ACHIEVEments
A publication of The Arc of York County
Volume 2, Issue 4, March 2023
Photos of the Month
TOP LEFT- Maeve is a super star employee at McDonalds. She loves her job and the independence that she gains from it.

TOP RIGHT- Devin could not be happier with his new job at Incredible Pets in Red Lion. With assistance from The Arc of York County’s Penn Employment Services staff, Devin turned his passion for working with animals into a job that he really enjoys.

BOTTOM- This past month, the students in The Arc of York County’s After School Options Program were visited by the York County Solid Waste & Refuse Authority. The students were taught that garbage is actually turned into electricity. They were also taught the importance of recycling, with each student using torn paper and lots of water to make a fresh piece of recycled paper to take home.
Do You Find the Special Education
Process Confusing?
We know that determining and implementing the services a student with disabilities needs at school can be overwhelming and confusing. Whether you are a parent, educator, service provider, or non-attorney advocate, we are here to help! The Arc@School’s Advocacy Curriculum provides the basic information needed to navigate the special education system, including early intervention services, individualized education programs (IEPs), Section 504, and more.

Families
• Learn to advocate for the services and supports your child needs.
Educators & Service Providers
• Understand what is required by law to support your students with disabilities.
• Get the information you need to better serve your students with disabilities and build relationships with their families.

Advocates & Chapters of The Arc
• Help students with disabilities and their families understand the educational services and supports available to them and effectively advocate for appropriate services.

Curriculum Components
The Arc@School’s Advocacy Curriculum includes eight modules. Each module is about an hour long and includes a pre-test, a listening guide, narrated videos, a post-test, and additional resources.

MORE INFORMATION
How long do I have to complete the curriculum?
While the curriculum is self-paced, you must complete it in less than six months. If you have not completed the curriculum within the six-month timeframe, you will need to email school@thearc.org to request additional access.

What do I get once I complete it?
Once you have completed the entire curriculum, you will receive a certificate of completion and you will be given online access to all of the curriculum materials. Please note that the certificate of completion does not guarantee earning of continuing education credits, because every state, school district, and professional organization has its own standards and requirements. Contact your state education agency, local school district, or professional organization to determine whether the curriculum will be accepted for professional development.


For more information and a link to sign up please email Alicia Zienkiewicz at zienk@thearcofyorkcounty.org
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
On Feb. 26, 1987, President Ronald Reagan officially declared Proclamation 5613 making March National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. He urged Americans to increase public awareness of the needs and the potential of Americans with developmental disabilities. Below you will find the complete proclamation; it’s short and worth the read.
 
Proclamation 5613 -By the President of the United States of America Ronald Reagan

Nearly four million Americans have grown up with severe physical or mental impairments that have slowed their learning, limited their mobility, inhibited their expression, and rendered them dependent on others for care and assistance.

For many of these people with developmental disabilities there is now the prospect of a brighter future and greater opportunity. Americans are becoming increasingly aware that such disabilities need not keep individuals from realizing their full potential in school, at work or at home, as members of their families and of their communities.

New opportunities have been created through the efforts of those with developmental disabilities and their family members, along with professionals and officials at all levels of government.

Working together, they have brought about significant changes in the public perception of young people and adults with developmental disabilities, opening new doors to independent and productive lives.

One important new milestone is the fruitful partnership between government and the private sector in finding productive employment for people with developmental disabilities, people who might otherwise have been destined to a lifetime of dependency. In the past 2 years, the Administration's Employment Initiative has resulted in finding job opportunities for more than 87,000 people with developmental disabilities.

The Congress, by Public Law 99 - 483, has designated the month of March 1987 as "National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month'' and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this event.

Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of March 1987 as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. I invite all individuals, agencies, and organizations concerned with the problem of developmental disabilities to observe this month with appropriate observances and activities directed toward increasing public awareness of the needs and the potential of Americans with developmental disabilities. I urge all Americans to join me in according to our fellow citizens with such disabilities both encouragement and the opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh.
Ronald Reagan
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:58 a.m., February 27, 1987]
The Arc Ball and Auction on March 25
Did you know you can participate in this year's The Arc Ball and Auction's silent auction even if you aren't able to attend in person? You can place your bids, on your computer or mobile device, from the comfort of your own home.

The auction opens for bids on Wednesday, March 22 at 12:01 AM and ends on Saturday, March 25 at 9:30 PM. You can preview all of the amazing auction packages up for bid soon!

This year's auction features weekend getaways, signed memorabilia, artwork, dining and entertainment certificates, and MUCH MORE!!

All proceeds from The Arc Ball and Auction benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in south central Pennsylvania.
UPCOMING EVENTS:

MARCH 9: Open House in Adams County (5:30 PM- 7:00 PM)

MARCH 15: Open House in Adams County (12:00 PM- 1:30 PM)


MAY 4-5: Give Local York 2023


JULY 10- First Day of Camp Pennwood 2023


Contact
 York Center
497 Hill Street
York, PA 17403

Highland Center for Vocational Services
520 N. Highland Avenue
York, PA 17404

Hanover Office
1 Center Square
Suite 100
Hanover, PA 17331

Adams County Center
P.O. Box 551
25 Franklin Street
Biglerville, PA 17307

Phone: 717-846-6589
Fax: 717-852-8842

**When referring to us, The Arc is not an acronym. Use The Arc, not The ARC and never ARC. The Arc should be considered as a title or a phrase.