Everyday Lives Committee Meeting Announcements

Are you a member of the Everyday Lives Committee? Everyday Lives is a Committee made up of parents, consumers and community representatives who have a vested interest in being sure individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities lives lives of self-determination. 

Although the committee usually meets mid-month to discuss topics of interest to these individuals there is no regular meeting in January.

The next meeting will be a business meeting to discuss the upcoming year.  It will be held on February 15 at noon until 2 PM.  Bring your ideas and willingness to work.

If your son or daughter is one of the members of the community who uses community provided services for the intellectually disabled come and bring them along.  This committee isn't just about parents, it's about anyone who uses or needs state, city, county or community services.

Self determination is an important aspect of adulthood for differently able individuals.  Learning to navigate the system is critical.  Knowing the players in the game can help them when they need assistance. 

Not every meeting is for every member, just come and take part in the future of your child with different abilities or your own future.  Your input is what makes this committee work for you.

Ability Night by The Arc

Photo credit

The Arc of Delaware County is having Ability Night.  They invite you to join them and their special guest speaker, Sara Wolff.  Sara is a skilled motivational speaker who speaks on behalf of people with Down Syndrome and other disabilities.  She promotes a better understanding of disability through her personal appearances and inspirational speeches. 

There will also be an election of the Board Members and Officers at this meeting.

Food will be provided.

When:

November 15, 2011
6:30PM
DCIU Room 171
200 Yale Avenue
Morton PA 19070

Section Eight Housing -- Sign Up Before Your Son or Daughter is Ready to Move

Due to the scant resources currently available for Section 8 housing it is critical for your son or daughter to get on the list for these resources as soon as possible.  This means that when housing opens up they will already be in the system.  Talk to one of the professionals at Residential Living Options about navigating the maze of the Housing Authority.  They can offer you ideas for future planning.  You can apply for a voucher online or by requesting an application.  Delaware County offers you help navigating your way through the government legalese.  Work with the Arc of Delaware County, the MHMR (Mental Health Mental Retardation) office and your son or daughter's transition planner at their high school. 

Getting a voucher is only half the battle.  Then it's time to find an apartment.  Take the time to network before your son or daughter gets a voucher with local landlords.  We were very fortunate in finding a landlord on our own who had never worked with the Housing Authority but who was more than willing to make the effort.  Letting landlords get to know you before you actually need housing can be critical to finding an apartment that will be a good long term fit for your son or daughter.