On the QT Web-bulletin

________________________________________________________________________

www.dcqualitytrust.org March 18, 2005

March is Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

During March, 2005, The Quality Trust, the Arc of the District of Columbia and the DC Developmental Disabilities Council, are participating in the national observance of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. MR/DD Awareness Month has been officially recognized by the District of Columbia government since 1979. Again this year, Mayor Anthony Williams has issued a proclamation and the Council of the District of Columbia has approved a ceremonial resolution (introduced by Adrian Fenty, D-Ward 4) declaring March to be Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Month in the District of Columbia. A reception to celebrate the month is scheduled for Thursday, March 24, at 3:00 pm, at the City Council Building, in Room # 104, and Councilmember Fenty will read the ceremonial resolution.

Census 2000 estimates that nearly 232,000 adults and children in the District live with a disability that affects learning and daily living skills. Close to 24,000 DC residents of working age have a mental or sensory disability of long duration, such as mental retardation or developmental disability. Slightly more than one-quarter of persons with long-term disabling conditions will need ongoing services and supports throughout their lives.

MR/DD Awareness Month helps recognize people in our community who have mental retardation or a developmental disability as active citizens, good workers and good neighbors. It is also a time to foster public awareness and acceptance as a step toward increasing access to community housing, employment and social opportunities.

QT Staff Notes

Kathy Mitchell, joined the QT staff on February 7, as a QT lay advocate. Kathy has worked with individuals with disabilities for over 19 years. Kathy was most recently a Staff Supervisor at a non-profit organization in the state of Georgia. Kathy is also very passionate in the area of foster care.

Sara Newell, joined the QT staff on February 7, as a QT lay advocate. Sara has worked with individuals with disabilities for over four years. Sara started her career working with children with special needs while in college in Albany, NY. After graduation she worked for the Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, in Utica, NY, in multiple positions with adults with developmental disabilities. She began to realize the impact one person, or a group of people working together can have on improving someone’s life.

Chigor Ndwuke, joined the QT staff on February 7, as a QT lay advocate. Chigor has worked as a case manager in Arizona and also with a non-profit organization that contracted with the State to provide services to persons with mental illness. She also has experience working as a Human Service specialist with persons with developmental disabilities. Chigors’ passion is making a difference in the lives of persons who are challenged in any way.

HSC Network Donates Computers to 360 Family Empowerment Center

The Quality Trust gratefully acknowledges the generous donation of 12 used computers from the Hospital for Sick Children (HSC) Network for the 360 Family Empowerment Center. The Family Empowerment Center will be located in Ward 8 and will be a comprehensive family resource center. Families with children and family members with a developmental disability can visit the center for one-stop information and referrals, in-take and assessments can be completed on site, and referrals to other government agencies can be made at the center also.

Individual Achieves an Important Outcome

The Long Road to Independence by Karlyn Barker, appeared in The Washington Post on February 27, 2005; the article highlighted the relationship between Roger Butt and his court-appointed advocate Linda Tarlow, and the impact non-paid staff members can have on individuals with disabilities. Linda was an important part of the team that worked to assist Roger to realize his life-long desire to live in an apartment in the community. With Linda’s assistance, Roger chose RCM of Washington, Inc. to support him as a residential provider in making his outcome a reality. This story can be repeated for e