SLIDE 1: THEARCLINK.ORG
We are now ready to begin the third
module: TheArcLink.org. In this section, we will learn that people are presently
making unsupported decisions in the world of developmental disabilities. We
will also learn what TheArcLink.org is and how it can help. Finally, we will
see that investing with more information leads to more satisfying decisions.
SLIDE 2: UNSUPPORTED
DECISIONS
Imagine buying a house without looking at any others on the market, or taking a new job knowing nothing about the company, or buying a car without a test drive, sight unseen. Usually we don’t make such major investments without gathering information or asking questions, but in the world of developmental disabilities such unsupported decision-making is the rule, not the exception.
For more than fifty years, families facing disabilities have advocated together to improve the systems of support and inclusion through The Arc, a national organization of and for people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families. Collectively these families have accomplished great things, yet the everyday task of surviving in a community can be overwhelming for an individual with a developmental disability. This is particularly true when they have little or no information on available services and supports. Many people are unaware of existing services or don’t know how to access these services, or in the case of residential supports, are uninformed of long waiting lists and the importance of applying for services early. Increasing numbers of service providers give the decision-maker more options, but with so many new providers there are very few controls for quality assurance. Once given all the options, on what criteria do you base your decision? In some cases, families don’t even have an up-to-date list of providers in their area.
Drawing from this, you can imagine
the need for a source that embraces and manages the information needed by families
making such important decisions. TheArcLink.org has been created in order to
fill this need and aid families facing disabilities. Creating the easy availability
of information regarding service providers, local and state funding, plus more,
TheArcLink.org will facilitate the decision making process.
SLIDE 3: WHAT IS THEARCLINK.ORG?
Now you are probably
wondering what exactly TheArcLink.org is and how it is going to help those with
disabilities survive in the community. TheArcLink.org is a web site designed
to empower individuals with disabilities and their families in order to make
sound choices about services that support their full participation in the community.
Empowering people to choose is not only providing information, but also giving
individuals the possibility to interact with others that face similar needs
and challenges. Its mission is to provide information to individuals and families
seeking services, to create new mechanisms for determining service quality,
and to improve the quality of services for people with developmental disabilities
in the United States.
TheArcLink.org is an aid to information. Helping people with disabilities find the information they need to make satisfying decisions is a part of what TheArcLink.org does. By providing information in an orderly fashion, TheArcLink.org simplifies the decision making process. Users have information available at their fingertips that would normally take weeks or even months to gather and sort.
Exchanging thoughts, ideas, and advice
is very important and TheArcLink.org will give users the opportunity to take
part in this connection. It is not surprising that many people face many of
the same challenges, and many times can offer suggestions and advice. TheArcLink.org
facilitates this vital communication process.
SLIDE 4: INFORMATION
AVAILABLE WITH THEARCLINK.ORG
TheArcLink.org web site offers a range of valuable information resources. We will begin with an overview of those resources so you understand how the whole site works. Then additional information about each resource will be discussed.
One resource is called “Know the System.” This area allows users to access information about their national and state service systems. Finding information about funding, service systems, and who is eligible for such things is now easier than ever with TheArcLink.org.
Providing a new information source, TheArcLink.org offers a comprehensive database of approved service providers, service coordinators, and entry points by state. Consumers are now able to find out more than ever about the people providing service in their community, allowing for better decision-making and more satisfied customers.
Networking and connecting with others has not been overlooked as a vital means to individuals and families that face disabilities. With TheArcLink.org users will have the ability to be in contact with many other people facing similar situations. Not only will the advice and suggestions be helpful, but it is always helpful to know you’re not the only one struggling with certain situations.
Along with all of this TheArcLink.org
also offers information about The Arc itself, specific state Arcs, various news
and current events concerned with the issues of developmental disabilities,
links to other helpful sites and a glossary of terms dealing with developmental
disabilities.
SLIDE 5: KNOW THE SYSTEM
Knowing the manner
in which state and national systems work is necessary to those who face disabilities.
They need to be able to understand what service systems and funding are available
to them. TheArcLink.org aids users in finding if they are eligible for specific
funding and where the nearest office is to apply for such funding. Those with
disabilities must understand how and where to apply for government-funded services
like Social Security, Medicaid, and Vocational Rehabilitation.
Now, with TheArcLink.org’s
“Know the System” area, those who need to know about these things
are able to access them with the click of a mouse. Users can access both national
and individual state information. This is extremely helpful to those that are
moving from state to state and must learn an entirely new system. In addition,
users will be able to discover how to become an advocate and have an impact
on both state and national systems.
SLIDE 6: PROVIDER SEARCH
With so many new providers
of service in the market, it is difficult to choose the one that will best fit
the needs and wants of a specific individual. TheArcLink’s comprehensive
database offers a searchable list of approved service providers and service
coordinators. Users will be able to locate providers by location, type of service,
and by specific provider’s names.
Initially, services covered will include any adult or children’s service for which a state must approve a provider. Consumers can access basic information about every state-approved service provider. Customer satisfaction information will be available about those service providers that have specifically committed to TheArcLink standards of quality.
User’s needs will be addressed
and search results will be tailored to fit their individual situation. By entering
specific information about their situation and describing what they are looking
for, TheArcLink.org will help them find similar services that are available
close to their home.
SLIDE 7: NETWORK AND
CONNECT
Imagine a difficult
situation, such as losing a family member or a move to another state or country.
Now imagine dealing with this alone. Many people who face disabilities are doing
so alone. With TheArcLink.org, the channels of communication are open. Finding
those with similar situations and those that have the same questions, or possibly
answers to the questions, is now easier than ever.
Connecting with others via TheArcLink, users will be able to receive advice from those who have already handled the same obstacles. In turn, users will help those who are dealing with problems they’ve already conquered. Asking for advice on specific services will prove helpful to those with decisions to make. Users can also learn about new developments from others on the system. TheArcLink is also open to expression, where you can share your viewpoints on various issues.
TheArcLink.org connects individuals
facing common concerns, challenges, and experiences, empowering them to interact
in a virtual community where location and ability are immaterial.
SLIDE 8: OTHER INFORMATION
AVAILABLE
In addition to the
information discussed and the ability to connect with others, TheArcLink.org
will offer users even more input.
Finding information on state and
local Arc chapters and how to become a member can be done through TheArcLink.
Users can read the latest news stories, opinion, and commentary on issues including
disability, quality care, best practices, community challenges, policy mandates,
legislation, prevention, and research. Links to other useful web sites will
be at hand through TheArcLink, as well as a glossary with complete, easy to
understand explanations of terms and acronyms pertaining to disabilities.
SLIDE 9: INVESTING
WITH INFORMATION
Investing with information
leads to better decisions. With the wealth of resources available through TheArcLink,
users can find more information and make more sound, confident choices. These
better informed decisions will lead to more desirable results, creating a much
more satisfied customer.
By informing people and aiding in
their decision-making, TheArcLink hopes to improve the quality of service that
is offered to those with developmental disabilities.
SLIDE 10: TheArcLink
TheArcLink.org will
be a nationwide resource. Support is now being pursued to fund the addition
of every state. Soon, almost everyone with developmental disabilities will have
the information and help TheArcLink.org offers available to them.
TheArcLink is a non-profit enterprise
jointly incorporated by The Arc of The United States, The Arc of Indiana, and
the Stone Belt Arc in Bloomington, Indiana.
SLIDE 11: CONCLUSION
As you can see, unsupported
decision-making is the norm, and TheArcLink wishes to change this. There is
a need for a source of information that can help those facing the everyday challenges
of living with a developmental disability.
By providing a wealth of information,
the ability to connect with others, and a new means of quality assurance, TheArcLink.org
will aid many people in making satisfying decisions regarding their disabilities
and the services provided to them.
SLIDE 12: NEXT STEPS
This concludes our training. Additional information about serving people with disabilities is listed in the Resources section.
If you want to sign up for regular TheArcLink updates, please complete the form on the web.
If you have comments about this module or any other part of the training, please share them with Elbert Johns at [email protected] or Marilyn Irwin at [email protected]
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Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
Indiana University, Bloomington