September 18, 2017 
Peter's Perspective
New Report on Family Leave
This month, The Arc released a new video, report, and other materials on how paid family and medical leave can promote employment and economic security for people with disabilities and their families, and how huge gaps in the current U.S. system hurt the people we represent. You may wonder, so what’s the solution? The Family and Medical Leave Act provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for qualifying events – but clearly, just mandating that employers provide pay during FMLA leave won’t work for most nonprofits or small businesses, and most experts don’t see it as a realistic solution.
Instead, one leading proposal is to create a new federal program that would work like Social Security: workers and employers would each contribute 2 cents on every $10 of wages to a new trust fund, and when workers take paid leave for FMLA purposes, they get paid out of the fund. For the typical worker, contributions would be about $1.50 per week (based on the U.S median wage). Another option is for the IRS to reimburse employers, perhaps on a monthly basis. What do you think? We’d love to hear from you. Please email T.J. Sutcliffe, or you can reach me at [email protected].
News from the National Office
New Medicaid Threats Emerging
New threats to Medicaid are on the table – key Senators and the White House are working together on a bill that would make huge cuts to the Medicaid program including block grants, and end the Medicaid expansion and marketplace subsidies (you can learn more about it here). Please share this action alert with your networks to tell Congress #HandsOff Medicaid once and for all!
Announcing our 2017 Catalyst Award Winners!
The Arc is proud to announce this year’s winners for our prestigious Catalyst Awards.
Learn more about each award winner on The Arc’s Catalyst Awards website. This year, the awards will be presented at a free, open-to-all general session! Come see them accept their awards, as well as dozens of other inspiring and informational sessions, at our National Convention in San Diego from November 2 – 4. Register today!
National Voter Registration Day - September 26, 2017
Voting is a key part of our Democracy – and the first step is getting registered! National Voter Registration Day is September 26, here are some ways your chapter can get involved:
The Inside Scoop: Resources and Opportunities
How to Help After Hurricanes Harvey and Irma
Wondering how you and your community can help hurricane recovery efforts? The Arc has put together a resource guide for both volunteer organizing and charitable giving. Check it out!
Chapter Benefits Spotlight: Help the Families You Serve Plan for the Future
The Arc’s Center for Future Planning® provides individuals with I/DD and their families information about how to build their own plans for the future. The Center also has resources to assist families in finding an attorney or other advisor to help them navigate their future. Whether you formally or informally provide information to individuals and their families about future planning, these free resources are a must for your chapter.
Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Toolkit
The Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston is studying the process of provider transformation towards competitive integrated employment. The study will observe the experiences of providers who use a provider transformation toolkit, and to have those providers participate in a community of practice called the Provider Transformation Network. Learn more and apply here.
The Arc of Colorado Announces New Executive Director
Recently, The Arc of Colorado selected Christiano Sosa as their new Executive Director. Sosa will succeed Marijo Rymer, who will be retiring in November after 10 years of service to the organization. Thank you Marijo Rymer for all you have done, and welcome Christiano Sosa!
APD Award Nominations and Internship
AAPD is currently seeking nominees for the 2018 Paul G. Hearne Leadership Awards, which recognize outstanding emerging leaders with disabilities who exemplify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the broader cross-disability community. The deadline to apply is October 2. They are also seeking interns for their 2018 program. Applications are due by November 6.
Family Caregiver Study Seeking Participants
Training Center
Policing & People with Disabilities: A Call for Procedural Justice
Thursday, September 28 from 1:00-3:00 pm ET
Join the National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability® for the final webinar in our 2017 Policing & People with Disabilities series! Topics addressed will include an explanation of procedural justice, an overview of the history and current efficacy of procedural justice principles, examples of how procedural justice can impact policing practices, and an interactive discussion in which panelists apply the four tenets of procedural justice to realistic use of force scenarios.
