Uncategorized

Yesterday kicked off the first week of April!
April is the month of the growing season, when trees and flowers begin to “open”. So that means April is the month of GROWTH!
April is a hopeful month which promises good and beautiful things in the future.

There are a lot of holiday celebrations in the month of April and this week is dedicated to National Public Health.

 

National Public Health Week encourages people to become a part of a growing movement to create a healthy nation. The first full week of April is a time to recognize the contributions of public health while highlighting issues that are important to improving the health of the nation.

This week, let’s focus on prevention and reducing unhealthy activities in our community.

How to Observe

In 2018, Oklahoma ranked 47th in health after being evaluated by historical and comprehensive set of health, environmental, and socioeconomic data. Find out more by going to the American Health Ranking website. Download the Center for Disease Control Health IQ App to Your Smartphone. Follow on Facebook and share health facts and information using #PublicHealthWeek.

 

April National Day Observations:

Tuesday, April 2nd is dedicated to two very important awareness campaigns, World Autism Awareness Day and SAAM (Sexual Assault Awareness Month) Day of Action.

World Autism Awareness Day 

April is World Autism Month, and World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) aims to put a spotlight on the hurdles that people with autism – and others living with autism – face every day.

As a growing global health issue owing to its increasing exposure in the press and common knowledge, autism is an issue that is only gaining more understanding – and WAAD activities are planned every year to further increase and develop world knowledge of children and adults who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

How to Observe

Wear blue to spread awareness, understanding, and acceptance of those with autism. AutismSpeaks is inviting friends and neighbors around the world to come together to pledge to go blue to increase global understanding and acceptance of people with autism. We hope you’ll join us by pledging your support for a more inclusive world and staying involved all month long!

 

SAAM Day of Action

Nationally recognized in the United States and observed annually as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), SAAM Day of Action provides a day to focus awareness on sexual violence prevention.

Since 2004, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center has promoted a day dedicated to ending sexual violence against women. Their campaign is ongoing. 

How to Observe

Use #SAAMDayOfAction to post on social media.

For more information on sexual violence prevention and awareness, visit www.nsvrc.org.

 

Wednesday, April 3rd is also dedicated to two awareness campaigns, Childhelp National Day of Hope and National Walking Day.

Childhelp National Day of Hope

During National Child Abuse Prevention Month the first Wednesday of April has been dedicated to a Childhelp National Day of Hope.  Everyone across the country is asked to make a life-long commitment to joining the fight to end child abuse and neglect.

How to Observe

Lighting a 5 wick candle and observing a 5-minute silence represents the approximately 5 children who die every day as a result of abuse in the United States. Fight to end child abuse and use #ChildhelpNationalDayOfHope to post on social media.

To learn more, visit www.childhelp.org.

 

National Walking Day

The first Wednesday in April is National Walking Day.  The American Heart Association sponsors this day to remind people about the health benefits of taking a walk.  

How to Observe

Wear your sneakers (or take them with you) to work, and at some point in the day, take a 30-minute walk. Use the hashtag #HealthyForGood when posting on social media.

Click here to get more information and resources on how to stay active and healthy.

 

 

Saturday, April 6th is dedicated to two awareness campaigns, National Student-Athlete Day and National Love Our Children Day.

National Student-Athlete Day (NSAD)

NSAD provides an opportunity to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of student-athletes.

It was created to honor high school and college student-athletes who have excelled in academics and athletics and who have contributed to their communities and schools in a significant way.

How to Observe

Support student-athletes and use #StudentAthleteDay when posting on social media. Share stories about your student in the Special Olympics detailing how it has impacted your family.

 

National Love Our Children Day

Love Our Children USA sponsors and promotes this day annually on the first Saturday in April as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This day honors all children and encourages us to develop loving, respectful relationships with our children.

This day focuses on the prevention of child abuse and violence against children as well bringing awareness and helping put in place support tools and resources for communities.

How to Observe

Take time to make the life of a child better. Educate yourself on the prevention of child abuse. Use #NationalLoveOurChildrenDay to share on social media.

For more information, visit loveourchildrenusa.org

 

To enter the tournament or sign up for a sponsorship, please click HERE.

The 23rd annual Shot In The Dark Golf Tournament on Friday, May 4, will have an enhanced Star Wars theme in 2018 as it proclaims to all participants, “May The Fourth Be With You!”

New this year will be a twilight tee off time of 8:30 p.m. at MeadowBrook Country Club in Tulsa.

In addition to the tournament, golfers will be feted with dinner, live music with Terry & Breanna, $10,000 prize putting contest, silent auction, and closest-to-the-pin contest with prizes.

This unique tournament is played at night with glow-in-the-dark balls and LED glow sticks marking tee boxes and holes. Golfers will tee off in teams of four at the 8:30 p.m. shotgun start. All holes are reset to par three and the golfers navigate the course playing nine holes. The dinner and putting contest will be held from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. and  the silent auction from 6:30 p.m. through the tournament awards ceremony.

All proceeds from the TARC Shot in the Dark Golf Tournament are used to support programs and services helping individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with needs such as special education assistance, multi-age support groups, self-advocacy and social skills training, as well as loss and grief support.

The tournament entry fee* for foursomes is $400. The number of teams is limited and will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. Tournament entrants are encouraged to come decorated with glow paraphernalia. The best glowing team will be awarded a prize.

Tournament sponsorships* are still available.

Presenting Sponsor – $10,000
4 foursomes
4 hole signs with company logo
Recognition in publicity/marketing materials
Full page ad in tournament program

Eagle Sponsor – $5,000
3 foursomes
3 hole signs with company logo
Recognition in publicity/marketing materials
3/4 page ad in tournament program

Classic Sponsor – $2,500
2 foursomes
2 hole signs with company logo
Recognition in publicity/marketing materials
1/2 page ad in tournament program

Dinner Sponsor – $1,500
1 foursome
1 hole sign with company logo
Recognition in publicity/marketing materials
1/4 page ad in tournament program

Invitational Sponsor – $1,000
Glow Sponsor – $1,000
1 foursome
1 hole sign with company logo
Recognition in publicity/marketing materials
1/4 page ad in tournament program

$10,000 Putting Contest Sponsor – $500
1 hole sign with company logo
Recognition in publicity/marketing materials

Hole Sponsor – $250
1 hole sign with company logo
Recognition in publicity/marketing materials

To enter the tournament or sign up for a sponsorship, please click HERE.

 

*Entry/Sponsorship fees minus goods and services are tax deductible. No refunds.

 

We invite you to join TARC in recognizing those who have provided outstanding service and advocacy for Oklahomans with developmental disabilities and for dinner on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 at the Marriott Southern Hills Hotel, 1902 East 71^st Street, in Tulsa beginning at 6 p.m.

The TARC Advocacy Awards & Volunteer Recognition will include keynote speaker Joey Travolta who will share his passion for helping students with  intellectual and developmental disabilities develop self-esteem, confidence, and creativity through acting and digital film making.

In addition, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to brothers James and Joe Meadours, pioneering self-advocates who more than 20 years ago were instrumental in organizing the first People First program in Oklahoma and have gone on to earn national acclaim for their support of self-advocacy throughout the U.S.

Master of ceremonies for this year’s event will be KOTV’s “6 In The Morning” personality LeAnne Taylor.

For more information, please call 918-582-TARC (8272) or 800-688-TARC (8272).

Please RSVP/purchase tickets no later than Nov. 30.

Please click HERE to RSVP and/or purchase guest/general admission tickets for the 2017 TARC Advocacy Awards & Volunteer Recognition presentation and dinner.

Awards will be given in the following categories:

Advocate – Case Manager
Recognizes the OKDHS/DDSD case manager who has surpassed job requirements to advocate for his or her clients.

Advocate – Direct Care Provider
Recognizes the direct contact staff person working for a community provider, who has gone beyond job requirements to advocate for people with disabilities.

Advocate – Educator
Recognizes a public school educator who has promoted the inclusion of children with disabilities in regular school settings.

Advocate – Professional Provider
Recognizes any professional such as a therapist or physician who advocates for people with disabilities beyond their professional responsibilities.

Advocate – Volunteer
Recognizes the volunteer or group of volunteers who, in a program serving people with developmental disabilities, has gone beyond the call of duty to advocate.

Self-Advocate
Recognizes the self-advocate who has spoken out for all people with disabilities.

Media Advocate
Recognizes the media professional who has effectively promoted better understanding and integration of people with disabilities living in the community.

Advocate – Board Member
Recognizes a member of the board of directors of any non-profit, community based service provider who has gone beyond the interest of his or her agency to become an advocate for all people with disabilities.

Parent Advocate
Recognizes the parent(s) of a person with developmental disabilities who has been a voice for all people with disabilities.

Special Achievement in Advocacy
Recognizes the individual, business, or organization not included in other categories, which through a significant advocacy effort has improved the lives of people with disabilities.

Catalyst of Change
Recognizes individuals, groups or organizations that have been catalysts for significant positive change in improving the lives of Oklahomans with developmental disabilities over a long period of time.

Once each year, TARC recognizes those who have provided outstanding service and advocacy for Oklahomans with developmental disabilities. Please take time now to nominate one or more individuals/organizations you believe should be recognized for their efforts in helping others. Winners of the 27^th Annual TARC Advocacy Awards will be announced at the awards presentation on Thursday, Dec. 7 at the Marriott Hotel Southern Hills in Tulsa.

There are 13 categories (see list below) in which nominees can be considered for an award. Anyone can nominate advocates for an award. Each recipient in this category has done something remarkable in helping to achieve TARC’s mission of ensuring a high quality of life for Oklahomans with developmental disabilities and their families.

Award Categories:

• Advocate – Board Member
  Recognizes a member of the board of directors of any non-profit, community based service provider who has gone beyond the interest of his or her agency to become an advocate for all people with disabilities.
• Advocate – Case Manager
  Recognizes the OKDHS/DDS case manager who has surpassed job requirements to advocate for his or her clients.
• Advocate – Direct Care Provider
  Recognizes the direct contact staff person working for a community provider, who has gone beyond job requirements to advocate for people with disabilities.
• Advocate – Educator
  Recognizes a public school educator who has promoted the inclusion of children with disabilities in regular school settings.
• Advocate – Professional Provider
  Recognizes any professional such as a therapist or physician who advocates for people with disabilities beyond their professional responsibilities.
• Advocate – Volunteer
  Recognizes the volunteer or group of volunteers who, in a program serving people with developmental disabilities, has gone beyond the call of duty to advocate.
• Elected Official
  Recognizes an elected official who has effectively promoted better understanding and integration of people with disabilities in employment, education, and the community.
• Self-Advocate
  Recognizes the self-advocate who has spoken out for all people with disabilities.
• Media Advocate
  Recognizes the media professional who has effectively promoted better understanding and integration of people with disabilities living in the community.
• Parent Advocate
  Recognizes the parent(s) of a person with developmental disabilities who has been a voice for all people with disabilities.
• Special Achievement in Advocacy
  Recognizes the individual, business, or organization not included in other categories, which through a significant advocacy effort has improved the lives of people with disabilities.
• Catalyst of Change
  Recognizes individuals, groups or  organizations that have been catalysts for significant positive change in improving the lives of Oklahomans with developmental disabilities over a long period of time.
• Shelby Hard Courage in Advocacy
  Recognizes individuals who have faced extreme challenges while still advocating for others.

TARC reserves the right to withhold an award in any category in which an insufficient number of qualified nominations are submitted. A selection committee composed of prominent Oklahoma advocates in the field of developmental disabilities will make the final decision on Advocacy Award winners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by Jordan Gilbert

My most memorable OK AIM monitor visit was with Carol (not her real name). As usual, our coordinator had scheduled a visit for my partner and me to check on Carol. When we called to confirm the visit, Carol told us that she could not keep the appointment. She said her staff had made other plans for her and that they would not be home. It is not unusual for a visit to be rescheduled, but there was just something about the way Carol was talking that made my teammate and me uncomfortable.

We contacted the coordinator and asked if we could schedule another time with the individual and were given permission to call the home and reschedule the visit. My partner and I called what we assumed was Carol’s home phone, but it turned out to be her cellphone. I got really concerned when she kept whispering and told me that she couldn’t talk very long because she didn’t want her staff to hear the conversation. She asked us to call back later when the evening shift would be on duty. Just hearing this made us more determined to make this visit happen.

We could hardly wait until later in the evening to make the call. When we finally got in contact with Carol, she could barely talk without crying. She apologized for not being able to see us, but said that she was changing companies and that her current company was being very controlling and sending in staff that she did not trust or like to work with her. She also said her evening staff was kind and she wanted them to be present when we came to visit.

Between Carol and the evening staff, we were able to schedule a time the visit could take place. When we got to the home, Carol was a lovely hostess. She kept telling us she really enjoyed having company and didn’t get to see many people because of her staff. The change in companies was supposed to take place within a week and her evening staff was going to transfer with her. Carol kept telling us that she was afraid that the staff would make things very uncomfortable for her until she transferred.

It was wonderful to see that the evening staff was so comforting. This staff even offered to take Carol on outings to keep her busy and away from the day shift. There wasn’t any evidence that Carol was being physically harmed, but we just didn’t want to leave her until we were satisfied that more people were aware of what she was telling us. We notified the OK AIM Program Coordinator before we left Carol’s home to discuss the situation.

Carol was so excited about our visit that she pulled out her little Polaroid® camera and had her staff take pictures so that we could remember each other. As an ORU athlete, I have taken a lot of pictures. My phone is full of pictures of my friends and I even have a bunch of selfies. But none will be as precious to me as the tiny Polaroid picture I have of Carol.

 

OK AIM Coordinator’s note:

The information from this visit was reported to the DDS case manager and case manager supervisor. The case manager contacted the incoming residential provider and maintained daily contact with Carol until the transfer was completed. Since this visit, Carol has contacted OK AIM several times inquiring when another visit could be scheduled because she felt so comfortable with the monitors from her last visit. She also requested that the same “friends” be assigned on subsequent visits. The monitors also received a complimentary email from an individual who identified herself as Carol’s advocate. The efforts made by OK AIM volunteers are    invaluable and the results of monitoring visits can significantly and positively impact the lives of service recipients.

 

As part of the Tulsa Area United Way Day of Caring, TARC will be hosting the 3rd annual Carnival of Caring at Whiteside Park, 4009 S. Pittsburg in Tulsa on Friday, Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their staff or caregiver are invited to come and enjoy a fun day of food, games, activities, arts & crafts, and music with DJ – Steve Pitts. There will be no charge for any of these event activities. Sponsored by TARC, Matrix Service Company, and Tulsa Area United Way.

Please RSVP by Sept. 1 by calling Barry Maxwell at 918-582-TARC (8272) or by email at bmaxwell@thearcok.org.

The 22nd annual Shot In The Dark Golf Tournament will take place on May 5 (Cinco de Mayo) at MeadowBrook Country Club. Since the tournament will be at a new golf course this year, it will be even more important to have an adequate number of volunteers on hand to help golfers find their way in the dark and help ensure their safety. Ideally, around 80 volunteers will be needed.

Volunteers are needed to serve as:

• Tee Box Monitors
• Greens Monitors
• Hazard Monitors
• Golf Course Set-up
• Volunteer Registration
• Golfer Registration/Golf Sales
• Event Set-up
• Event Clean-up Crew
• Monitor Relief and Stand-by

All volunteers are invited to enjoy dinner and live entertainment prior to tee-off time (9 p.m.) and will receive a T-shirt (to be worn during the tournament) and goodie bag. They can also participate in the silent auction.

To sign up as a volunteer, please contact Craig Thompson at 918-582-8272 or cthompson@thearcok.org.

A clinician’s actions can change a life forever and help prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

FREE CME and CNE-accredited FASD Prevention online courses for physicians, nurses, medical and nursing students are now available through December 31, 2016.

Physicians, nurses, medical and nursing students will learn how they can help detect and address risky drinking in patients that are pregnant or of reproductive age.

• Courses are FREE of charge
• Courses are between 15 and 60 minutes
• Courses are available for CME and CNE credits:
  • Physicians: Between .25 and 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • Nurses Practitioners and Nurses: Between .25 and 1.0 contact hour, including up to 0.5 pharmacology hours
  • Pharmacists: 1.0 contact hour
• Courses are available through December 31, 2016
• Courses were developed by the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals and The Arc of the United States
• For additional information, contact FASD@TheArc.org and visit The Arc’s FASD Prevention Project to learn about additional for-credit webinars

Click HERE for more information.