Ann Cameron Caldwell, Ph.D.The Arc of the United States

2011 State ConventionAugust 11, 2011

The Arc promotes and protects the human and civil rights of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in all aspects of the community throughout their lifetimes.

Joe Gilliam, former coach of Football Hall of Famer Richard Dent

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“Those of us who have seen children live in the shadows know that a country as rich as ours cannot possibly justify this neglect.”

Despite much progress, our nation is falling short in providing opportunities for people with I/DD.

Budget cuts and the economy have hurt everyone, but those with I/DD and their families among the hardest hit

Appalling wait for services that may never come.

Families are shouldering tremendous financial strain and personal stress.

The future is uncertain. 04/19/23 9

62% report that services in community have been cut

1/3rd are on waiting lists averaging 5.3 years.

75% not satisfied with government funded services

43% report schools are cutting back as well

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Less than one-third are being “fully included” in schools

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4 of 10 parents are dissatisfied with the quality of education their son/daughter received.

Learn a job related skill (73%)

Learn about things of interest (72%)

Get experience to help get a job (66%)

Have a college experience (33%)

Obtain technical degree or certificate (27%)

Obtain certificate of completion (17%)

Get travel training (16%)

Earn GED/HS diploma (14%)

Preferred setting: Regular job in the

community (63%). Sheltered

workshop (19%) Enclave setting

(12%) Self-employment

(7%)

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82% - People with IDD should be paid minimum wage even if not as productive

Reported Sources of Income 25% have NO income 33% receive SSI 21% receive Social Security

Sources of Health Insurance 60% Medicaid 24% Medicare 69% both

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1 out of 5 had to quit a job to stay home 67% unable to pursue own work & career

goals 80% report they don’t have enough

money to pay for the care and support that is needed

46% report more caregiving responsibilities than they can handle

They are physically fatigued (88%), emotionally stressed (81%) and personal relationships (72%), health (72%) and marriages (58%) are being affected.

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In the FINDS Survey, the majority of families (more than 60%) worry that: their family member with I/DD might have

to live somewhere they don’t want they don’t have a plan for where the person

will live they don’t have enough information about

housing options 65% could use more help in planning 84% report lack of retirement savings

is a problem (52% a major problem)04/19/23 26

Data reflects realities families face in the State

Challenges are not unique; solutions may be

The Chapters of The Arc in Virginia are a powerful agent of change

Family support is going to be a critical piece of solutions in the future as other traditional funding sources break down

A new and reinvigorated movement to promote and protect the rights of people with I/DD.

Recruit a million people to become part of our movement. Establish national siblings council and self-

advocates council Clear message to Congress – don’t

balance the budget on backs of people with I/DD.

Don’t Cut Our Lifeline – tell stories of importance of Medicaid

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Make concerns an issue in the 2012 elections Show up at town hall meetings and ask

candidates what they will do Register people to vote Support the candidates that will support you

Create dialogue with employers and the business community

Raise public awareness PSAs and Social Media contest

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