February 2009

ARK ADVOCATES - NEWS & VIEWS
Volume 10, Issue 1 — Published Irregularly; ARK Advocates P.O. Box 3024; Dubuque, IA 52004-3024 February 2008
Web Site: www.arkadvocates.org; E-Mail: info@arkadvocates.org
“COME FILL THE ARK” BUDDY WALK 2008
By Kay Sendt
Our Buddy Walk on Saturday, November 1, 2008 was held at Loras College Graber Center. This
was a great success! Persons with disabilities who joined with abled-bodied persons from the
Dubuque community were enjoying games, walking with their buddies, renewing old friendships
and beginning new ones. Participants received t-shirts, goody bags and enjoyed snacks and
refreshments.
Many volunteers including local college students helped make this event successful. They
organized and supervised the games and teamed up with participants. We could not hold this
event without all of their help.
The day was concluded by giving away numerous prizes donated from various Dubuque
businesses. Everyone enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to the next Buddy Walk.
To date, a total of $5,317.01 has been received. The money raised was from pledges received
from participants, corporate, and family sponsors. The money goes towards helping with
guardianships to persons who cannot afford to do this on their own, helping to fund financial
assistance requests, and to help fund our Christmas gift program. The Buddy Walk helps to raise
awareness for persons with disabilities in our community and to bring persons together for a day
of fun and enjoyment.
ARK Advocates Board of Directors wishes to thank all the participants, persons who volunteered
their time, and all who donated through pledges and sponsorships. Without all of you, this event
would not have been successful. Please read the list of sponsors and patronize them in appreciation for their donations. ARK Board members also wishes to give their thanks to Barb Tubbs, our
Executive Secretary. Barb does a tremendous job of mailing letters to corporate sponsors,
association members, and keeping track of all donations. Barb, we appreciate your dedication!
Plans are beginning for our next walk, which we hope to make even bigger and better. Watch our
newsletters for updates and mark your calendar for November 14, 2009!
Please see list of sponsors on next page.
Together we do make a difference.
ARK Advocates - NEWS & VIEWS
“Come Fill the ARK” Buddy Walk 2008—Continued
Corporate Sponsors are:
Gold ARK Sponsors:
Dubuque Racing Association/
Dubuque Greyhound Park
Knights of Columbus—St. Anthony’s Council
Loras College
Friends of ARK Sponsors:
Mercy Medical Center
Metrix Company
State Farm Insurance - Dennis Baumhover
Dr. Ronald & Charlotte Shope
Jim & Inga Schilling
Silver ARK Sponsors:
American Trust & Savings Bank
Family Sponsors are:
Debbie/Greg Albert
Sara Albert
Kay Auderer
Behr’s Funeral Home
Barb Beidler
Barbara Berns & Joseph Leone
Charles & Heidi Berns
John & Jaydeane Berns
Leon & Phyllis Berns
Tom & June Berns
Paul & Jean Blaser
Harold & Diane Blatt
Richard & Valita Bradley
Jacqueline & Rick Brunssen
Ronald & Ann Burds
Barbara Callahan
Ray & Marcelline Capesius
Robert & Rose Carr
Margaret Cigrand
Allan & Connie Connolly
Vince & Jackie Crimmins
Gretchen Domeyer
John & Mary Kay Egan
Dan & Grace Elgin
Marjorie Erhart
Jane Flynn
Michael & Juliann Gansemer
Dennis & Juliann Geraghty
Herrig, Lois
Hildebrand, Thomas & Elaine
Hinke, Shelley
Pam & Sarah Jochum
Bob & Pauline Johnson
Jon & Julie Jordahl
Marge Kane
Mary Jane Keppler
Jean Kluesner
Rita & Chet Koth
Joyce Kramer
Ruth Kruse
William & Debra Loch
Local businesses/individuals donating door prizes or supplies are:
Betty Jane’s
HyVee/Locust St.
Big Apple Bagle’s
HyVee/NW Arterial
Buffalo Wild Wings
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Creslanes Bowling
Little Caesars
Derby Grange
Loras College
Domino’s Pizza
Mindframe Theaters
Grand Harbor Water Park
Panchero’s
Ground Round
Panera
Lynn McCubbin
Eileen McSperrin
Lawrence & Ann Miesen
Kathryn & Terry O’Toole
Phil & Sheila Otting
Robert & Diane Peacock
Charleen Peryon
Paul & Carole Porter
Robert & Carla Reuter
Paul & Carolyn Sandman
Frances Schroeder
Gregory & Florence Schuetz
Harold Schuster
Michael & Donna Schutte
Kathy Scremin
St. Raphael’s Cathedral
Jerry & Connie Wessels
Beth Whisler
Merlin & LaVonne Wilgenbusch
Beth & Stephen Young
Papa John’s
Perkins
Quiznos on Asbury
Rainbo Oil (Kwik Stop/Dairy Queen)
Red Robin
St. Stephen’s Food Bank
Telegraph Herald
Village Inn
ARK Advocates - NEWS & VIEWS
CHRISTMAS WITH ARK ADVOCATES
By Kay Sendt
ARK Advocates continued its annual tradition this year with gift giving to
local Dubuque facilities for the disabled. To share the joy at this beautiful
time of the year, we obtained a list of individuals with disabilities from local
facilities who would not otherwise receive a Christmas gift. This year Hills
and Dales, Sunnycrest and Area Residential Care submitted 48 residents for
gift giving. The Life Skills students at Hempstead High School shared their
time by taking the lists of Christmas wishes and going out into the community
to do the shopping. The students then take the gifts back to their classroom
and wrap each gift. ARK Advocates board members pick up the wrapped
gifts from the students and deliver them to each individual facility. Fund
raising efforts by ARK Advocates paid for the Christmas gifts the individuals enjoyed.
We thank all the students, teachers, and associates for all their hard work.
They, as always, did a beautiful job helping these individuals have a “merrier”
Christmas.
Membership Renewals
Membership renewal letters will be sent out by March 1, 2009. If you do not
receive your letter, please use the form on the back page of this newsletter to send
in your renewal.
In 2008, the Board was able to support persons with disabilities by funding needs
of $3,722.00. Your membership and support continues to provide opportunities for
camperships, transportation assistance, recognition awards, Christmas gifts, birthday
cards, guardianship fees, specialized equipment, medical needs, etc.
Remember, your dues are tax deductible. If you know of anyone who could
benefit by being a member or is interested, please give us a call and we will send
information to them. Together we do make a difference!
ARK Advocates - NEWS & VIEWS
ANNUAL AWARDS
By Barbara Tubbs
Once again, it is time to start thinking about our annual awards. Each year ARK Advocates honors the many persons in our
community who give so generously of their time and talents on behalf of individuals with disabilities. This is your opportunity
to express your appreciation and to thank someone who you know, or who has touched someone you know, and is so
deserving of such an award. The awards will be presented at the Potluck/Awards Picnic in May. Please submit nominations
to ARK Advocates, Att: Barb Tubbs at P.O. Box 3024, Dubuque, Iowa 52004-3024 or e-mail tubbs77@ tubbs77@mchsi.com
(see Nomination form included in this newsletter) by April 10, 2009.
The categories for award nominations are:
Employer of the Year: To recognize a company/business that has effectively promoted the employment of individuals with
mental and/or physical disabilities or an individual within an organization who has actively assisted in making employment
opportunities successful.
Volunteer of the Year: To recognize volunteer(s) who have given generously of their time and talents to help benefit
individuals with disabilities. Any person or group of persons who has contributed toward accomplishing the mission of ARK
Advocates and who has not received compensation for these services is eligible. This may include parents, brothers, sisters,
volunteers, etc.
Advocate of the Year: To recognize a community volunteer mentor who has helped an individual or a group of individuals
with a disability achieve a higher degree of independence. This person must have been an advocate for at least one year and
made a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities.
Teacher of the Year: To recognize a classroom teacher who has demonstrated excellence in teaching students with disabilities/ special needs. The nominee must have been actively engaged in teaching during the last school year.
Para-educator of the Year: To recognize a classroom educator who has demonstrated excellence in helping students with
disabilities/special needs meet their educational goals. The nominee must have been actively engaged in the classroom during
the last school year.
Community Inclusion Award: To recognize an outstanding citizen or group of people, aside from a teacher, who is having a
positive impact on the social, vocational, therapeutic or other aspects of community living for individuals with disabilities.
Service Provider of the Year: To recognize a direct care staff who has demonstrated exceptional sensitivity to people with
disabilities and who has exhibited quality work within the position held. Must have been a direct care staff for at least one
year and made a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities.
Super Sibling: To recognize an individual who has a sibling with a mental and/or physical disability and has contributed to
enhancing the life of that sibling and assisting the sibling to achieve more independence.
Citizenship Award: To recognize an individual with disabilities who has contributed to or has participated more fully in the
community in some outstanding way will be considered. Evaluation and consideration of person’s leadership will include the
changes of the specific disability.
Professional of the Year: To recognize an individual employed in a field of service, aside from teaching, who has demonstrated sensitivity or the ability to promote outstanding quality which results in increased independence or for additional opportunities for people with disabilities.
Distinguished Community Service: To recognize a company or an organization that has performed an outstanding service
on behalf of persons with disabilities. Nominee must be a business or organization that made significant assistance either financially or through service or leadership.
Please visit our website for a more detailed explanation (purpose, eligibility, and basis for selection) of each award category
and the nomination form .
ARK Advocates - NEWS & VIEWS
ARK Advocates
NOMINATIONS FOR AWARD RECOGNITION
Awards Category:
Name of Individual or Group:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Biographical Sketch:
Reason for Nomination:
Letters of Recommendation—at least 2
Comments:
Submit to: Barbara Tubbs; ARK Advocates; P.O. Box 3024; Dubuque, IA 52004-3024
Phone: 563-556-1785; E-Mail: tubbs77@mchsi.com. Please submit by April 10, 2009.
ARK Advocates - NEWS & VIEWS
Linda Hager Award
For the first time this year at our annual awards, we will be awarding a
$500.00 award to a college junior who is pursuing a career as a teacher
in special education. This scholarship is being given in memory of Linda
who was an ARK Advocates Board Member for many years. She also
taught Early Childhood Special Education and Special Education at both
Clarke and Loras College. Please visit our website for more information
and award forms regarding the Linda Hager Award.
Inga Schilling a retired ARK Advocates Board Member and close friend of Linda’s wrote these
words about Linda for her funeral.
Linda Hager was a wife, mother, educator, community volunteer and my friend. Her last words
spoken to me were, “I don’t want to be forgotten.” I think her request is totally in keeping with who
Linda was. She never forgot anyone and out of respect for human dignity and life, she asked this of
all of us.
Linda was a wife to Charles and a mother to James, Jennifer, and Charlie and also Brownie,
Licorice, Butterscotch, her numerous pets and birds. I loved watching Linda “mother in action”. She
was Super Mom when it came to her kids. I saw this strong bond and undying love for her children
many times. Notice, I said “undying” because I am absolutely sure that the life lessons and values she
taught you, James, Charles, and Jennifer will serve you well throughout your lives.
Linda as an educator, shared her gifts with her students. She inspired her students to seek knowledge, truth and enlightenment. Teaching comes from the heart as well as the brain. This is what she
instilled in her students as future special education teachers. You have to know what you are doing,
love what you are doing and most of all, love your students. As a professor, Linda lived out these
ideals and was a great role model for her students.
When Linda moved here to Dubuque in 1997, right away she became involved in the Dubuque
community. Amidst her busy life and getting her family and household settled in and starting a new
job teaching at Clarke College, she didn’t forget her responsibility to serve others. That is how I first
met Linda when she became a Board member of ARK Advocates. Linda has worked behind the
scenes for many disability organizations sharing her expertise and personal experiences with all of us.
Even as her illness consumed more and more of her body, she exclaimed with much pride that now
she was disabled and could experience first hand what it was like with others. A few weeks ago when
I told her about a new organization, PAD, she wanted to help out by going to various businesses in
town and show them from her wheelchair what they could do to make life more accessible for persons
with disabilities. As a co-volunteer with Linda, I will miss her enthusiasm and wealth of ideas.
And that is way it is such an honor to call Linda my friend, She never forgot her friends; whether a
phone call, myriad e-mails, office chat, or let’s get together for coffee, Linda treasured the silliness
and bonds of friendship. We girlfriends have remarked often over the past three months that her
greatest gift to use was teaching us how to live life fully, truthfully and with joy.
Many of you have your own Linda stories that you will cherish. You have been inspired by this
woman of courage, insight, and compassion. Linda always let us know that her friends were so important to her. She is teaching us to follow in her footsteps by not forgetting all that she has taught us.
Linda lives on in our hearts.
ARK Advocates - NEWS & VIEWS
“Hello, We Have Autism…”
By Alyson Beytien
(This article was originally published in “Autism Spectrum Quarterly” - used with permission)
I find it difficult to introduce myself these days. As I meet people in the community and through my work, I need to introduce
myself and my family. The dilemma: Do I announce our autism immediately and wait for the gasp? “Hi, I’m Alyson Beytien
and I have three sons with autism.” (gasp! silence! stunned look!) I’ve always wanted to be introduced as “Stunningly beautiful
and amazingly intelligent” but that will take a lot more sleep and plastic surgery!
Introducing my sons is more complicated than a single sentence can accomplish. Spencer is 17 years old, 6’1” tall, 160 lbs.,
and has a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome. He is beginning to understand sarcasm and humor, does not like to be jostled or
touched by others, loves video games, baseball, and eats only white food. Joshua is 16 years old, 5’10” tall, 160 lbs., and has a
diagnosis of High Functioning Autism (although on any given day, he is not functioning well at all!) Josh is currently interested
in Dragons and Wizards, Garfield, loves to surf the internet, read, draw pictures, eat at Burger King, and needs to know his
schedule for the next 6 months or he has an emotional breakdown. Zachary is 15 years old, 6” tall, 150 lbs. and has a diagnosis
of autism. He loves Burger King, wants to do anything his brothers do, uses an augmentative communication device, likes to
throw rocks into the Mississippi River and swim. Zach struggles with anxiety and aggression, and works harder than anyone I
know to participate with other kids.
And even having offered all that information, you cannot truly understand my family. The boys have come so far in their ability
to enjoy and live their lives. Each day I am amazed at what they do. Zachary spontaneously said, “I love you Mom” just 2
months ago. Would the incredible joy of that moment be understood by the casual person who wants to know who we are?
Joshua is the most loving, funny, “quirky” boy and says the most outrageous things! Will his Sunday School teacher be able to
see the humor in his comments if she doesn’t know the way he thinks? Spencer has come so far that I question whether to tell
his diagnosis to the other kids who come to our home. But if I don’t, and he falls apart over losing a video game, will they ever
come back?
It doesn’t matter what the name of a disability is—what should matter is the name of the person. Whether it’s “autism” or
“Down’s Syndrome” or any of the other words that describe a disability, the person inside is who should be introduced first.
And that should apply to the parents of a person with disability also.
My boys’ disability affects every aspect of our lives, but it is not the defining description of who we are as a family, or as individuals for that matter. I could also say that I am a quilter, gardener, scrapbooking fiend, pianist, consultant, educator, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. If I did, would they still gasp and give me stunned looks?! Just as my sons are also people beyond
their autism, so am I a person beyond being their mom. But if you don’t know about the autism, do you truly know about me?
My husband and I have worked with our sons to help them understand their disability. To know the words and to understand the
ways in which their disability impacts their lives. Not to give them an excuse nor a label. This information has provided a
platform to tell us how they think and process their world, and an opportunity for us to discuss with them how others might think
or feel differently than they. We began discussing their autism with them when our first son, Spencer, was in the fourth grade.
For a while after that, he introduced himself as “Spencer Beytien. I have Asperger’s Syndrome and my brothers have LOTS of
autism.” That sure got a lot of attention! And Joshua frequently introduces himself alongside his current interest—“Hi, I’m
Josh Beytien? Do you like Big Boy 4-6-6-4 steam locomotives built in the Roanoke shops of Virginia in the 1930’s?”
I frequently hear the comment, after people meet me, that I am “not what they expected.” Makes you wonder what they did expect of a mom who has 3 kids with autism? (Or any of us moms for that matter!) A straitjacket? Bitterness? Dark circles under
my eyes? (Oh, wait, I DO have those!) Sometimes I wonder, will everyone look at us differently if my introduction includes
the diagnosis? Will they look for problems that aren’t there? Or without knowing the diagnosis, will they have the understanding to forgive the social indiscretions? I’m uncertain which is the best route to take.
The reality is that I am simply a mom. I have good days and difficult days. I cry, laugh, worry, and live like everyone else—
just more intensely and frequently than most! I want to make the best decisions I can for my boys. I want them to be happy,
healthy, and know that they are loved intensely. Stress, Laughter and Joy live side by side in our home—and their names are
Spencer, Joshua and Zachary.
ARK Advocates - NEWS & VIEWS
Quick Guide to IEP Meetings
By Johna Butler
IEP Layout
How to Prepare
•
Review written information. Go over
evaluations, progress reports, teacher notes,
jot down information relevant to your
child’s present educational level, and select
those you would like to discuss at the meeting.
•
Think about the goals you have for your
child's education and growth in the next
year and in the future.
•
Write down information you want to share.
•
Write down questions you want to ask.
•
Think about whether or not you would like
to bring another person with you to the
meeting.
•
Try to schedule sufficient time: approximately 1 ½ hours. If the IEP is not completed in that time, schedule another meeting to complete it.
Communication is the key to
working together successfully
•
Introductions and Sign In
•
Review Procedural Safeguards
-protect the rights of children with
disabilities and their parents
•
Present Levels of Academic Achievement
and Functional Performance
-Strengths, interests, and preferences
-Parents' concerns
-Behavior and Communication
-Other information essential for the
development of the IEP
-Describe the effect of the
individual's disability on
involvement and progress in the
general education curriculum and
the functional implications of the
student's skills
•
Review Previous Goals
•
Create New Goals
•
Services
-Accommodations (ESY, busing,
placement, etc.)
-Program modifications
-Specially designed instruction
-Support for school personnel
-etc…
ARK Advocates - NEWS & VIEWS
REACH
Realizing Education and Career Hopes
By Johna Butler
REACH is a program for young adults with learning and cognitive disabilities. The
programs goal is to help students become independent, productive, and fully participating
members of the community.
The program provides…
• A two-year certificate program
• Part of a Big Ten University life, including full integration into university residence
halls
• Academic enhancement
• Career development and internships
• Interpersonal and social skills
• Computer training
• Post-program resources and support
Website: http://www.education.uiowa.edu/reach
E-Mail: reach@uiowa.com
Phone: 319-384-2127
The Dubuque Community School District would like to invite you to the “Transition Fair” on March 17, 2009 at the
district’s administrative offices at 2300 Chaney Road from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
The Transition Fair will have agencies presenting on the services they offer for individuals with disabilities for all
ages and levels. There will be open question time for parents/guardians, followed by each agency having a table
open to share information with parents and guardians.
Some of the agencies attending the fair include:
Area Residential Care
Camp Courageous of Iowa
Department of Human Services
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation
Red Oak Farms
Keystone Area Education Agency
ARK Advocates
Arena of Dreams
Clarke College
City Recreation Department
Goodwill Industries
Hills & Dales
Lutheran Services in Iowa
NICC
St. Ambrose University
Unified Therapy
University of Iowa REACH Program
Please RSVP to Lori Anderson, Transition Facilitator, by March 12, 2009 at 563-552-3089 or e-mail her at
loanderson@dubuque.k12.ia.us so she can ensure that there is enough seating and materials for everyone.
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Dubuque, IA
PERMIT NO. 1045
ARK Advocates
P.O. Box 3024
Dubuque, IA 52004-3024
Membership Application for January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Please cut out and mail to:
ARK Advocates
P.O. Box 3024, Dubuque, IA 52004-3024
Name:________________________________________________________________________________
Address:______________________________________________________________________________
City:_________________________________________State:____________________Zip:____________
New Member:______________Referred by: _________________________Renewal:_______________
Phone Number:_____________________________E-Mail Address:_____________________________
1 year membership $30.00_______
ARK Silver Club $50.00_________
ARK Gold Club $100.00_________
Do you wish to have your name published in
our newsletter. ____Yes ____No
Please make your check payable to: ARK Advocates
Please indicate below the name, address and birthday of your disabled family member. We will add this
person to our birthday list.
Name:_______________________________________Birthdate:_____________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________
City:______________________________________State:________________Zip:________