William Benson, Executive Director of CADES, Douglas Trout, Executive Director of The Arc of Delaware County, Nora (Noreen) O’Connor, employee of the Courthouse, and Councilman Thomas McGarrigle celebrate Disability Awareness Month at The Arc of Delaware County’s exhibit following County Council’s Resolution at the Government Center last Tuesday March 4 2008.

Doug Trout, Executive Director (Left) and Dorothy Kline, Mental Health & Mental Retardation Administrator of Delaware County (Right), accepts County Council’s Resolution proclaiming March as Developmental Disability Awareness Month.

Cross Disability Resource Fair Highlights Delco Offerings

Springfield Country Club, Monday June 2, 2008, 4-7pm

Public is Invited!

Swarthmore, PA (May 2, 2008)—The public is invited to attend the fourth annual Resource Fair hosted by the Cross Disability Coalition for Delaware County on Minday June 2, 2008, 4-7 p.m. It will take place at the Springfield Country Club, 400 West Sproul Road, Springfield, PA. The Resource Fair is a forum for disability-related support and advocacy organizations and services providers to share information with families, self-advocates, educators, professionals and local legislators. The focus is the many available resources for individuals with disabilities and their families in Delaware County. This is a FREE event.

The Cross Disability Coalition for Delaware County is a project initiated by The Arc of Delaware County and funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.

The goals of this project are to: a) strengthen local advocacy; b) enhance public awareness of disability issues; and c) support underserved populations and geographic locations in Delaware County.

The Resource Fair is just one way the Cross Disability Coalition, a core group of active leaders in the disabilities community, is working to bring people and resources together.

For more information about the Cross Disability Coalition for Delaware County or the Resource Fair, call The Arc of Delaware County at 610.544.6600 or send an e-mail to gdaddona@thearcofdelco.org.

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DELARC Accepts Proclamation from County Council
for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

On Tuesday, March 4, 2008, Delaware County Council declared the month of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. In addition to the Resolution, The Arc of Delaware County celebrated the event by presenting an informational display and art exhibit in the in the lobby of the Government Center at the Courthouse in Media. 

Councilman Thomas McGarrigle, County Council’s liaison with the Office of Human Services, presented the Resolution honoring the contributions of citizens with developmental disabilities. The Resolution stressed that these citizens are dedicated employees & neighbors, and lead productive lives within the community. 

In acceptance to the proclamation, Douglas Trout, the Executive Director of the Arc of Delaware County stated, “Today, people with intellectual, physical, and neurological disabilities are contributing members of every community in Delaware County. Communities everywhere are realizing that the fabric of their community life is enriched by the participation and contributions of people who happen to have a developmental disability.”

DEALRC presented an informational display & art exhibit composed of artistic works created by children and adults with developmental disabilities. The exhibit is currently on display for the entire month of March at the Government Center at the County Courthouse. The Arc of Delaware County encourages everyone of all ages to view these valued works of art and to learn more about the importance of Developmental Disability awareness in their community.

For over 50 years, it has been the mission of The Arc of Delaware County to advocate for the rights and opportunities of children and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. The Arc is a membership organization sustained by the generous support of its donors & community partners. In April 2008, The Arc of Delaware County will kick off their “Annual Giving Campaign” to raise money for future advocacy services in the community.

For more information about The Arc of Delaware County, details regarding the informational/art exhibit at the Courthouse, or how you can to contribute to The Arc, feel free to contact The Arc’s offices at (610) 544.6600 or email The Arc at info@thearcofdelco.org

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