The Root of it All | The Arc of NC Blog

2018 Annual Report

Posted by The Arc of North Carolina

View our 2018 Annual Report here. 

Broken Pavement, Broken Promises

Posted by The Arc of North Carolina
Author: Bryan Dooley
 
Since I live in the suburbs, I don’t go downtown Winston Salem frequently. I recently traveled on the sidewalks downtown on the way to a meeting. We were looking to find a parking spot, but there were issues with the sidewalks. Since there is a lot of revitalization, a cone was blocking the ramp. Dave (who provides support to me) was attempting to allow me to navigate, but eventually he had to step in and move it for me. I’m not the only person to notice accessibility issues in downtown Winston Salem.
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Aging Caregivers: Planning for the Future

Posted by The Arc of North Carolina
Author: Bryan Dooley
 
Ever since Ponce de Leon came to the new world, supposedly looking for the Fountain of Youth, we have been looking for ways to stay young forever. Some of us eat certain foods and take lots of vitamin supplements. Youth has also been the subject of many songs and books, but the fact is everyone eventually ages.
 
For understandable reasons, such as fear, many parents of people with disabilities have put off imperative planning for life transitions as they age. Although it can be an uncomfortable conversation, it’s a good idea to plan ahead of time on a personal and state level. Documented in the State of the States in Developmental Disabilities Project, In 2015, 68% of North Carolinians who receive I/DD services live at home with a family caregiver. The I/DD system in North Carolina will face a tremendous challenge as the caregivers age.
 
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The Need for Accessible and Affordable Housing

Posted by The Arc of North Carolina
Author: Holly Watkins
 
The damage left in the wake of Hurricane Florence is catastrophic. Many people, including members of our staff and people that we serve, are trying to rebuild their lives. Some have lost everything and are unable to work because their place of employment is closed due to storm damage.
 
While we work together to help those in need, one thing has been made clear. North Carolina needs more affordable and accessible housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). 
 
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Hurricane Florence Relief

Posted by The Arc of North Carolina

Now that Hurricane Florence has left North Carolina, the tedious process of cleaning up and assessing property damage begins. The staff of The Arc of North Carolina has established a response team to determine the needs in each region that we serve. We are learning of tremendous devastation and upheaval in Wilmington and the surrounding areas from our staff and the individuals and families we support.

Some self-advocates have been displaced and are now looking for a new long-term housing option, as their housing units have been condemned. Others have not (and will not) be able to work at their place of employment because they have no transportation or the place that they work has remained closed. We have staff of our own who are displaced and have their own individual needs.

We are asking you to consider a contribution to the Hurricane Florence Relief Fund for The Arc of North Carolina. Our organization accepts donations and will use these designated funds to provide a variety of supports and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families who have been affected by Hurricane Florence.

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