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SW 644: Issues in Developmental Disabilities Parent Advocacy, Organizations, and New Directions Part II. Discussion and Dialogue with Jim Hoegemeier and Don Anderson. History of ARC. 1949- Started in WI. ARC Expands to Homes.
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SW 644: Issues in Developmental DisabilitiesParent Advocacy, Organizations, and New Directions Part II Discussion and Dialogue with Jim Hoegemeier and Don Anderson
History of ARC 1949- Started in WI
ARC Expands to Homes • Address functional daily living skills for kids who were not in institutions • Small programs developed - in homes or church basements -start of special education
Push for Community Living Arrangement • Kids growing up into their 20’s and wanting to move out of the house to experience • In 1970’s, there was a big push for community living arrangements and very little government financial support • Into the 80’s the government began to realize the importance of community living arrangements and funds became more available
Aging With Disabilities • Up until the 90’s focus not on older people with developmental disabilities or older caretakers
Guardianship • When a person with a developmental disability turns 18, his or her parent becomes the legal guardian • People with developmental disabilities are outliving parents and siblings • A guardian should protect the rights of the individual
“Corporate” Guardian • Guardian works for an agency and is being paid by individual or county • Benefit: Independent • Usually used as last resort • Guardianship should be challenged; independence should be respected
Legal Changes for Guardianship • One used to only need to be deemed “incompetent” in order to require a guardian • Now a person needs to be deemed incompetent and the in competency needs to pose as a risk to the person
Legal Changes for Guardianship (cont.) • Instead of assuming individual has no rights except those guaranteed by the court, the individual is assumed to have all of his/her rights, except those specifically restricted by the court
ARC’s Earlier Goals • Increasing budget to keep up with inflation • Rallying, seeking political support • Rallying began in 70’s for things like special education or community-based suppor
Rallies Now • More regionalized- people need to see their own law makers • Law makers listen to their constituents • Mobilize advocates around the state to effectively change state laws
What is the ARC doing for me? • Primary role: legislative advocacy • Lobby around issues such as: • How we talk about people with developmental disabilities • Education The ARC collaborates with other advocacy groups for most effective routes to progress
ARC as Service Provider • Over the years, some ARC chapters have began to provide services as well as advocate for people with developmental disabilities
Membership at ARC • Membership is struggling at ARC • Has over 7000 members • Once had over 100 chapters, now has 31 • Providing services helps generate some funding • Looking to reach out to younger families