July 2011
Disable the Label
by Karen Unternahrer, Coordinator of Respite Care Services, Arc Opportunities, Inc.
Abilities…Disabilities
(269) 651-6751
individuals with a disability there is great satisfaction in
accomplishing something to the best of one’s abilities.
Our “Best of Show” here at Arc Opportunities?
Recognition in a number of awards including Employee
of the Month, Biggest Loser, Perfect Attendance,
Highest Production Increase, and Most Improved
Worker. More importantly, there are those individuals
who reap the rewards of making great strides toward
their personal goals. 29 year old Esther, has mastered
her numbers, letters, and simple signs in American
Sign Language; greatly improving her ability to
communicate with others. To the amazement of
her teachers, 48 year old Sharon, is working her way
through increasingly difficult picture cards, identifying
objects and naming groups by category. This step
in the process of learning comprehension will help
Sharon make sense of the world around her. Much to
the delight of his instructor, 69 year old Wayne, has
begun to initiate conversation with people when in
the community. The weekly riddle his sister sends in
the mail gives Wayne a lighthearted starting point to
enjoy chatting with others. Esther, Sharon, and Wayne
are just three examples of individuals with a disability
finding great satisfaction in accomplishing something
to the best of one’s ability.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “To be yourself in a
world that is constantly trying to make you something
else is the greatest accomplishment.” It certainly is;
now let’s go out and accomplish something.
1-800-293-2556
Phone: 260-463-4901 • Fax 888-439-6528 • The Hometown Treasure
Oh, the nostalgia associated with summer; long hot
days, a lemonade stand, swimming, cherries, holding
hands, sun¬-kissed cheeks, freckles on noses, family
reunions, and the county fair. Arc Opportunities, Inc.
would like to say “good luck” to all the exhibitors at
the LaGrange County 4-H Fair! 4-H today has a focus
on citizenship, healthy living, science, engineering,
and technology programs using experiential learning
to engage youth. The name represents four areas of
personal development in which youth are encouraged
to reach their fullest potential: head, heart, hands,
and health.
Projects chosen for display in the county fair are
anything and everything from cake decorating and
knitting to the grand champion steer and dirt bike
racing. Regardless of their placing, judges and the
general-public have opportunity to encourage youth
as they interact with 4-Hers and their projects. There
is great satisfaction in doing the best you can.
I wonder what it would look like to have a Disabilities
Fair; no, an DisAbilities Fair. Much of what we do at
Arc Opportunities aligns with the principles 4-H stands
for. Our mission is to protect and support individuals
with disabilities and to develop their potential within
our unique community. Programs emphasize lifelong
learning in the areas of good citizenship, competent
leadership, healthy living, and greater independence.
A big part of the responsibilities in staff and supervisory
roles is that of encouragement, knowing that for
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26959 Bogen Road ~ Sturgis, Michigan 49091