Sprout Film Festival Returns to Baltimore in 2015

By Harriet S. Yaffe, Film Program Coordinator, Sprout

The Arc Baltimore is now preparing for its Third annual Sprout Film Festival to be co-presented on February 14th with the Hussman Center for Adults with Autism at Towson University. Beginning at 2pm at the West Village Commons, they will show 11 short films on a wide range of subject matter. What better way to celebrate Valentines Day than to bring your loved ones to support this wonderful event. It is sure to inspire conversation, change perceptions and provide an entertaining afternoon.

The Sprout Film Festival presents works showcasing the unique lives and creative expressions of people who are almost never seen in main stream media: those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in New York City in 2003, the SFF is the first of its kind to exclusively focus on I/DD and has a mission to not only inspire and entertain, but also to inform, spark change, and help make the invisible, visible.

In recent years, television shows like Glee, American Horror Story & Breaking Bad have introduced actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, these occurrences are still far too rare. Films about I/DD are often assumed to be depressing or unappealing. However, what you gain from attending a Sprout Film Festival is the realization that these stories are human stories that capture both the joys and complexities of life. The films screened illustrate that our similarities are far greater than our differences.

The New York festival has grown considerably over the last 12 years in both size and recognition. Each year the festival showcases a new group of films, spanning multiple genres, and from filmmakers from all over the world. In 2006, Sprout began taking the films on tour, allowing agencies to select highlights from each year of the SFF and to tailor their specific festival by theme or general interests.

As a proud representative of Sprout, I applaud The Arc Baltimore for appreciating the value of these films and using them as catalysts for change in the community.

Get more info about Baltimore's 3rd Annual Sprout Film Festival: http://bit.ly/1u3EnvD

Find out more about Sprout at www.sproutflix.org

Harriet retired last year as the long-time executive director of The Arc of Southern Maryland where she started the first of the local Sprout film festivals in Maryland.

My Saturday Southern Sunshine

By Shane Hargest
Disabilities Advocate and Building Accessibility Reviewer

MY SATURDAY SOUTHERN SUNSHINE

I’m headed down to my sanctuary where I can be closer
to God than I can ever be.

I can laugh and be myself and nobody ever judges me.

I glance at this girl, and she comes up to me.

Her smile is angelic and affectionate as a warm summer breeze.

She’s just as pretty as she can be, and I admit I have the southern blues.

But, why do all these doctors think they know what I need, really.

All I need is a dose of my Saturday Southern Sunshine.

She just takes me away from my reality.

She puts my mangled body in the pool.

Emotions running high, I forget why I’m here as I look into her eyes.

I call her my Saturday Southern Sunshine.

We float in the water as my blues seem to go away.

I no longer have a care in the world.  

I call her my Saturday Southern Sunshine.

With a gentle voice and a southern accent, she whispers about drinking sweet tea…we laughed.

I call her my Saturday Southern Sunshine.

She puts in the walker so I can float in the water when this world seems to weigh me down.

In this water, it’s just me, a place where I may be able to connect with God and just be free.

Someday soon, I’ll stand before God and ask him to drown my wheelchair,

and watch my sorrow go down the drain, just like the man in the Bible that laid there for 38 years.

I will put these sorrows behind me.

I will be healed from my imperfections, the same way my Southern Sunshine heals me.

One day, we will jump for joy giving thanks for the perfect sunshine.

"My Saturday Southern Sunshine" is a poem written by Shane Hargest, a disabilities advocate and speaker who aims to "change people's perspective" about individuals with disabilities. In addition, Shane conduct accessibility assessments at local businesses to ensure that they provide appropriate accommodations for all people.  Shane recently chose The Arc Baltimore to provide him employment services.

Remote Support and Virtual Job Coaching

By Daphni Steffin

Director of Assistive Technology & LifePrint Management

When you think about Assistive Technology (AT), many things may come to mind. A communication device, an adapted switch, maybe even an iPad. As we start to think about the iPad, we realize that not all AT is exclusively for people with disabilities. After all…isn’t all technology in some way “assistive?”

Some of the most progressive developments in the world of AT are centered on the use of mainstream technologies in new ways. Video calling technologies such as Skype and FaceTime make it possible for people with disabilities to have real time interaction with a friend, family member, care giver, or job coach. We are exploring the value that these technologies can add to the quality of supports we are providing to people at The Arc Baltimore through some very exciting and innovative pilot projects.

Our Community Living Division is using video calling technology like Skype to provide remote support to people in their homes. In collaboration with a telesupport company called Rest Assured, we are providing a blend of remote support and in-home support services. Picture a woman living independently in her apartment. Using the latest and greatest camera and sensor technology, a telesupport provider checks in with her a few times a day to make sure she is safe, asks her if she has taken her medications, and makes sure her home is secure. The telesupport giver gets an alert if the smoke detector goes off, and can be reached at any time with the push of a button.

Our Community Employment division has launched a separate pilot project, exploring the use of FaceTime for virtual job coaching. People with disabilities working in the community with job coach supports can use their iPhone to FaceTime with their job coach. This empowers the individual to access real time job coaching even if the coach is not on site. We are excited to see how people thrive in integrated employment as in-person job coaches fade out, but are a FaceTime call away if needed.

The Arc Baltimore utilizes FaceTime technology 

for virtual job coaching in the workplace

Technology advances at a rapid rate, and The Arc Baltimore wants to be well-informed of the new benefits it provides for people with disabilities. These pilot projects demonstrate our awareness of both cutting-edge and mainstream assistive technology as well as our commitment to integrating it into our support models.

For more information about our Assistive Technology department and the services we provide to individuals receiving supports from The Arc Baltimore, please feel free to contact me at dsteffin@thearcbaltimore.org or 410-296-2272 x 5206.

Transitioning From School Into Adult Services

By Bob Fonte, Director of Outreach

The Arc Baltimore works intently to transition recent graduates from school into day and supported employment services. We refer to these students as transitioning youth. Every year there are a number of families who do not get into adult services or their entry is delayed for a variety of reasons. In order to prevent this from happening, I wanted to talk about what families should do in preparation for when their child exits the school system. Although the process can be daunting, it does not have to be difficult. Starting early will give you plenty of time to address any problems and agencies, such as The Arc, are there to help you.

HOW DO I GET FUNDING?

There are two state agencies that fund services for persons with disabilities. The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) provides short-term employment and life skills training, employment support, and adaptive equipment. They work with individuals who have any disability that impairs their ability to maintain employment. DORS works with both individuals who have a mental health diagnosis or a developmental disability. There is a waiting list, but folks who receive Social Security benefits receive a priority for services.

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is the state agency that funds services for persons with developmental disabilities. There is a long waiting list for services, but DDA generally allocates a significant amount of funding for students exiting school at age 21. This is known as the Transitioning Youth (TY) Initiative and the funds are for day or supported employment services. Students who leave school early are not eligible until the year they would have exited the school system if they stayed until age 21. The TY Initiative is the way that the majority of individuals get into DDA services. Everyone eligible for the transitioning Youth Initiative will get a resource coordinator (case manager for DDA services) who will assist you with this process. Both Baltimore City and Baltimore County School systems have transition teams that will also offer guidance beginning even before age 18. So, there is help for families who need it.

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR DDA SERVICES?

To be eligible for any services from DDA, an individual must have a severe developmental disability that impairs their ability to function independently, but there are two levels of eligibility – DD (Developmentally Disabled) and SO (Supports Only). This often confuses families as most people determined as SO have a developmental disability.

“Supports only” (SO) - DDA determined that you have a significant disability, but are more independent than someone who would be determined as DD eligible.

A young adult exiting the school system with a SO status is unlikely to get into services through DDA. You can apply to DDA at any age. However, applicants under age 18 are often determined to be SO since, at that age, they are not expected to have many adult skills whether or not they have a disability. Individuals who are originally determined SO can easily request a “redetermination” provided there is documentation that supports this appeal. Current school records are usually adequate.

Families of a child turning 18 should know their status with DDA. If they are SO, they should contact their resource coordinator to initiate a redetermination. If the redetermination still yields a determination of SO, you have a right to formally appeal that decision.

Aside from exiting school at age 21, one must also be eligible for DDA services as developmentally disabled (DD) in order to be eligible for the TY Initiative and, in the future, the full range of services (residential, day and supports) that DDA offers. Those individuals who are determined only as SO are eligible for support services from DDA, but are not eligible for TY money nor day and residential services. Individuals in the SO category are also not eligible for the DDA waiver, so it is unlikely they will be able to obtain any services from DDA. The bottom line is that if you are eligible as DD, you are in position to receive day and employment services. If your status with DDA is SO, you should seek to appeal this decision.  

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE COMMUNITY PATHWAYS WAIVER?

The other critical piece to getting DDA services is eligibility for the Community Pathways Waiver. The DDA receives about 50% of cost of services from the federal government for those in the waiver. So, DDA generally does not fund non-waiver services. One cannot apply for the DDA waiver in advance of services, but if someone receives SSI benefits and Medical Assistance, they almost certainly will be eligible for the waiver. Families should apply for SSI for a child at age 18 when only the individual’s - not the family’s - income and assets are counted.  There is an asset limit of $2000 for SSI and the waiver. Those who do not already have SSI and/or MA may still be eligible for the waiver, but it is a much longer and complicated process.

WHEN SHOULD I SELECT A PROVIDER AGENCY?

Early in the final school year, families should begin contacting providers and looking at programs of interest to them. Ideally, you should know where your son or daughter is going by January, but many families do not sort this out until much later. You should have a first and second choice of programs. Your resource coordinator should be working closely with you in this process and can send referrals to your choice of provider agencies. There is a universal application that all the agencies should accept, so you only need to fill out one application and give it to the resource coordinator to distribute with the referral packet. You should be aware that TY funding does not start until July 1 at the earliest and there is usually a gap of at least several weeks between graduation and the start of DDA services. 

Although the eligibility and waiver regulations can be complicated and confusing, the majority of students will transition into adult services without a hitch. There are three key points to remember to ensure a smooth transition into the adult world:

• Apply to the DDA and/or check DDA status at age 18.
• Apply for SSI benefits and Medicaid (Medical Assistance) at age 18 and keep assets under $2000
• Work with your resource coordinator to apply to and visit providers early in the student’s final year of school – if not before.

For more information and guidance on the TY process, check out our TY information page or contact me or my colleagues in the Outreach Department at 410-296-2272. 

CARF Awards The Arc Baltimore Its Fourth, Three-Year Accreditation

By Aaron Atkinson, Director of Quality Enhancement

The Quality Enhancement department is happy to announce that CARF International, an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services, awarded The Arc Baltimore its fourth, three-year maximum accreditation on June 27, 2014 for the following services: Employment Supports; Job Development; Community Housing; Community Integration; Foster Family Services; Supported Living; and Governance.

In order to receive the maximum accreditation, The Arc had to demonstrate substantial conformance for over a thousand standards, of which we met 98 percent. A team of six CARF surveyors spent three days conducting a comprehensive review of the agency, including visiting day programs and homes of individuals supported by Community Living and Foster Care, reviewing policies and procedures, and meeting with staff, individuals who receive services, families, board members and other stakeholders.

It is noteworthy that The Arc is not required by licensing entities to seek accreditation. The fact that we voluntarily pursue CARF accreditation is a testament to the quality of our agency and to our deep commitment to sustainable excellence. In its most recent survey report, CARF noted many strengths that The Arc demonstrates, including:

·      “The Arc Baltimore enjoys the services of a committed and enthusiastic board whose members are dedicated to the organization and its mission.”

·      “The longevity of the staff members at the executive, senior management, and management levels is impressive.”

·      “Assistive technology is a major strength of The Arc Baltimore.”

·      “The Arc Baltimore supports the needs of persons serviced with severe challenges at its various day program sites with increasingly creative person-centered approaches.”

·     The families are extremely satisfied with the services provided by The Arc Baltimore and are confident in the organization’s ability to not only keep the persons served healthy and safe, but to also assist them in reaching their full potential.”

·      “The persons served are supported to spend time with their families and friends; take vacations; attend conferences; and explore their community, state, and region.”

The Arc’s ongoing success is attributed to the dedication of our board members, families, individuals who receive services, and community affiliates. The dedication of The Arc’s staff, from direct support professionals to our executive leadership continues to impress me the most. This exemplary accreditation was made possible by your hard work, devotion to the individuals who receive services, and a continued commitment to The Arc’s mission and values.

If you have any feedback or suggestions for continued quality improvement, please contact me at 410-296-2272 x 5540 or aatkinson@thearcbaltimore.org.

Thank you all.

Golf Tournament Co-chair Reflects on his $1.3M Impact on The Arc Baltimore

After the dust settled from The Arc Baltimore’s 20^th Annual Golf Tournament, tournament committee co-chair Mike Eikenberg from Expressway Office Solutions reflected on his involvement with The Arc Baltimore and its golf tournament:

Mike Eikenberg,
Golf Tournament co-chair

I became associated with The Arc in 1985. The Arc Baltimore has a very special place in my heart. My Uncle Franny received live-in residential services at his home on Radcliffe Rd in Towson from The Arc Baltimore (it was known as BARC back then) from 1984-1991. Their staff also supported him at his job. The Arc Baltimore is a wonderful organization. From Steve Morgan down, I see the commitment of the employees and the impact they make in our community every day!  Most employees are with a company just to collect a paycheck. The exact opposite is true at The Arc.

It’s been great to see the tournament evolve since it started 20 years ago. The tournament has continued to flourish through a very difficult recession; we are very appreciative to all our sponsors who help make this tournament successful every year.  I always get an awesome feeling at the tournament especially when supported individuals come out to volunteer. It is a true reminder of The Arc’s mission.

The tournament has been so successful because of Libby Bryant. It begins and ends with her.  She has been the driving force for 20 years that keeps this tournament organized and successful. In addition to Libby’s hard work, our corporate sponsors witness and appreciate all of The Arc’s work in the Baltimore community. Each year, it gets easier for them to support the tournament.  

My association with The Arc Baltimore and having the opportunity to contribute to their mission has brought me great pleasure.

Editor’s note: As a result of Mike and his fellow co-chair, Chuck Shettle’s 20 years of dedication and hard work, The Arc Baltimore’s annual golf tournament raised over $1.3 million dollars in support of our programs and services for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities!

Ken Mays (far left) from title sponsor Scientific Plant Service, Chuck Shettle (in red) and Mike Eikenberg (in striped shirt in back) present a check for nearly $1.3M to Executive Director Steve Morgan and two crew members from The Arc Baltimore's landscape services.

Three Families Take A Swing at Sharing Their PLAY Program Experience

This year, the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) partnered with The Arc of the United States in order to promote the inclusion of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their PLAY (Promoting a Lifetime of Activity for Youth) program.  The program started in 2004 and exists at all thirty ballparks across the United States. Children from The Arc Baltimore and The Arc Central Chesapeake Region attended the Baltimore event at Oriole Park at Camden Yards last month.  Participants learned proper hitting and running techniques on the field, listened to presentations on steroid use, healthy lifestyles and nutrition, and met Orioles outfielder David Lough during a Q&A session. Three families shared their experience below.

Karen Best and her son Daniel
*Written by Karen Best

Daniel’s participation in the PLAY program at Camden Yards was a dream come true for my son Daniel. He enjoyed every minute of it, especially the opportunity to go out on the field and do hitting drills. I was thrilled to see Daniel having so much fun and interacting with the other children.  The health discussions were great and were very important for the kids to hear. After the Orioles player David Lough finished his talk about the importance of nutrition, he was kind enough to stop and take a picture with Daniel.

We moved to Baltimore from New York in 2000, and Daniel converted me from a lifetime Yankees fan to an equally die-hard Orioles fan as he got older. We don’t even pay attention to the Yankees anymore! So, when we found out that we were also getting tickets for the game that evening, we were overjoyed. Despite the rain delay and an Os loss, we had a great time. Thank you to everyone especially The Arc Baltimore and the PBATS for this unique opportunity.

_____________________________________

Becky Matthews and her daughter Raven
*Written by Becky Matthews

Raven had a wonderful time at the PLAY program event at Oriole Park at Camden Yards!  She went with her stepfather, Ron, and her Uncle Scott. They both had a great time as well.

Raven's favorite time of the day was when she got to hit the tee ball and run the bases. No one expected her to do it from the wheelchair. Raven likes to do everything. All she needs is a little help. After she hit the ball and Ron pushed her around the bases, everyone started cheering. She loved it! She knew they were cheering for her.

Raven loved hanging out with all of the other children. Listening to the presentations on health and wellness in the Orioles dugout was another favorite. Raven loved seeing everyone and the excitement of the event. Both Ron and Scott were very impressed at how well they were all treated and the accommodations made for all of the children. They were treated with kindness and respect, and were told to just let someone know if they needed anything.

Raven had a great time! I hope she gets invited back! Thank you!  

______________________________________

Jennifer Mitchell and her son Justice
*written by Justice

The first part was Major League Baseball and all of its teams and players to help fight steroid abuse and to educate the young people of America about the dangers of steroids and promote a healthy and active life style.

The first part of the day at Camden Yards was to exercise. I even got to swing the bat at a baseball which I finally did hit - after a couple of swings.  Then, we went to the dugout where the team nutritionist spoke about eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables (broccoli, cherries, bananas, corn, etc.)  We then went to the hygienist who spoke about personal hygiene, brushing your teeth at least twice per day, showering daily and using deodorant.

We were going to our last station where we would have done running drills and exercises, but all of a sudden, it started raining like cats and dogs.  Then, we went inside the locker room where Orioles player David Lough spoke to us about how, during his childhood, he ate healthy and exercised thanks to his mom.  We also got to ask him questions which I enjoyed.  We also got a goodie bag from the Henry Schein Cares Foundation. We then got news that we will get two tickets to the game scheduled for that night.  Even though the game was delayed due to rain, I still had fun.  From morning to night, it was a very long day coming to an end.

A great big thanks to the Taylor Hooton Foundation, Henry Schein Cares Foundation and The Arc Baltimore staff.

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To view more pictures from the event, check out the PBATS photo album.