Time To Get Going! A message from John Holt, President of Friends of JCDS

January always marks a fresh start. We resolve to eat right, be more organized, act nicer, exercise, and, well, you know the drill.
I refuse to resolve to anything, lest I break the resolution six weeks in! But I do acknowledge January is a "fresh start," and that's true for Friends of JCDS!
We have much to do in the year ahead as we continue our work to improve the lives of our consumers and their families. In a cash-strapped economy, it's even more critical. We are excited about adding an 11th home to our portfolio, providing more quality, affordable housing to people with disabilities. Planning for Second Annual Restyle Runway is well underway after a smashing debut. There are deserving programs and opportunities we look forward to funding. And to guide us all, a new strategic plan is being developed following a board retreat.
We have a solid committee driven board, thanks to the vision and energy of our outgoing board President Jean Hughes. Thanks Jean, for leaving us in good shape with your leadership. Yours will be big shoes to fill!
We're also welcoming some new members who will add new energy to these efforts. A big hello to Mike Hughes, Jace McClasky, Scott Tschudy, and Joe Vader.
Last but not least, a strong and supportive staff at JCDS who make it all come together flawlessly!
I'm honored to be your new board President, and look forward to hearing your suggestions and ideas.
Time to get a start now, on our "fresh start". Here we go......

John Holt
President, Friends of JCDS

KC Star article on autism therapy and cost-savings

Click on the link to read the article!
http://www.kansascity.com/340/story/1675589.html

KC Star editorial on proposed budget cuts to Medicaid:

http://www.kansascity.com/340/story/1646248.html Please read the Kansas City Star's editorial about Governor Parkinson's decision to cut Medicaid reimbursement rates by 10%.

Man who inspired "Rain Man" movie dies

Click on the link below to view the story of Kim Peek, the autistic savant from Salt Lake City, Utah who was the inspiration behind the Oscar-winning movie, Rain Man. What an incredible story!
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6964730.ece

DD 101

I was thrilled this week when twelve legislators braved the cold and visited JCDS for an evening of learning. "DD 101" was the title of the educational session which provided training about developmental disabilities (DD). JCDS shared how individuals qualify for DD services, how individuals access funding and services, and shared information about specific types of developmental disabilities. Parents spoke about personal experiences with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, seizure disorder and challenging behavior. They shared their joys and challenges.

The highlight of the evening was a monologue presented by a young woman with Down syndrome. She expained that diversity is beautiful and challenged legislators to see value in everyone.

I'm thankful that legislators were open to learn, but more importantly, I'm thankful that families were willing to share these personal stories. I believe that legislators left with a changed perspective on developmental disabilities.

Calling all aspiring designers!

Friends of JCDS is gearing up for Restyle Runway, a fundraiser fashion show where student designers create clothing collections restyled entirely from donated items obtained at local Goodwill Industries stores. Please visit http://www.friendsofjcds.com/restyle-runway.html for more information!

The letters keep pouring in!

Here is the latest KC Star Letter to the Editor - Nov. 19, 2009

‘A wonderful influence’

A hearty congratulations to Sarah Sherman and all those who helped her along the path towards induction into the National Honor Society (11/13, A1, “Big smiles for a big honor”). Sarah is a shining example of the new philosophy of parents and schools in partnership — parents working in tandem with teams of educators in support of the student’s unique talents is paying dividends for all involved.
With her work as a peer mentor and her 40 hours of community service, Sarah is a contributing member to her school and community. Sarah shows us that people with Down syndrome need not be relegated to just receiving services from others.
The Down Syndrome Guild routinely references the peer mentor program at Blue Valley North High school when presenting best practices for educating students with Down syndrome.
And how is Sarah faring as a tutor? I can tell you that with Sarah’s help, my son Jack Murphy is maintaining an A average in Earth and Space Science. Sarah is a wonderful influence on us all.

Bridget Murphy