The Arc of DC News
Check here often for updated news features on The Arc of DC.

ADA Title II: State & Local Government Overview
The overview of the ADA Title II addresses the obligations placed on the District of Columbia with regards to protecting qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination on the basis of disability in accessing services, programs, or activities. Download it here.

Community Invitation to Participate on the DC Olmstead Planning Council
The public is invited to participate in the DC Olmstead Planning Council -- a much-needed initiative to help residents with disabilities live in the community rather than institutions such as nursing homes and intermediate care facilities. Click here for the full announcement and details.

Budget Hearings - Testimony/Support for Disability Access Needed
Mayor Fenty has announced his proposed FY 2009 budget, and the DC Council is currently holding hearings to review the Mayor's budget and make changes. This is the first year that the new D.C. Office of Disability Rights, created by the DRPA, will have a budget hearing. Your testimony and support are needed! Click here for details.

What’s in the Mayor’s 2009 Budget for Disability Rights and Access?
Learn what's in the new Mayor's budget by clicking here.

DC Commission on Persons with Disabilities - Mayor's Order
The Mayor's Order establishes the DC Commission on Persons with Disabilities, download the announcement by clicking here.

Budget Program Survey Results Available
The I Spy… A Program in the DC Budget! Brief Survey on Hard-to-Find Programs in the DC Budget Survey Results are now available. Each year, the District of Columbia government puts out a Mayor's proposed budget. Unfortunately, the budget books often fail to show many programs that DC residents and advocates care most about. Download the survey results by clicking here.

Fenty e-Transition - What's Happening One Year Later?
Thank you to everyone who participated in the January 12, 2008 community meeting, "Fenty e-Transition - What's Happening 1 Year Later for Residents with Developmental Disabilities?," co-hosted by the Fenty e-Transition, Developmental Disability Services Work Group and Project ACTION! Click here for a summary of notes from that meeting, which include numerous recommendations for ways to improve the lives of residents with developmental disabilities and their families in 2008. Additionally, stay tuned for more information on an upcoming opportunity to watch the meeting on DC Cable TV's InFocus program, hosted by New Visions Photography Program. For questions or would like more information, email Kim Jones, Advocates for Justice and Education, or T.J. Sutcliffe, The Arc of the District of Columbia.

MetroAccess Web-Booking Now Available
Registered MetroAccess customers may now use the Internet to book, cancel, or review trips. Visit WMATA online and choose either the standard or the accessible web-booking site. Please use your MetroAccess customer ID number to login. Your password is your 8-digit date of birth. Though you still must make a reservation by 4:30 pm the day prior to taking your trip, you may now schedule or cancel trips 24 hours a day using this web-booking option. For more information, please contact the Office of MetroAccess at 301-562-5360, TTY 301-588-7535, or by email.

Report on Focus Groups On Services for Residents with Developmental Disabilities and their Families
The Department on Disability Services, Management Advisory Committee (DDS MAC) Legislative Committee releases report. Click here to view.
service delivery process. Click here for more details and to download the survey.


Beyond Forest Haven

This moving and inspirational video looks back at the history of Forest Haven, the District of Columbia's former institution for persons with cognitive and developmental disabilities. October 13, 2006 marked the 15th anniversary of the closing of Forest Haven. To get your copy today, contact The Arc of DC at 202/636-2950, or click here to order today.