The Arc of Montgomery, Berks & Bucks Counties
A leading
proponent
for the rights
of people
and their
families with
developmental disabilities...
Upcoming Events...
The Arc of Montgomery, Berks & Bucks Counties-
Golf Outing
The Arc is having a golf outing!
This event will
be held at the Shannondell Golf Club in Audubon, PA. Please
join us in supporting The Arc on September 29, 2008 and
enjoying a day of golf.
Costs per golfer:
$150.00 (includes meals)
Dinner only: $50.00
Shotgun start: 1:00 PM
RSVP by: August 29, 2008
Golf Includes:
-
18 holes of golf with cart
-
Lunch, before golf: 11:30 AM
-
Dinner and cocktails: 5:30 PM
Click the download button below to upload registration information.
· When: Monday, September 29, 2008 - Shotgun start: 1:00 PM
· Where: Shannondell Golf Club, Egypt Road, Audubon, PA 19403
In the Spotlight ...
Course snacks and beverages
The
Arc Building Bridges in the Community
View the BCTV show that aired on July 3, 2008
view now
Noteworthy News I...
Spring
Valley
YMCA
The playground is called
"Sandyland" and was donated by Marc Physical Therapist Sue
Pytel’s parents, Paul and Carol Touhey in memory of Susan’s
Aunt and Uncle. Their names were Sandy and JJ Touhey
and they both passed away in 1967 within 33 days of each
other. Sue’s parents had always wanted to do something
in their memory and last year, when Sue became involved in
volunteering with the Special Needs program at the Spring
Valley YMCA, she suggested a playground that was fully
accessible to children of all abilities. Her parents
loved the idea and Sue began designing the playground with
the help of Little Tikes and some helpful hints from Morgan
and Katie (recipients of this years Outstanding Community
Program Award). The playgrounds official dedication took
place on May 17th with a crowd of over 200 people, including
many children with various disabilities. The
playground has ramping and rubber flooring which wheelchairs
can glide over and panels with sign language and Picture
Communication Symbols, and
EVERY child can play! We also feature a
special needs swing.
Click to view pictures of this great playground
Noteworthy News II...
Burden
of proof for Special Education hearings:
parents or schools?
Last month we decided to heat things up with a new format. We’re inviting the movers, shakers, and experts on both side of the fence to discuss the issue openly in the hopes of educating everyone on the full scope of the topic.
Obviously, we believe our positions are stronger, and
we hope to convince people to support our side.
But it’s crucial that all interested parties be given an
opportunity to present their views.
Here’s our first attempt at this. It’s not perfect, but we’re still excited by the effort and outcome.
Tom Brogan, Chair of the Political Science department at Albright College, moderated a discussion between Rep. Dennis O’Brien, Speaker of the Pa. House of Representatives; and Michael Thew, Executive Director of Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12.
They debated House Bill 2438, which Rep. O’Brien sponsored. It proposes to restore the old rule that school districts (instead of families) have the burden of proof in special education hearings.
The next show airs on July 3, and will discuss the mental retardation system changes that will take effect on July 1, 2009. Scheduled participants include Edward Michalik, Administrator of the Berks County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Office; and Kevin Casey, Deputy Secretary of the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs. I might also participate as a panelist!
We’ll keep readers updated on the panelists and moderator as the air date approaches.
We encourage everyone to watch live on BCTV, and call in to voice their opinions on air. Keep this number handy: 610-378-0426.
You can also watch the show on BCTV’s Web site. If you miss it, we’ll also be posting the shows here on the blog. We have a backlog of videos which we’ll be posting soon, too, so watch this space.
visit our blog for more
informative news:
http://www.marcpa.org/blogsite.htm
Noteworthy News III...
