The Down Syndrome Association of Charlotte brings you, “Inclusion Works!” a symposium for educators, parents, and professionals to learn about how a fully inclusive classroom can be a success.

Montgomery County Public Schools in the mountains of southwest Virginia has been a fully inclusive district for nearly twenty years; students in Montgomery County attend their neighborhood schools, and there are no separate special education classes or schools in the district. Their efforts have been profiled in two HBO documentary films, one of which won an Academy Award. The symposium will focus on key elements in Montgomery County’s successful and durable move to inclusive education for all students. At the system level, presenters will address the “action steps” used system-wide in making the transition and lessons learned along the way. At the school level: values and philosophy, curriculum, staffing, scheduling and problem-solving at a highly successful inclusive school. At the classroom level, presenters will discuss co-teaching, team planning, problemsolving, and facilitating peer relationships in both primary and upper elementary grade levels. There will be ample time for questions and discussion throughout the day.

Print the downloadable PDF here »

“Just Like You” is the theme for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2009
The Arc of Gaston County and other related organizations celebrate Developmental Disability Awareness Month in March, and invite you to consider the true meaning of this year’s theme, “Just Like You”.
Statewide, and across the nation, organizations devoted to serving individuals with developmental disabilities are planning special events in March to raise public awareness of the many abilities people have, regardless of disability. The “Just Like You” campaign encourages people to bring diversity to their communities by welcoming people with disabilities into local neighborhoods, workplaces, houses of worship, and schools.

“This is a time when our organization focuses on encouraging the public to better understand the individuals we serve,” said Sara Osborne, Executive Director for The Arc of Gaston County. “During Developmental Disability Awareness Month, we encourage people to learn more about the 6000+ people in the Gaston County community who have disabilities. For example, when you see a child who uses a wheelchair – see the child, not the disability. And when you see a man with a developmental disability working at your local supermarket, see the man, not his disability”, added Osborne.

*** The Arc of Gaston County is celebrating March as Developmental Disability Awareness Month with the 4th Annual Impact Expo on Saturday March 7th from 11-2 in center court of Westfield Eastridge Mall in Gastonia.  Area organizations will be displaying information about services and supports they offer to our population that address their individual needs and contribute to their many successes.  There will also be a variety of family entertainment including a fashion show featuring many of our special needs citizens, a DJ, a performance by Gaston County’s first ever special needs cheerleading team- The Super Novas, a karate demonstration, and an arts and crafts corner! 

                          So, bring the whole family! ***

During March, help us celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by getting acquainted with someone who has a developmental disability. You’ll learn that everyone has something to offer and that they are “Just Like You” in so many ways.

The Arc of Gaston County works to ensure unlimited social, educational, health-related, and enriching opportunities for people of all ages with Mental Challenges and Developmental Disabilities through the support of family, friends, and our community.  The Arc of Gaston County is  a local non-profit chapter of the NC and the United States Arc, as well as a partner agency of the United Way of Gaston County.  

Please contact The Arc of Gaston County at 704.861.1036 or arcgaston@bellsouth.net for additional information or visit our website at www.gastoncountyarc.org.

December 11-24, 2009: Holiday Gift Wrapping booth at Westfield Mall/Eastridge; partner with Special Olympics Gaston County to wrap presents for donations—all proceeds benefit our citizens with developmental disabilities who are served through each organization. Always need volunteers to cover shift

The Arc of Gaston County with the
Gastonia Grizzlies
Scheduled Date: Sat. June 20, 2009
Location:  Sims Legion Park
1001 North Marietta Street, Gastonia
Registration 3:45-4:30/ Activities 4:00 pm
Game begins at 4:30 pm

The Arc Annual Celebrity Ballgame is a community awareness event and fundraiser where citizens with special needs play an interactive softball game  along side members of the community.  This event provides an opportunity for everyone to have fun while experiencing the many abilities our citizens with developmental disabilities have.

Player registration from 3:45-4:20 pm
Activities at 4:00 pm                          
Face Painting,Concessions, Raffle to WIN a Gas Grill, local celebrities including The Hamburglar, Carolina Panther’s Sir Purr, Elvis, & more! Various games, door prizes, as well as FREE entry to the Grizzlies game!                                            
(must arrive prior to 5:30 pm)
4:30 PM                                                  
ARC Celebrity Ballgame                  
                                              
7:00 PM                                     
Gastonia Grizzlies vs. Thomasville Hi-Toms     (www.gastoniagrizzlies.com)
COME SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

For complete details and a sign up form download the printable PDF»

Saturday April 18, 2009: Community Foundation’s Run for the Money. Over 100 local non-profits participating in a fundraising effort where donations can be eligible for a matching percentage! More info the participating non-profits and how to make donations on www.cfgaston.org.