MESSAGE FROM ANN SCHEETZ EXECUTIVE

DIRECTOR

It is my hope that this newsletter finds you healthy, in good spirits and enjoying all the warmth that spring has to offer. As we reflect on yet another eventful year, we feel great pride in all that we have accomplished together. Spring is a time to celebrate new beginnings, and thanks to the hard work and dedication of our committed staff, there is much to celebrate here at The Arc Ontario.

The agency officially launched Autism Connections, a compilation of services and supports available to people with autism spectrum disorder and their families, caregivers, staff and community members. This is an exciting development that will allow the agency to act as an additional resource for our community in providing quality autism services and supports, testing for and diagnosing autism, and exploring the best steps moving forward.

In order to meet our growing needs, The Arc Ontario once again announced wage increases for direct support professionals, now offering a new starting rate of $16.25 for day programs and $16.75 for our residential program. While many employer’s wages fell behind the pace of inflation, The Arc Ontario has continued to invest in the backbone of our organization – the talented group of professionals providing services and supports to more than 700 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other challenges living in Ontario County. As you read through this newsletter, you will also hear about some of the reasons our staff members choose to work at The Arc Ontario.

In March, we observed National Developmental Disability Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and promote inclusion and acceptance for people of all abilities. The agency also hosted its 2nd Annual Trivia Night fundraiser at Clifton Springs Country Club. A special thanks to Clifton Springs Country Club and our event volunteers for making the night such a success.

The Arc Ontario co-hosted a panel discussion with local leaders at our main facility on March 10. The discussion focused on advocating for an 8.5% cost of living adjustment and wage increase for direct support professionals, among other important issues our field is facing. In attendance were local legislators, staff members from The Arc Ontario and The Arc Wayne, individuals we support and their families and caregivers. It was an incredibly productive discussion and we are thrilled to have gained the full support of our local representatives in advocating at the state level for greater investment in our workforce and the people we support. Throughout the month of April, the agency celebrated Autism Acceptance Month with a host of activities to help educate others and promote autism acceptance, inclusion and selfdetermination. Staff members kicked off the month by donning blue Autism Acceptance t-shirts that featured a logo created by the talented individuals at our Victor Depot program. The shirts were available for purchase at our social enterprises, Bad Dog Boutique and North Star Café, as well as our main facility. Over 100 shirts were sold in support of Autism Connections at The Arc Ontario.

The agency also hosted a Sensory-Friendly Egg Hunt on April 1 at Dryer Road Park in Victor, and an Autism & First Responders Event on April 15 at Richard P. Outhouse Memorial Park in Canandaigua. A special thanks to all who attended and helped make the events possible.

As we look to the future, we are confident that the amazing stories happening every day at The Arc Ontario will continue to inspire our community to invest in a world where people of all abilities can truly flourish and become one with their communities.

Wishing you a lovely spring,

On the Cover: Jenny G., an individual supported by The Arc Ontario, speaks during a panel discussion with local legislators about her experiences and how lack of investment in our field has affected her.

Ann

Executive Director