Disrespecting the disabled belittles us all Aug 28, 2008
While the disrespectful and derogatory terms used to describe people with intellectual disabilities were offensive to me, my overwhelming feeling is a grave concern that this kind of ridicule will perpetuate increased assaults on the dignity, and even safety, of people with developmental disabilities. It is a reality that around 85 percent of women with developmental disabilities are victims of violence or sexual abuse in their lifetimes and that 32 percent of males will be victims ... I am... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Proposed apartments raise access concerns Aug 28, 2008
Read founded the organization in June 2004 and it is named in honor of her childhood friend Martha, a 50-year-old woman with developmental disabilities. Hingham Resources LLC donated the property to The Martha Foundation and it expects construction to cost $15 million. (Weymouth News, MA)
Perdue plans to realign system Aug 27, 2008
The rest of DHR's responsibilities would be placed in a new Department of Human Services, which would handle programs dealing with developmental disabilities, child welfare and child support enforcement ... Advocates, some of whom have pushed for a separation between mental health services and those for Georgians with developmental disabilities, were cautiously optimistic. (Augusta Chronicle)
Mental health gets department Aug 27, 2008
A Department of Human Services, essentially a streamlined version of the current DHR. The new agency would oversee services for people with developmental disabilities, programs for the elderly, child support enforcement and the child welfare and foster care systems of the Division of Family and Children Services. Today marks the beginning of a positive change as we work to improve the health care of every Georgian in these vital areas, Perdue said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Continuing education program shows off its talent Aug 26, 2008
The Adult Continuing Education for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (ACED) program showed off its artistic talents during Welcome Week on Aug. 20 in Royall Hall. As part of UMKC's Institute for Human Development, ACED serves the entire Kansas City area by offering courses to individuals over the age of 16 with developmental disabilities, which teach independent living skills and provide life-enhancing experiences. (University News, MO)
The Story Next Door: Corvallis woman a pioneer in specialized education Aug 26, 2008
The term reflected a different era and different attitudes toward people with developmental disabilities. At that time, the prevailing treatment of children born with any type of physical or mental disability was to send them away from their families to be raised and live their lives in mental institutions. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
SBI probing patient's death Aug 26, 2008
Another assaultIn addition to Sabock's death, the agents will also review the assault of a teenager with developmental disabilities. Ricky Luciano, a patient, was struck in the back by Cherry psychiatrist Ralph Berg during a tussle over a T-shirt. (News & Observer)
Not just crass, but hurtful Aug 25, 2008
In June, Massachusetts included in its budget a provision that will change the name of the Department of Mental Retardation to the Department of Developmental Disabilities next year. Massachusetts was one of only six states still to use the words "mental retardation" in its department title. (Boston Globe)
California Democrats push bills to fight spread of autism Aug 25, 2008
SB 1563 would direct the state Department of Managed Care and Department of Insurance to work to ensure that health plans and insurers provide equitable coverage for autism and other developmental disabilities. Sen. (Yahoo News -- Autism)
Classifieds 8/23/08 Aug 24, 2008
HELP WANTED FT, PT all' employees needed to assist adults with developmental disabilities in Dwight and Pontiac. High School diploma/GED driver's license required. (Pontiac Daily Leader, IL)
1 pound of tough: Born the size of a dollar bill and 122 days early, tiny Sasha hangs in there Aug 24, 2008
Those who survive are at increased risk of cerebral palsy, blindness, lung diseases, learning disabilities and developmental disabilities. Hiller says: I tell the parents, if we make it through the first week with good lungs and no brain hemorrhage, we've got a good shot. (Missoulian, MT)
Community Foundation awards grants Aug 24, 2008
Wisconsin Badger Camp: 5,000, including 3,360 from the Isenman Fund for children with disabilities for camperships for La Crosse County youth with developmental disabilities. The Foundation also recently updated its Web site and added the Supported Agency page, which provides a list of community needs and issues. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Nurses for Newborns names Ohlemiller CEO Aug 23, 2008
Ohlemiller was director of prevention services at St. Louis Arc, a metropolitan agency that serves and advocates for persons with developmental disabilities and their families. She also is an assistant adjunct professor in the Department of Pediatrics at and an expert in the prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Classified 8/21/08 Aug 22, 2008
Pontiac Daily Leader - Breaking News. Friday, August 22, 2008. (Pontiac Daily Leader, IL)
Movie Ridicules Intellectually Disabled Aug 21, 2008
The labels "retard" and "retarded" are used in the movie for comic effect, and visual images ridicule people with developmental disabilities. No matter the intention, it is unacceptable and extremely hurtful for a majority group to freely make jokes about a minority group, reinforcing the prejudice and discrimination that people with developmental disabilities have been fighting for generations ... In Howard County, people with developmental disabilities attend public schools, belong to faith... (Washington Post)
Expo eases the way for disabled voters Aug 21, 2008
On hand to provide information was Rik Shannon, public policy manager for the Governor s Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Cerro Gordo County Auditor Ken Kline and Deputy Auditor Tracie Siemers. Self-advocacy is growing across the state, said Barber, adding that one of ID Action s specific aims this year is to spark more participation in the election process. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Help The Lighthouse Beacon Shine Aug 21, 2008
The Lighthouse is AFAC s adult daycare for elder residents and those who suffer from conditions such as Alzheimer s Disease, Parkinson s, developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, mental illness, vision and hearing impairments and diabetes, according to the organization s brochure. Families and caregivers can bring their loved ones to The Lighthouse and leave with the peace of mind that they will be cared for and attended to in a safe, nurturing environment. (Dublin Courier Herald, GA)
Report: Patient Died After Being Left in Chair 22 Hours Aug 20, 2008
Besides Sabock's case, investigators said the hospital didn't respond properly to a teenager with developmental disabilities who was punched by a doctor after he bit the physician. Share. (Fox News)
Nurses ignored man for day before he died Aug 20, 2008
Investigators also found that the staff at Cherry did not respond properly to a teenager with developmental disabilities, Ricky Luciano, who got into a struggle with a doctor over a T-shirt. On April 28, Luciano bit a doctor, Ralph Berg, and the doctor punched Luciano in the back. (AZCentral -- News)
More of this story Aug 20, 2008
Besides Sabock's case, investigators said the hospital didn't respond properly to a teenager with developmental disabilities who was punched by a doctor after he bit the physician. . (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Former Galt High pitcher Amanda Monday signs with Idaho State Aug 20, 2008
Monday, who has volunteered and worked at care homes in Galt, said she plans to major in special education and work with people that have developmental disabilities. Note to Commenters: Valid Registration Required. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
32 FAME actors to perform spoof sketches Aug 19, 2008
The center is funded by a five-year grant through the state Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. It has a stage, lighting and sound all the amenities of a working studio. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Nurses ignored patient as he died Aug 19, 2008
Investigators found no evidence that "the nursing staff had evaluated the patient's nutrition. The review revealed no nutritional consult was requested and revealed no evidence the physician was notified about the inadequate nutritional intake."Investigators also found that the staff at Cherry did not respond properly to a teenager with developmental disabilities, Ricky Luciano, who got into a struggle with a doctor over a T-shirt. On April 28, Luciano bit a doctor, Ralph Berg, and the doctor... (News & Observer)
Home unit: Smaller settings can help adults with developmental disabilities Aug 18, 2008
For the last three years, she has lived in a group home for adults with developmental disabilities run by Opportunity House, a Sycamore-based nonprofit organization that assists people with disabilities ... Group homes for adults with developmental disabilities generally house between four and eight people, unlike institutional care facilities that can house as many as 100 ... While Illinois has more than 6,000 adults with developmental disabilities in large institutional facilities, nearby... (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Valentyn: Then & Now: Hegner Center is now Bridgewell Aug 18, 2008
In the early 1970s, it was difficult for young adults who suffered from developmental disabilities to enjoy a happy and productive lifestyle. Parents were frustrated as there was little they could do to change the situation. (Medford Transcript, MA)
Volleyball for Epilepsy: Thousands turn out to play in the mud for a cause Aug 17, 2008
His team was made up of people representing the Norwich-based Reliance House, a nonprofit that works to enhance the quality of life for adults with mental health, addiction and developmental disabilities. "It's for the kids," he said. (Middletown Press, CT)
Disability Rights Group Calls on Ben Stiller to Meet With People With Disabilities in DC, NY or LA About 'Tropic Thunder' Aug 16, 2008
Below is the text of the letter to Mr. Stiller: August 14, 2008 Mr. Ben Stiller Red Hour Films 629 North La Brea Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90036 Dear Mr. Stiller: I am writing on behalf of The Arc of the United States (The Arc), a national organization that advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With more than 750 state and local chapters and hundreds of thousands of employees, board members, volunteers, clients, members, donors and supporters, we represent the... (PR Newswire)
Disabilities group wants 'Tropic Thunder' canned Aug 16, 2008
DAYTONA BEACH -- Hundreds of people are planning to protest the movie "Tropic Thunder," showing here next door to a state convention next week of people with developmental disabilities ... Chip Sullivan, DreamWorks Studios spokesman in Los Angeles, said in a statement that the R-rated movie satires "Hollywood in its excesses and makes its point by featuring inappropriate and over-the-top characters in ridiculous situations."The film is in no way meant to disparage or harm the image of... (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Community Commendables for the week of Aug. 14, 2008 Aug 16, 2008
All of us at the Charles River Center (formerly Charles River Arc) wish to publicly express our gratitude to the Wellesley Hills Junior Woman s Club for its continuing support and commitment to our work with individuals with developmental disabilities. Located in Needham, the Charles River Center provides advocacy and direct services to approximately 500 families from 15 MetroWest towns, including Needham, Wellesley, Weston and Newton. (Wellesley Townsman, MA)
Movie hits sour note with some Aug 16, 2008
In January Hulick became executive director of the Arc of Philadelphia and its affiliate, Philadelphia Developmental Disabilities Corporation, that provides services for the developmentally disabled. Hulick was among about 20 protesters who picketed a Philadelphia theater showing "Tropic Thunder" when it opened last Wednesday. (The Delaware County Times, PA)
Mans conviction in rape of Fargo woman overturned Aug 16, 2008
The case led to the creation of a Fargo notification program for missing people with developmental disabilities, similar to the Amber Alert system for children. Copyright. (Wahpeton Daily News, ND)
Dorothy Kruger Fredericks Aug 15, 2008
In addition, she was instrumental in establishing a parent support group, Mother s Mutual, for those who had a child with developmental disabilities. She was the lead in establishing the first ARC Thrift Shop and was its first manager. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Changes at Camp Haccamo Aug 14, 2008
It serves young people with developmental disabilities. Email Story. (WOKR13 Rochester)
Locals protest Aug 14, 2008
Advocates for the disabled from The Arc of Georgia, disABILITY Link and the Governor s Council on Developmental Disabilities were involved. I won t go see the movie. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Disability advocacy groups protest at 'Tropic Thunder' premiere Aug 13, 2008
Second, words do add up to attitude and many are young and can not remember that many with developmental disabilities were kept at State Hospitals like a jail. Now most successfully are housed and live in the community. (Entertainment Weekly)
Schmalzried's paid leave extended indefinitely Aug 13, 2008
The department functions as a countywide funding source for individuals seeking aid for mental health, mental retardation and developmental disabilities. DCCS workers take applications, make eligibility decisions, evaluate individual needs and develop service funding plans for 363 people in the county. (Dallas County News, IA)
Patient death endangers federal funds Aug 13, 2008
Investigators also cited a second incident in April in which staff improperly handled an agitated teenager with developmental disabilities. A doctor punched the teenager, Ricky Luciano, in the back during a tussle. (News & Observer)
Disability groups boycott Ben Stiller's spoof Aug 13, 2008
"It's supposed to be a parody, but it's really a mockery of the word 'retarded'," said Myra Davola, of ARC - Advocacy, Respect and Commitment to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities - of California. "It's setting us back. It's purposeful and hateful to people that have disabilities.". (Sify)
The goal is to walk Aug 13, 2008
Children like Chris were the inspiration behind Memorial's rehab staff creating Camp Joy, a summer camp for children, ages 5 to 17, with physical and developmental disabilities. Camp Joy was created when Memorial's therapists noticed that school-aged children with special needs seemed to decline considerably in regards to their function during the summer break, often losing much of the progress they had made during the school year. (Bainbridge Post Searchlight, GA)
Arc of Mercer objects to 'R' word in 'Tropic Thunder' Aug 13, 2008
Asked whether the movie's producers might have secretly arranged Arc protests to create "buzz" for Monday night's California premiere - which drew protesters - Cook said, "Absolutely not! I can tell you right now that there is such an outrage. You know what, those producers may have found that, gee, all the publicity is good publicity, but in this case, I don't think it is. "I have to tell you that when we went over to the theater today to talk to the person they presented as the manager, I... (The Trentonian, NJ)
Man Sentenced In Bloomfield Group Home Abuse Case Aug 12, 2008
According to the Bloomfield Police Department's arrest warrant application, Guay tormented and tortured Christopher Stockton, a 38-year-old resident of the Brown Street home who has severe autism and other developmental disabilities, including an inability to speak. According to the affidavit, Stockton's mother, Alice Stockton, first brought her suspicions to the attention of the state Department of Developmental Disabilities more than two years ago, when he began to suffer seizures that... (FOX61, CT)
Special Olympics New York, Inc. Chief Executive Officer to Ring the NASDAQ Stock Market Closing Bell Aug 12, 2008
Special Olympics New York empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities including mental retardation, autism and Down syndrome, through a variety of Olympic-style sports training, athletic competitions and other related programming slated year-round. Special Olympics New York serves more than 46,000 athletes including 28,000 in New York City, and trains hundreds of coaches and works with over 25,000 volunteers who conduct more than 400 trainings and competitions... (Primezone Releases)
Health agency assesses budget Aug 11, 2008
She said discussions have been held with the governor and the Hawaii Government Employees Association about structural changes proposed for the Behavioral Health Administration, including the Adult Mental Health Division, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division and Developmental Disabilities Division. They receive the bulk of the DOH's general fund expenditures, Fukino said, pointing out, "all came out of court oversight during this administration.". (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Folk art on display at three-day fest Aug 11, 2008
" And one Hairston, a self-described southern colorist and a member of one of Atlanta's founding families, said she is proud to be among. "It's a wonderful collection of national and local folk art heritage," she said. This will be the second year Creative Enterprises Inc., a Lawrenceville nonprofit serving adults with developmental disabilities, has participated in Folk Fest. "This venue allows us the opportunity to get in front of the largest audiences for folk art," said Mark Knott, art... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Standing Up To Sitter Stealer Won't Solve Woman's Problem - 8/11/2008 Aug 11, 2008
He may be better off with a special family that has experience in raising children with developmental disabilities. That you were not given accurate information about the boy is deplorable, but the longer you wait, the more complicated the situation will become -- not only for you, but also for your impressionable daughter, who may need professional help to understand why you did it, that it is no threat to her, and reassurance that children are not interchangeable. (FOX23.com, OK)
United Cerebral Palsy's new building has room to expand Aug 10, 2008
The rest of the clients have developmental disabilities caused by autism, mental retardation, epilepsy or brain injuries. About 80 percent of the chapter's funding comes from state programs for the developmentally disabled; the rest comes from private donors and foundations. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Blind-Accessible Museum Tours Grow Aug 9, 2008
Tours of (New York, NY) can accommodate visitors with visual, hearing, or developmental disabilities. Current and future exhibits include. (Suite101.com)
Toma TV and Appliance adds second store Aug 9, 2008
He also is a long-time coach and supporter of Special Olympics and recently received the 2008 Business Appreciation Award by the ARC of the South Shore for his dedication to the advancement of individuals with developmental disabilities. While other home appliance retailers have been hard hit by the economic downturn and slump in the housing market, George Washington Toma TV and Appliance sales have remained robust, and the new store sales have already exceeded their most optimistic... (Weymouth News, MA)
Hubby's My Future Step-Brother Aug 7, 2008
Since they left, I've done some Internet research, and it sounds like Betsy might be suffering from pica, which can lead to a number of difficulties, as well as being an indication of possible developmental disabilities. I'm concerned about the welfare of their little girlam I morally obligated to share my worries and the information I've gathered, or should I stay out of it. (Slate)
Traveling with an autistic child Aug 5, 2008
Delta Airlines, in fact, is going a step further, developing special travel recommendations for families traveling with someone with developmental disabilities. The guidelines, prepared with Atlanta's Marcus Institute for Development and Learning, will soon be available on Delta's Web site (www. (CNN -- Travel)
Concerned about their future Aug 5, 2008
She has a child with developmental disabilities and said that living in the complex afforded her the means of staying home with him. Persad doesn t want to move. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Giving Foster Teens a Place to Call Home Aug 4, 2008
The program offers children diagnosed with emotional problems, developmental disabilities or fragile medical conditions services ranging from crisis management to school advocacy. Assistance is available not only to the kids in care but also to their parents, foster parents and siblings. (Gotham Gazette)
Doc hits teen, keeps his job Aug 2, 2008
Advertisements Michael Biesecker, Staff Writer RALEIGH - A psychiatrist at a state mental hospital in Goldsboro is still on the job despite an internal investigation that concluded he hit a mentally ill teenager who has developmental disabilities. Dr. Ralph Berg, 58, struck Ricky Luciano in the back during a tussle over a T-shirt at Cherry Hospital. (News & Observer)
Valley workers brace for Schwarzenegger's order Aug 1, 2008
Exempt for sure are part-time workers at the state-run Porterville Developmental Center, which serves people with developmental disabilities, and the Coalinga State Hospital, said Amy Palmer, a spokeswoman for the Health and Human Services agency. For workers whose pay is cut, they will get reimbursed once a budget is signed -- and they might get paid as normal because state Controller John Chiang is promising to defy the governor's order. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Retired in name only Aug 1, 2008
Her last job was as advocacy and services coordinator for the community-based organization that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She retired from the coordinator s post in January. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
California Democrats push bills to fight spread of autism Jul 31, 2008
SB 1563 would direct the state Department of Managed Care and Department of Insurance to work to ensure that health plans and insurers provide equitable coverage for autism and other developmental disabilities. Sen. (Yahoo News -- Autism)
Study: Diabetes, Birth Defects Linked Jul 31, 2008
"For single [birth] defects, the risk is three to four times greater, and about eightfold for multiple defects," says Adolfo Correa, MD, MPH, PhD, the study's lead author and an epidemiologist at the CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. Diabetes Videos. (WebMD)
MILITARY: Canine Companions reaches out to disabled vets Jul 31, 2008
Typical placements include those paired with special-needs individuals, adults with major physical disabilities, those with hearing loss and children and adults with developmental disabilities. "For the veterans, we believe our dogs can help them transition successfully back to civilian life on both an emotional and physical level," Malatino said. (North County Times)
Profiting from a diversity of income Jul 30, 2008
In 2004, 's board of directors and staff members were poised to celebrate 50 years of advocating for and providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities -- a commendable achievement by almost any reckoning ... Roster conducted six focus groups with individuals with developmental disabilities, family members and others. (New Mexico Business Weekly, NM)
Revenue shortfall forces Arc to regroup Jul 30, 2008
The program was created 20 years ago to give adults with developmental disabilities a chance to be involved in their community, spend time together and enjoy supervised events. Caregivers and parents can take a break in the afternoons, knowing their loved ones are safe and having a good time. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Pre-Pregnancy Diabetes Boosts Risk for Birth Defects Jul 30, 2008
"The continued association of diabetes with a number of birth defects highlights the importance of increasing the number of women who receive the best possible preconception care, especially for those diagnosed with diabetes," lead author Dr. Adolfo Correa, an epidemiologist at the CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, said in a CDC news release. "Early and effective management of diabetes for pregnant women is critical in helping to not only prevent birth... (Health-Finder)
Watertown Community Foundation grants announced Jul 29, 2008
Health and Wellness for People with Developmental Disabilities Beaverbrook STEP will offer health and wellness trainings for individuals with mental retardation, their support staff, and family members. A River Runs Through It environmental projects. (Watertown TAB & Press, MA)
Charleston Transitional Facility part of autism network Jul 28, 2008
Hart is a family and community resource coordinator for the Charleston Transitional Facility, which works with people with developmental disabilities. Her current duties have her directing social skills workshops, training and other aspects in the CTF s part of Illinois Autism Program network. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Mental health fix needs better tools, DHHS chief says Jul 27, 2008
Yes," said Dr. Michael Lancaster, co-director of the state Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services. "The legislature has given us a great opportunity to build a strong system. We don't want this to slip. (News & Observer)
Men sentenced for role in meth distribution Jul 26, 2008
Instead, his attorney, Jason Holden, sought a downward departure from the sentencing guidelines in part because of Smith s infant daughter, who has developmental disabilities. The court has the unique position and discretion to impose a sentence of 60 months, Holden argued. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
