The Arc Mid-South Executive Director Carlene Leaper featured in Grace Magazine!

Check out this article about The Arc Mid-South Executive Director Carlene Leaper that appeared in Grace Magazine!  

What's Your Definition of Autism?

What’s Your Definition of Autism?

As you may know, a new edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) is coming out in May with changes to the definitions of certain disorders on the autism spectrum which is used by medical professionals, government agencies and insurers. There has been much talk about what this will mean to individuals and their families when it comes to obtaining a diagnosis and receiving services. But during Autism Awareness Month in April, The Arc and Autism NOW would like to refocus the conversation on the individuals living with autism day to day and ask: “What’s Your Definition of Autism?” What does the word “autism” really mean to you on a personal and individual level? This April, we invite you to join us in raising awareness about what autism really means. If you are not already familiar with Autism NOW, The National Autism Resource & Information Center, visit www.autismnow.org for a wealth of high-quality, reliable information designed specifically individuals on the autism spectrum or with other developmental disabilities, their families and others who care about them. Autism NOW is a project of The Arc funded in part by the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. And, here’s how YOU can participate in furthering the conversation during Autism Awareness Month – be sure to jump in with your thoughts and feelings on what the definition of autism is to you and share with everyone you know using the hashtag #AutismAware: Follow and comment on The Arc on Facebook and Twitter hashtag #AutismAware Follow and comment on Autism NOW on Facebook and Twitter Post this as your status on Facebook at least once during April: April is Autism Awareness Month. Help me celebrate the contributions of people on the autism spectrum by copying and posting this as your status during April. Get more information at www.autismnow.org. #AutismAware Tweet this out on Twitter at least once during April: April is Awareness Month. Foster respect, access and inclusion for all. PLS share! #AutismAware Read The Arc and Autism NOW blogs Join The Arc’s online community Sign up to receive Autism NOW’s Prism e-newsletter Join the Autism NOW forums

Disability Awareness Summit 2013

Please join the Mayor's Advisory Council for Citizens with Disabilities for its 2nd annual Disability Awareness Summit.  The summit will be held April 19th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Benjamin L. Hooks Main Library on Poplar.  To register, please visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/326568.  Hope to see you there!

Inclusion The Default At Innovative School

By SHAUN HEASLEY

February 19, 2013Text Size  A  A

A unique New York City school is successfully serving kids with developmental disabilities alongside those who are typically developing by assuming that each child needs their own curriculum in order to thrive.

At The IDEAL School, children of varying abilities all learn the same topics, but each student does so at their own level with an individual lesson plan tailored to their needs. Specialized services like speech and physical therapy are provided during elective periods so that no student misses out on academics or feels different.

Read the whole story here: 

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2013/02/19/inclusion-default-school/17326/ 

2013 Empowerment Doubles Tennis Tournament

Are you a seasoned tennis player?  Or someone who just loves to have fun?  Are you competitive?  If you answered yes…You don’t want to miss The Arc Mid-South’s 2013 Empowerment Doubles Tennis Tournament!  Join us on April 13^th and 14^th from 8 AM until 5 PM at the Eldon Roark-Whitehaven Tennis Center, located at 1500 Finley Road, Memphis, TN.

The cost of a team is just $50 and all proceeds go toward the programs and services at The Arc Mid-South, designed to “Empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their full potential.” 

Please click here for more information or to register.  If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Dotty Carter at (901) 327-2473.

We look forward to seeing you there!