The Arc of the Mid-South in Nashville

Last Wednesday, The Arc of the Mid-South joined other disability organizations and self-advocates from west Tennessee for Disability Days on the Hill 2010. Executive Director, Carlene Leaper, along with thirty-eight parents, self-advocates, and staff took a bus to the Capitol in Nashville and had the opportunity to speak with legislators about issues facing the disability community.

This year, we focused on the potential budget cuts facing TennCare and cuts in funding for community-based health services provided by DIDS. Each senator and representative that we spoke with was very receptive to what we had to say and offered their support for the disability community when the budget is presented to the House and Senate.

We also had an opportunity to attend a press conference led by Carol Westlake of the Tennessee Disability Coalition and Andy Imparato, president of AAPD, demonstrating solidarity in our concerns for the harmful effects that TennCare cuts will have on people with disabilities.

As always, we encourage you to call, email, or write your legislators and let your voice be heard. Visit the Tennessee General Assembly website to find your legislator.

Click here for a WSMV-TV video news story on the possible TennCare cuts.

The Arc of the Mid-South to be featured on Memphis Makers

Just a programming note for everyone, The Arc of the Mid-South will be featured on the August episode of Memphis Makers, a show on the Library Channel in which host Ally Luciano talks with representatives of Memphis area non-profit agencies about the services and activities they provide to the community.

Carlene Leaper, our executive director filmed the show last Wednesday and it will air all during the month of August. She talks about the missions and visions of The Arc as well as our upcoming 14th Annual Arc Benefit Gala.

Carlene Leaper on Rainbow Connection

Hey everybody, just a heads up that Carlene Leaper, our Executive Director, sat down with Arthur Robinson of Rainbow Connection and discussed The Arc of the Mid-South and some of our goals and initiatives. The interview will air tomorrow - Saturday, March 28th - at 5:30 PM on Comcast Cable Channel 17, so get those DVRs ready!

The Rainbow Connection is a local independent broadcaster here in Memphis. On the air since 1980, the show's mission is to bring you the perfect balance of news, educational programming and entertainment, all on one television program. The Rainbow Connection is also a proud supporter of community events and local charities.