“I think we made great strides when it came to all the advocacy that went into the ADA. I do think if we didn’t do all of the advocacy for the ADA, we might not be where we are today in regards to people with disabilities.” – Joseph Damiano, Self-Advocate. Joseph Damiano of Belfast, New […]
On Sunday, July 26th, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Arc is proud of our role in protecting the rights of people with disabilities, including as a significant player in the passage of the ADA. Consistent with our work for decades on policy development and legal efforts on […]
As you are aware, since mid-March our day programs have been under governors’ orders to shut down to keep everyone as safe as possible from COVID-19. What we initially thought might be a few weeks of closure has now been months. Thank you for reaching out to us with questions as they came up, and for your patience as […]
WASHINGTON – A coalition of state and national disability and civil rights advocacy groups have filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) challenging the crisis standard of care plans in Arizona and Texas, two states hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. These crisis plans are used […]
Saturday, June 20th was a day of celebration at Carousel Children’s Services. Fourteen preschoolers came out with their families to join a drive thru parade in honor of their graduation. They were greeted with waves and cheers from Carousel staff and the agency’s mascot, Blesher Lil’ Heart. There was pure joy and excitement […]
We wanted to check in and let you know with the entire state of New York being placed on PAUSE by order of the Governor and recommendations of the CDC, our day programs will remain closed until further notice. Our executive team is in daily contact with our parent organization, The Arc New York. […]
As you are aware, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities has implemented a temporary suspension of visitation to our residences in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Effective March 25 at 5 p.m., OPWDD has also directed the temporary suspension of home visits and community outings for our residential programs. We recognize […]
In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is requiring a temporary suspension of visitation to our residential programs, effective immediately. Community is essential in times of crisis, and we appreciate your support and understanding as we work to sustain our connections in creative ways. […]
Due to guidance we’ve received with Delaware County being in a state of emergency, we are closing all day programs for two weeks, Monday, March 16th through Friday, March 27th. Our buildings are heavily sanitized and some staff will be present so if you need to pick up any personal items you should call Monday […]
The following article was provided by The Arc’s national office: The Arc is pleased that Congress is recognizing the unique and vital needs that people with disabilities have when facing the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency relief bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today includes important and specific measures that would help mitigate […]