The ARC At a Glance

AT A GLANCE

PURPOSE
The primary purpose is to provide "ADVOCACY." Specifically, The Arc of Oakland County: supports research focusing on prevention; develops better understanding of intellectual (i.e., mental retardation) and developmental disabilities by the general public; cooperates and enlists the support of public and private agencies; furthers the recruitment, education and training of personnel to work in the field; furthers the adoption and implementation of appropriate statutes and regulations; serves as a clearinghouse for gathering and disseminating information; fosters the development of quality programs; monitors programs and services; advises, assists, and guides persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to appropriate resolutions to their problems; cooperates and assists The Arc of the U.S. and The Arc Michigan in the promotion of common objectives; and, obtains the funds to accomplish these objectives.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Arc of Oakland County was incorporated in 1967 through the efforts of parents and families of persons who have mental retardation for the purpose of improving current services and to develop new programs by way of supportive and appropriate legislation.
Through a combined effort with other advocacy groups, significant laws were passed at state and federal levels. These laws addressed the critical areas of education, housing, civil rights, the family support subsidy and more.

While much has been accomplished, much more needs to be done.

PRESENT
At the end of 2006, membership in The Arc of Oakland County totaled 894 families with an ancillary mailing list participation of approximately 100. We are the largest local chapter in the state of Michigan, and the tenth largest out of approximately 900 chapters nationwide!

The Arc of Oakland County is directed by a fifteen member Board of Directors and its professional staff of seven: the Executive Director (and staff attorney), Coordinator for Community Information and Development, Office Manager and Comptroller, Advocacy Coordinator (and staff attorney), Shared Parenting and Etheridge Plan Advocate, Fiscal Intermediary Coordinator, and Administrative and Member Services.

Programs and services available to our members include:

SYSTEMS ADVOCACY

FINANCIAL: Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities qualify for disability benefits such as Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicaid, Family Support Subsidy, Adult Home Help Services, and much more. The Arc staff can help answer questions that parents or guardians have about these and other entitlements. The award winning yearly TAX GUIDE for families and individuals concerned about tax deductions and credits related to the care and support of a child or an adult with a developmental disability is available for a nominal fee through The Arc of Oakland County offices.

LEGAL: The Arc of Oakland County legal staff assists families with a variety of issues such as writing wills and trusts, general estate planning, and other related probate matters. We also offer legal representation to consumers at Medicaid Fair Hearings [at DHS or Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (OCCMHA)], and at “Ability-to-Pay” hearings held at the Macomb-Oakland Regional Center, Inc. (“MORC”).

The Arc staff attorneys works cooperatively with Private Practice Attorneys on issues requiring legal intervention or assistance.

EDUCATION: The Arc of Oakland County staff is knowledgeable and provides experienced assistance and support to parents or guardians in preparing and understanding the Individual Education Plan (IEP), based on the 2004 re-authorized federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (“I.D.E.I.A.”) and Michigan's Mandatory Special Education Act for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

GUARDIANSHIP: The Arc of Oakland County staff offers helpful information and guidance to families considering guardianship or the alternatives (e.g., Power of Attorney) for someone with an intellectual or a developmental disability.

ETHERIDGE PLAN

Developed for parents/family members who are concerned about the needs of a special needs child when they themselves can no longer manage life situations because of illness or death. THE ETHERIDGE PLAN is a formal. comprehensive, lifetime advocacy program. It provides consistent follow up and secures appropriate community resources for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Plan also provides trustee and/or guardianship arrangements if so desired by the family.

SHARED PARENTING

A start up grant from the Skillman Foundation provided the initial funding for the development of this program, funding was phased-out in 1994. The Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (OCCMHA) by and through the MORC have continued this outstanding program ever since.

Shared Parenting is seen as a model for effective, family-centered respite care for children and adolescents with severe physical, cognitive and/or behavioral impairments. The program is based on the concept of parental support and helps to keep families together by providing an alternative to long-term, out-of-home placement.

This program presently serves 30 families. Families have the option to utilize 108 days of out-of-home respite per year. A second family or "co-parents," recruited and trained by the participating family, provides this respite.

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

The Arc of Oakland County maintains a contractual agreement with The Arc Michigan (underwritten by the Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority) for the Dignified Lifestyles/Community Connections Program which monitors 10 MORC group homes and one adult respite home. Ten volunteers have received training and visit one residential setting per month. During each visit, volunteers observe the following: true community participation, respect, choice-making, functional skills, learning, and real relationships. Information from 25 local chapters of The Arc is accumulated within a computer data base at The Arc Michigan and shared with various departments within the State, Oakland County and legislators.

Incorporating person-centered-planning and achieving real outcomes for individuals in mental health funded settings are driving the impending changes in the program. Building on the successes and strong points of the earlier versions, the new Dignified Lifestyles/Community Connections Program will:

put people first;
support the dreams and choices of individuals;
strive to raise the expectations that others (particularly the staff persons in the home environment) have of persons with disabilities; advocate for concrete changes in peoples' lives; and,
propagate the philosophy of inclusion and person-centered decision-making.

ADDITIONAL SPONSORED PROGRAMS of The Arc of Oakland County

AWARDS BANQUET - The Arc of Oakland County recognizes persons who have made significant contributions on behalf of or for persons who have intellectual and other related developmental disabilities. On March 24, 2006, twenty-five Dove Awards were presented along with one special Lifetime Achievement Award.

Approximately 350 people attended the 36^th Dove Awards Presentation and Banquet at the San Marino Club in Troy. The Honorary Chairperson and Emcee for 2006 was Mr. Art Edwards, WDIV-Channel 4 reporter/newscaster, and member of the board of directors for The Arc of Oakland County! Our next Dove Awards banquet is scheduled for March 23, 2007, our Master of Ceremonies and Honorary Chairperson will again be Mr. Art Edwards.

BOWLING LEAGUE - The Arc of Oakland County sponsored bowling program meets every Saturday at 10:00 a.m., September through April, at the 300 Bowl in Waterford. Bowlers receive trophies at the Annual Bowling Banquet.

MICHIGAN PERFORMING ARTS TALENT SHOW - This program is the highlight of the school year giving Michigan performing artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to showcase their talents and special abilities before a diverse audience on a professional stage. The program was changed several years ago from a Saturday afternoon format to a weekday morning to involve more of the students coming from various school districts. Due to the fact that bus transportation is more easily accessible on a weekday, more performers from different districts/schools are now able to participate as performers and attend as members of the audience. The next Michigan Performing Arts Talent Show is scheduled for April 25, 2007 at the Community House, Birmingham, Michigan.

WEIGHT WATCHERS - Co-sponsored with Weight Watchers and the City of Troy Adaptive Recreation Department, this class for persons with special needs is held every Thursday evening at the Troy Community Center. Class participants pay a reduced rate under a Weight Watchers Scholarship Program. There are over 70 people enrolled in this integrated program.

* COFFEE HOUSE DANCE – although no longer a sponsored program of The Arc of Oakland County (it became a separate charitable entity in 2005), those wishing to access information about this wonderful weekly recreational event are encouraged to visit the following website link for more information and a schedule of dances: www.coffeehousedance.org**

AWARENESS: Public Information and Education

With education and awareness comes understanding and acceptance.

The Arc of Oakland County views increased public awareness as one of the major components to greater understanding and community acceptance of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To this end, The Arc of Oakland County staff provides members, families, professionals, organizations, and the community-at-large with direct and indirect information about intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc sponsors a Speaker's Bureau that promotes public awareness of The Arc services and activities together with an awareness of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Arc of Oakland County staff provides families with direct information about community resources as well as referrals to schools, physicians, dentists, attorneys, and others. Approximately 4,000 were served this past year.

Printed information is available upon request. A sample mailing packet would include: our national, award-winning monthly newsletter, PROFILES, a brochure explaining the programs and services of The Arc of Oakland County, a membership application, plus other information relating to a specific request. Also available at a nominal charge are two award-winning publications authored by the Executive Director of The Arc of Oakland County: 2007 Tax Guide, and Planning a More Secure Future.

The Arc of Oakland County, Inc.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE and FUTURE

By Thomas F. Kendziorski, Esq.

Executive Director

Revision Date: January 4, 2007

I. Historical Perspective and Purpose of Organization

The Arc of Oakland County, Inc. ("The Arc") is a parent’s group and is a non-profit membership organization working directly with children and adults with all levels of intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. The purpose of The Arc is to provide direct and expert advocacy toward securing the proper services, programs and entitlements for the family member who has special needs. Specifically, assistance is available in the areas of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, special education law advocacy, estate plan counseling, guardianship, community residential options, the monitoring of group homes, respite care, recreational opportunities, as well as information and referral.

The Arc is governed by a fifteen-member volunteer Board of Directors. The chief professional officer of The Arc is Thomas F. Kendziorski, Executive Director, Attorney at Law. Mr. Kendziorski (B.A., Michigan State University; J.D., Cooley Law School) who supervises a compensated staff of six, 150 volunteers, and a core agency budget of approximately $700,000. The Arc of Oakland County is the largest local chapter in Michigan with 894 members, and is affiliated with both The Arc Michigan and The Arc of the United States.

The history of The Arc formally began in 1967 when a group of separate parent support groups in Oakland County decided to unite and gain strength from numbers. The Arc has flourished over the years within the realm of systems advocacy, that is, offering a "business-like approach" in the direct service of helping individuals and families obtain legal rights, benefits and entitlements. This organization and its members spearheaded the local grass-roots campaign in the late 1960's and early 1970's for passage of mandatory special education legislation. The Arc has also been on the "front lines" over the last generation advocating for the closure of all public institutions for persons with developmental disabilities, and the creation in the community of all the necessary residential and mental health support services.

The Arc has also pushed for: reform in SSI and SSDI eligibility standards as many people with disabilities were threatened with benefit cut-offs in the early 1980's; implementation of the "Family Support Subsidy Act;" Medicaid reform, which led to a "Community Supported Living Arrangements" ("CSLA") pilot project in Oakland County and Michigan; "Inclusive Education" as an option for all students with special needs; and supported employment instead of segregated vocational programs. Finally, The Arc of Oakland County has served as the “incubator” for many new ideas and now essential independent programs in the area such as: the vocational organization “New Horizons Rehabilitation Services, Inc.,” the fine arts program known as, “Variety F.A.R. Conservatory Inc.,” the Oakland County office for the “Michigan Protection & Advocacy Services,” the Lahser Respite Home for children, “Oakland County Special Olympics,” and even the Oakland County Coffee House Dance, Inc. The Arc conceived, developed and still operates its highly acclaimed comprehensive, lifetime advocacy service called the “Etheridge Plan,” and an outstanding respite program known as “Shared Parenting.”

The overall philosophy of The Arc is person-centered and family-centered in approach to all programs and services. The least restrictive environment and dictates of the concept of normalization are key to everything The Arc stands for and accomplishes. The professionalism of the employed staff at The Arc reflects these ideals, along with significant personal experience working through the problems inherent within the programmatic aspects of such beliefs.

The backgrounds of persons typically served by The Arc: 63% Caucasian; 22% African-American; 13% Arab-Chaldean; 2% Asian-American; and 1% Hispanic. Oakland County on the whole has approximately: 88% Caucasian; 7.2% African-American; 1.5% Arab-Chaldean; 1.8% Hispanic; and 1.5% “other,” out of a total population of 1.2 million (2000 census data). As these figures clearly demonstrate, The Arc serves a wide and diverse group of persons, and all consumers have a developmental disability.

The Arc of Oakland County boasts a number of significant “highlights” over the last decade or so of its organizational lifetime:

u The latest strategic plan was accomplished in January of 2004.

u In order to better serve its physically-impaired consumers, The Arc of Oakland County moved during August 1993 from Birmingham into larger, barrier-free offices in Troy.

u The Arc of Oakland County made a successful transition of the innovative Shared Parenting program from primarily Skillman Foundation funding to Oakland County Community Mental Health (also United Way’s of Oakland & Community Services). This saved a much needed service that now serves 30 participant families under the auspices of a contract with the Macomb-Oakland Regional Center, Inc. “MORC”).

u The Arc of Oakland County authors annually a tax guide for parents of children with mental retardation and/or other related developmental disabilities. Also, staff prepared and re-wrote the 1995 revision of a guardianship and estate planning booklet, which took both state and national “Communicators Award” honors in 1995. The tax guide won The Arc Michigan’s “Communicators Award” in 1996.

u Awarded a small grant in 1994 from the Oakland County CMH for “Para-Legal” services to assist families achieve more “Adult Home Help Services” benefits through the Family Independence Agency.

u The mission and purposes of The Arc of Oakland County were reviewed during early 1993; at the same time, a professional revision of the By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation was completed by independent legal counsel. Board sub-committee work and staff time went into the effort; approved by The Arc Michigan; then voted on by the membership in attendance at the June 1993 Annual Meeting of The Arc of Oakland.

u About every five years, The United Way Community Services conducts an “Assist Visit” that explores in detail every facet of The Arc to determine that it is keeping to its mission statement, and is fiscally sound. The Arc of Oakland County last passed this “test” with flying colors during 2004.

u Since the summer of 2001, The Arc of Oakland County has served as Fiscal Intermediary for individuals/family within the Self-Determination Initiative and Community Supports Program for the Macomb Oakland Regional Center (MORC) and the Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (OCCMHA). At the beginning of 2006, The Arc served about 180 consumers. As Fiscal Intermediary, The Arc is directed by the individual and their circle of support to act on behalf of that individual, rather than being directed by the needs of the service agency; acts as a business agent; helps reduce administrative costs and burdens; helps assure compliance with tax and labor laws; and, maintains accountability over use of funds. The Arc of Oakland County also assists in the writing of checks and, paying household bills, if necessary. Monthly reports are also generated to each individual and their supports coordinator for their review.

II. Current Activities

The Arc of Oakland County works very hard at community relations, or "marketing," if you will. Our credibility within the mental health services field is beyond reproach by public and non-profit providers alike. This has come after demonstrating for many years of The Arc’s expert, reasoned and professional approach to its advocacy.

The Arc does its outreach through a variety of sources. The following methods have proven quite successful: (1) newsletter, PROFILES, with a circulation of 1200 copies of each issue (6 per year); (2) flyers delivered to special education programs across the county, for distribution to students and families; (3) speeches to parent groups throughout the year; (4) distribution of agency brochures identifying services; (5) specialized mailings to members on time-sensitive topics; (6) press releases; (7) participation on the Oakland County Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee ("RICC"); (8) participation on the Oakland Schools' "Project Reach" that is to identify "at-risk" children and assist their families in acquiring necessary programs/services; (9) networking with other agencies in the mental health field; (10) sponsoring the annual [celebrating 37 years in 2007] Dove Awards Dinner that recognizes persons in the community who perform outstanding work on behalf of people with disabilities; and, (11) a internet website that provides information on The Arc and other topics.

Our current grant and recreational programs include: (1) the annual Michigan Performing Arts Talent Show [celebrating 34 years in 2007]; (2) a weekly Bowling League in Waterford; and (3) a weekly Weight Watcher’s program located in Troy.

III. Community Needs and Trends

The Arc of Oakland conducts a year-long biennial “membership satisfaction survey” to better determine the needs of its members and the community at-large. The initial survey was completed during August 1996 with results printed in our October 1996 newsletter, PROFILES. We completed our third such survey in October of 2005. The Board of Directors and staff use the findings to help determine agency policy and issue positions. Also, we implement separate survey instruments for our Shared Parenting respite program (annual) and our recreation programs. Consumers and their families also pass on many written or oral comments and thank you notes (and on rare occasions, even criticisms) for the work we do on their behalf.

External factors constantly create changes in the mental health delivery system, welfare benefits, the SSI and/or Social Security disability programs, Medicaid and Medicare, special education law, and Probate and guardianship rules. The Arc of Oakland County must remain vigilant and at the forefront of this knowledge requirement.

Over the last five years, the “amount” of advocacy requests has increased significantly. The membership also remained incredibly strong even in tough economic times - a clear indicator that the services are valued. The “quality” of services has also improved due in large part to maintaining a superb agency support staff that possesses a wealth of academic knowledge and practical experience, which grows each year by assisting families with unique advocacy concerns. Further, attendance by staff at formal seminars/meetings improves this collective knowledge base. Our “outreach” is also increased by conducting parent and professional community in-service training sessions about The Arc services, or on specific technical topic areas.

The “Full Management" of mental health services in Oakland County was completed several years ago; the county now controls all of what the state had been directly operating directly for decades. The Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority Board is no longer under the direct oversight of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. Also, the emergence of “long-term managed care” for persons with developmental disabilities has also seriously affected services as limitations and caps have become the standard in public mental health services.

There will always be a need to monitor the changes and the quality of the public and private service delivery system. Most recently, the re-authorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (“I.D.E.I.A. 2004”) presents several new legal and advocacy challenges for parents and advocates alike. The effective date of I.D.E.I.A. 2004 was July 1, 2005.

The on-going evolution and refinement of the Americans with Disabilities Act will present additional intakes and unique requests for individual advocacy along with information and referral to the private sector attorney. We expect that the trend for information and advocacy help will continue to increase as the ADA becomes more understood by persons with disabilities and their families, and the courts decide additional cases.

Finally, the troublesome need for affordable housing and transportation for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Oakland County remain at the forefront of our legislative advocacy. The institutions are long gone. The special education mandate keeps “graduating” young adults at age 26, and a mental health system now confines many to a life at home waiting for a chance for vocational training and possible employment, or for residential care. These three issues by themselves loom large for the membership of The Arc, and present the next set of challenges to overcome.

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Listing of Programs & Services within The Arc of Oakland County, Inc.

n Systems Advocacy - (Tom and Katie - primary; with other staff participation) - direct and expert, one-to-one counseling and legal assistance in the areas of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, special education law, special needs estate planning, guardianship, residential options planning, available public mental health programs and services (respite, vocational program, residential), recreational opportunities, and Information & Referral.

n Shared Parenting - (Gale and Lynn) - an innovative respite program for 30 families that provides, quite literally, a second home to young persons who have severe intellectual and/or either physical or behavioral challenges. For 9 days each month, program participants live in the home of a “co-parent,” who is reimbursed for expenses at the rate of $50 per 24-hour day, thereby giving their natural parents and siblings a much-needed rest from the constant care requirements. Families that participate in Shared Parenting are no longer able to independently provide the quantity of care necessary on an on-going basis, and who are forced into considering permanent, out-of-home placements. Shared Parenting provides a quality alternative, and allows a family to remain intact.

n Dignified Lifestyles - (Cindy) - regular monitoring of 10 group homes within Oakland County to ensure appropriate delivery of quality residential services. Volunteers are assigned homes, perform unannounced visits, write reports, attend quarterly meetings to discuss issues and receive further training.

n Michigan Performing Arts Talent Show - (Sharon) - for 34 years, this talent show has brought the opportunity to hundreds of children and adults with developmental disabilities to showcase their talent. Bob Talbert, award-winning columnist for the Detroit Free Press emceed the event since its inception, but since Bob’s death, WJR-760 radio personality, Joel Alexander, has done a wonderful job. It is now held at the Birmingham Community Center in the spring time. Financial sponsorship is provided by the Manressa Caravan of the Order of the Alhambra, and additional volunteers are from the Birmingham Musicale and local music therapists.

n Bowling League - (volunteers) - a Saturday morning recreational event in Waterford at the 300 Bowl for persons with special needs. Gertrude Lomason coordinates a great crew of volunteers. All bowlers receive trophies and recognition each May at the Annual Bowling Banquet.

n Weight Watchers - (volunteers) - held at the Troy Community Center every Thursday night to offer a diet and nutritional program for persons with special needs.

n Fund Raising Events - (Sharon- coordinator; all staff participation: financial accounting; bulk mailings; design flyers and tickets; set up and decoration; etc.)

(1) Annual Dove Awards Dinner - 350 persons attend a gala event (usually in March) to honor and recognize those who make significant contributions on behalf of persons with mental retardation in Oakland County. This event also includes a silent auction, which began in 2004.

(2) Marathon Challenge - where the Executive Director solicits pledges and contributions from the membership for his running expeditions at the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon each year in October.