact Liz Mahar at mahar@thearc.org.

We are looking for new officers to lead The Arc's National Council of Self-Advocates (NCSA). Our National Council of Self-Advocates is led by people with IDD, and NCSA members are people with disabilities nationwide. Our officers advise The Arc on advocacy, programs, and services to make sure the voices of people with IDD are heard. They also often take part in our federal advocacy efforts, sharing their stories with our network!

This is a great opportunity for your sibling with a disability to get involved in The Arc's advocacy movement. The deadline to apply is February 5. Questions? Contact Jenny Alexander at alexander@thearc.org.

It's no secret that this year has been incredibly challenging for many. Now more than ever before, we must continue our crucial disability advocacy. We won't stop fighting to protect and expand the support systems that help people with IDD live the lives they choose—safe and included in their communities—but we need your help. By making a charitable contribution to The Arc this holiday season, you are enabling us to continue our work protecting home and community-based services in 2021 and beyond. Please consider donating today if you're able to! 

Everyone must plan for how they will pay for the things they want and need in their life, and it's important to plan before you need it. You don’t need a lot of money to plan—but you do need to plan!

The Arc's Center for Future Planning has created free resources to help. These documents can help you:

It’s been over eight months since Congress passed a COVID-19 pandemic relief bill. Tell your Members of Congress that we need action now, and people with disabilities, their families, and the direct support professional workforce must be included. We need:

Call, email, or tweet your Senators today!

Know another sibling who would be interested in receiving this newsletter? Forward this email to them so they can sign up!