Hero from Texas

A story came out on the ABC affiliate in Houston about a boy with autism who saved his art teacher's life. They were in a classroom alone when his teacher, Sheri Lowe, bit into an apple and choked. Ten year old Kyle Forbes then rushed to her and performed the Heimlich maneuver that he learned in Cub Scouts and had practiced with his father.

Everyone can make a difference!

Help Save Tennessee's Family Support Program!

We need to hear your story!!

As many of you know, Tennessee's Family Support Program at great risk of being eliminated!

According to the TN Family Support Alliance, "In 2009, the Division announced a $1 Million reduction to the program... The notification of reduction in funding was accompanied by a letter indicating that 2009-10 funding primarily would come from federal stimulus dollars and that barring additional federal funds, the program would be effectively eliminated in the 2010-11 state fiscal year."

According to annual consumer satisfaction surveys that are maintained by the state, the Family Support program is widely recognized as one of the most successful services ever to be operated in Tennessee. Currently, the Family Support program serves around 4,300 families and more than 6,000 families of persons with severe disabilities are on the statewide waiting list.

In order to effectively advocate that this program be maintained, we need to hear from the families that these cuts will affect. Please email us your story about how the loss of this program will impact your family. We will be collaborating with families and other agencies in the coming month to determine the best plan of action. Your stories can be sent to Megan Long at mlong@arcmidsouth.net.

Additionally, we want to invite you to stop by our office and sign the petition, urging our legislators to save this vital program. You can also download the petition and help us gather signatures from friends, family members, churches, and other support networks. All petitions must contain original signatures and need to be returned to The Arc of the Mid-South by September 30th. Your signed petitions can be emailed to Megan Long, faxed to (901) 327-1197, or mailed or delivered to 3485 Poplar Avenue, Suite 210, Memphis, TN 38111.

Don't forget to attend the Shelby & Fayette County Family Support Program Meeting at Memphis Center for Independent Living (1633 Madison, Memphis) on Saturday, October 3rd at 11:00am for more updates on this issue.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Eunice Kennedy Shriver (1921-2009)

Picture from SpecialOlympics.org
We are all saddened by the death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics and champion for those individuals with disabilities. Inspired by her sister Rosemary's disability, Shriver held "Camp Shriver" in 1963. Her hands-on approach to the camp led her to realize that the children with disabilities were much more capable than many believed, and she organized the first Special Olympics in Chicago in 1968. Throughout her long and fruitful life, she earned many awards, including the nation's highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Carlene Leaper, Executive Director at The Arc of the Mid-South says Shriver was an important figure in the effort for equality.

"It's a sad day for not just the disability community, but for the world as well," says Leaper. "Mrs. Shriver's efforts helped paved the way for organizations like The Arc to do what we do, which is empowering individuals with disabilities to acheive their full potential in life. She was a pioneer in the field and she will be dearly missed."

While Shriver is gone, her legacy will last for generations to come.

Heartwarming story on CNN

Check out this story on CNN when you get a chance. It's about Brad Blauser, a Dallas native who founded Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids. Since 2005, he has been provided hope to hundreds of disabled Iraqi children and their families through the distribution of pediatric wheelchairs.