Wednesday, December 16, 2009

A New Kind of Listening


Follow the story of the Community Inclusive Theatre Group in the wonderful documentary, A New Kind of Listening. This hour long documentary follows the newly formed group in 2005 for their year long preparation of their theatrical performance. The Community Inclusive Theatre Group brought together a great mix of creative people, some with disabilities, and gave them the opportunity to express themselves as writers, dancers, and actors. The documentary follows the life of Chris Mueller-Medlicott, the co-director of the Community Inclusive Theatre Group, who finally finds his voice even though he is not able to speak. Members of the group who were also not able to speak used facilitated communication and mobile keyboards to contribute creatively to the production. The end result is their performance of “The Song that Greens the Earth.”
A New Kind of Listening has been shown all over the world! Not only has it won rave reviews here in the North Carolina area, the documentary has had showings in Munich, Germany and Ashland University. To view the trailer for the documentary visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj8jHYjZfxk. To learn more about the director and cast of the film visit http://www.anewkindoflistening.com/index.html. And don’t forget to become a fan of A New Kind of Listening on Facebook!

Look for A New Kind of Listening to only get bigger in the coming year with DVD sales and a grassroots tour that will hopefully help them reach their goal “to inform and inspire inclusive community arts initiatives across North America.”

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The ARC of North Carolina Needs Your Help!

Recent cuts in funding for mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse services in North Carolina have affected so many people. People are facing additional challenges because they can no longer get the things they need to maintain a happy, healthy lifestyle. I doubt, however, that those making these budget cuts truly understand how life changing their decision to cut the budget can be.

The ARC of North Carolina has decided to take action. Their goal is to get 1,000 stories collected about how the recent budget cuts have affected individuals and families who use MHDDSA services, providers of MHDDSA services, and employees of MHDDSA agencies. Your story is important, and it’s about time that the Governor, members of the General Assembly, the Department of Health and Human Services, and LME Directors hear how their decision have affected the people they serve.

To share your story, please follow these guidelines from the ARC of North Carolina to submit your survey.

  • For Individuals and family members of people with disabilities who have lost some or all of their services within the MHDDSA system (includes residential and vocational). For people without Internet access or who may need assistance, advocates/staff can interview them over the phone while they complete the survey on-line for them. If the individual fears losing services but hasn't yet, fill out the survey now and then again if/when the person does lose some or all of their services.
    Click here to complete the survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=FtqhlyR35b3AZF4BtjcnNg_3d_3d

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Jingle Bell Jog

Heather H., Heather G., and Teresa at the Jingle Bell Jog





This weekend Team Daniel staff members are participating in the 31st Annual 7th Group Association Jingle Bell Jog 10k run/ 5k walk! The 7th Group Association holds this event every year to kick off the Holiday Season and to raise money for their organization. The goal of the 7th Group Association, which is a non-profit all volunteer group, is to support families of the 7th Special Forces Group, especially the families of fallen warriors.
This year’s event will take place in Downtown Fayetteville at the Medical Arts Center on Robeson Street. Registration will take place the day of the event starting at 6:30 in the morning, but you can also register online and by mail ahead of time. The registration fee is $25 which includes a long sleeve t-shirt for the event. The run/walk will start at 8:30 am on December 5th and everyone is invited to attend. In addition to the run/walk, the Golden Knights will jump that day around 8 am to kick off the event. The Haven will also be at the event with dogs and cats that are up for adoption. This year there are over $2,000 worth of prizes and raffle items to win!
If you are unable to participate in the run/walk but still wish to help out, the 7th Group Association is looking for volunteers to help with things such as registration, water stations, and route directions. To register or get more information about the Jingle Bell Jog visit their website at http://www.active.com/running/fayetteville-nc/31st-annual-jingle-bell-jog-10k-run-5k-walk-2009.

Participating in the Jingle Bell Jog is a great way to give back to those who have given so much for us.