DRC Programs
Protection & Advocacy for Developmental Disabilities (PADD)
4th Annual Fall Family Festival in the Park
The 4th Annual Fall Family Festival in the Park is October 4, 2008, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m at Sherwood Forest.
WOW!!! It's that time again already. We are looking forward to our 4th Annual Fall Family Festival in the Park and we need YOU!!! This fun filled and rewarding event cannot be successful without you.
This afternoon Picnic is a chance for families of children and adults with disabilities to share stories, get to know one another, and have a support system.
We invite you to provide a booth to include not only information regarding your agency and resources, but also an activity of your choice that will add to the festivities of this event.
Contact Brenda L. Mercerat, Family Services Coordinator the Arkansas Governors Developmental Disability Council, 1-501-661-2589 or 1-800-462-0599 ext 661-2589 (V/TTDD). You may also email her at brenda[dot]mercer[at]arkansas[dot]gov.
PADD advocates for the rights of persons with developmental disabilities. Under Federal law, a "developmental disability" is defined as: "A severe, chronic condition which is manifested before age 22, is likely to continue indefinitely, results in substantial functional limitations of at least three areas of major life activity and results in the need for a combination and sequence of several kinds of services".
We place a high value on empowerment as an outcome of our assistance to individuals. In keeping with this philosophy, our initial response to callers is usually to inform, to educate, and to provide short-term assistance to enable persons to advocate successfully on their own behalf. Longer-term advocacy is available as needed, in accordance with the Annual Program Priorities, and legal representation can be provided to clients whose cases may benefit large numbers of persons with disabilities.
PADD routinely monitors services provided in Human Development Centers and in community-based programs for persons with developmental disabilities. This monitoring includes review of all incident reports and incident investigations. When warranted, PADD conducts an independent incident investigation. PADD also provides information, referral, and short-term assistance on behalf of students with developmental disabilities in public schools.
What is a "Developmental Disability"?
- In general
The term "developmental disability" means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that -
- is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;
- is manifested before the individual attains age 22;
- is likely to continue indefinitely;
- results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity:
- self-care,
- receptive and expressive language,
- learning,
- mobility,
- self-direction,
- capacity for independent living, and
- economic self-sufficiency; and
- reflects the individual's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.
- Infants and young children
An individual from birth to age 9, inclusive, who has a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition, may be considered to have a developmental disability without meeting 3 or more of the criteria described in clauses (i) - (v) of the above if the individual, without services and supports, has a high probability of meeting those criteria later in life.
|
PADD services are funded by the Administration for Developmental Disabilities (ADD), and are provided free of charge.
Federally mandated protection and advocacy (P&A) system for Arkansans with disabilities
AWA Conference
The 2008 Arkansas Waiver Association Conference will be held August 7 - 8, 2008 at the Clarion Resort on the Lake in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Preconference activities will be August 6. Attendance will be limited to the first 300 to apply. For more information. including an agenda, registration forms, and map to the venue, you can visit their web site at http://www.arkansaswaiver.com/Conf_2008.html
|
The DD Network
Made up of three federally-funded "sister" agencies – the Arkansas Governor's Developmental Disabilities Council, Partners for Inclusive Communities, and the Disability Rights Center – the DD Network is a new to the state's developmental disabilities community. A natural extension of the desire to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families, the Network has joined forces on a number of cooperative ventures, including:
The Network is also brings its combined expertise to bear on such pressing issues as improved nutrition and physical fitness, crime prevention, community inclusion, improved educational opportunities and the creation of a more positive perception of people with Disabilities. For more information about the DD Network, the individual agencies and their activities, contact the
The Community Advisory Committee of
Partners for Inclusive Communities-UAMS
invites you to attend a public forum on
"Supporting Individuals with Disabilities and their Families"
Why: This meeting is to learn more about Partners and Partners activities. Community Advisory Committee members will be available to answer questions and provide resources for individuals with disabilities and their families. Featured will be a brief presentation by Karan Burnette on "Autism in Arkansas: Prevalence, Legislative Activity and New Resources", including an introduction to a new Partners project, The Arkansas Autism Resource and Outreach Center (AAROC). As time permits, individual questions will be addressed on topics such as behavioral intervention, facilitating language development, addressing sensory needs, and working with the public schools.
What: The mission of Partners is to support individuals with disabilities and families of children with disabilities to fully and meaningfully participate in community life, effect systems change, and prevent disabilities. The Community Advisory Committee is composed of individuals with disabilities, parents and professionals who are dedicated to providing support and guidance for the activities of Please come join us. Refreshments will be served.
When: August 20, 2008, 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Where: First Methodist Church, 615 East Main, Batesville, AR
For more information or to request accommodations to participate in this meeting, please call Judy Young at 1-800-342-2923 V/TDD, 501-682-9908 Voice, or 501-682-9902 TDD. No pre-registration required.
|
|
