The Arc of Fayette County
The Arc of Pennsylvania’s Annual Advocacy and Policy Day 2014
Audra Barozzini, Executive Director, and Dana Zinck, Assistant Executive Director, attended The Arc of
Pennsylvania’s Annual Advocacy and Policy Day held in Harrisburg on April 1, 2014. The day’s events began with
a presentation by First Lady Susan Corbett, who spoke about an upcoming art contest, “Art: The Universal
Language.” The contest is co-sponsored by the Governor’s Office and The Arc of Pennsylvania. The contest is open
to any Pennsylvanian of any age with a disability. Please visit www.thearcpa.org for details.
Nancy Thaler, Executive Director of the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities
Services (NASDDDS), presented on the national viewpoint on developmental disability services and funding. New
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) initiatives and policy updates were also presented to the group.
The legislative reception concluded the day’s events as several members of the Senate and House of Representatives
met with the various Arc Chapter representatives in order to discuss current public policy priorities identified by The
Arc of Pennsylvania. Audra and Dana had an opportunity to meet with Representative Ted Harhai, 58 th District.
Representative Harhai has supported many Arc initiatives over the years and most recently supported HB 315,
which is being sponsored by Representative Gene DiGirolamo. The bill addresses the Human Service Block Grant
and calls for the return of line items to their FY11-12 funding levels. Additional information about The Arc of
Pennsylvania’s 2013-2014 Public Policy Priorities can be found on their website at www.thearcpa.org.
(Pictured above-Dana Zinck, Representative Ted Harhai, and Audra Barozzini)
Raising Awareness
Disabilities Awareness Month
In honor of Disabilities Awareness Month, The Arc of Fayette County joined the campaign to “Spread the Word to
End the Word.” The month long series of events and assemblies kicked-off on the steps of the Fayette County
Courthouse. A rally was held in conjunction with the Fayette County Behavioral Health Administration on March 6,
2014. The Arc of Fayette County also held events at Lafayette School, Bullskin Elementary School, Uniontown
Mall, and the Uniontown Wal-Mart. Over 1,200 signatures were obtained throughout Fayette County by people
pledging to stop the use of the “R” word. The Arc of Fayette County believes in “people first” language and will
continue to raise awareness through community outreach and education.
The campaign to “Spread the Word to End the Word” originated in 2008 when college students, Soeren Palumbo
and Timbo Shriver, launched a website www.r-word.org, calling for pledges of those promising to stop using the
“R” word and raise public awareness. They soon partnered with Special Olympics and Best Buddies International
and in 2009 the first round of “End the R Word” events were held around schools and universities across the United
States. This campaign continues to grow and public policy changes have begun. In October 2010, President Obama
signed into law, Rosa’s Law, which eliminates the use of the “R Word” in federal health, education, and labor laws.
In 2011, Governor Corbett, signed the “Words Do Matter” bill, which strikes the “R Word” from state statutes and
state use in Pennsylvania.
Please visit www.r-word.org where you will find personal stories and information about the movement and while
you are there, please pledge to stop the use of the “R Word.”
(Pictured front row L to R-Dana Zinck, Ida Croushore, Mia Sabatini, Michael Weakland, Audra Barozzini; second row L to RLisa Ferris, Kristyne Geyer, Pam Morgan, Donald Morgan, Josephine Eckenrod, George Myers, Sharon Carrigan, and Lynn
Orawiec)
March was national Disabilities Awareness Month and The Arc held a nationwide event inviting
people to raise awareness about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) by
going out into the community. The Arc of Fayette County held a luncheon on March 29th at
Bud Murphy’s Sports Bar and Restaurant where over 70 people spent the day eating, laughing,
and socializing with their friends and family.
April has been designated as Autism Awareness Month
According to the Autism Society, 1% of children in the U.S. aged 3-17 have an autism spectrum
disorder. It is estimated that 1 child out of 68 births will be diagnosed on the autism spectrum. 1
to 1.5 million people in the Unites States lives with an autism spectrum disorder. Experts are not
sure what causes autism but theories include a combination of genetics and environment.
Research is still needed and is ongoing.
Autism is diagnosed by a panel of experts. If you suspect that your child has autism, you need to
make an appointment with your pediatrician. The pediatrician will conduct an assessment based
on the parent’s observations along with their own observations. If the pediatrician suspects that
the child may have autism, he will schedule a more in depth neurological, cognitive, and speech
assessment. This assessment is usually conducted by a multidisciplinary team comprised of a
psychologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, and speech therapist.
There are a number of resources for children and adults diagnosed with an autism spectrum
disorder in Fayette County. For further information, you can contact the Fayette County
Behavioral Health Administration at (724) 430-1370 or visit their website at www.fcbha.org;
Highlands Hospital at www.highlandshospital.org/services/autism-center; Advocacy and parent
groups in the county include Parents of Autistic Kids, (PAK)-Contact person is Lorraine Sproul
at (724) 430-9824; Additional resources for information and links include Autism Speaks at
www.autismspeaks.org and ABOARD at www.autism-support.org.
The Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) is funding available to those diagnosed that are 21 years of
age or older. Eligibility for this funding and service provision is based on age requirements, U. S.
citizenship, Pennsylvania residency, and one must meet financial eligibility for income and
resource limitations. To find out more about the Adult Autism Waiver, you can contact the
Bureau of Autism Services at 1-866-539-7689.
Occupational Therapy…Skills for the Job of Living
April is Occupational Therapy Awareness Month. When you hear the word Occupational
Therapy or Therapist (OT) what do you think of? Many people think it has something to do with
their job, while it doesn’t have to do with your career it does have to do with the job of living.
Occupational therapists work on the activities that everyone takes for granted in their daily lives
until something happens that makes those activities hard to complete. The occupational
therapist’s job is to evaluate what makes these every day “jobs” difficult to complete and come
up with functional activities and adaptions to meet the individual’s goals.
Occupational therapists can work in a variety of settings and with people of all ages. They may
work in a hospital, rehab center, nursing home, outpatient center, school, or in someone’s home.
An occupational therapist who works in an acute care where a person might reside after a bad
accident may access the individual’s need for splints to prevent deformities or skin breakdown if
bed ridden. They may teach the individual and family how to safely move around their
environment. They may even visit their home and perform a home assessment if modifications
are needed after discharge. For example, if someone is now in a wheelchair modifications may
be needed to make doors wider or re-design a bathroom or kitchen so they can independently use
it.
An occupational therapist may provide adaptive equipment for someone who had a knee or hip
replacement and teach them how to get in and out of a car safely, so that they do not re-injure
themselves. An occupational therapist may recommend weighted utensils for someone suffering
from Parkinson’s so they don’t shake as much when they eat. If someone has had a stroke an
occupational therapist may help them become more aware of an affected side through exercises
and functional activities.
In the behavioral health system, an occupational therapist may help individuals find enjoyable
and meaningful activities. They may facilitate classes on stress management and coping skills as
well as teach life skills such as balancing a check book or learning basic meal preparation.
At The Arc of Fayette County, the Occupational Therapist specializes in pediatrics seeing
children from birth to three years of age in their home through the Early Intervention Program.
A child’s occupation is play. It is through play that a child learns how to interact with the world,
develop hand-eye-coordination, explore their environment, and become a functional independent
person. In Early Intervention, the occupational therapist focuses primarily on the development
of fine motor skills, self-help skills (holding a bottle, using utensils, dressing) and sensory
processing (some children do not like to get their hands dirty, avoid certain food textures, or are
too hyper or avoid interactions with their environment). There are many reasons a child may be
eligible for Early Intervention OT; they may have been born prematurely, have Down Syndrome,
Cerebral Palsy, Autism, or for some unknown reason are not meeting their developmental
milestones.
If you feel your child may be displaying a delay in any area and is failing to reach age related
milestones, please contact your pediatrician as a referral for Early Intervention Services may be
needed to assist. Information on services in PA can be found at
www.dpw.state.pa.us/forchildren/earlyinterventionservices.com. You can also contact the
Fayette County Behavioral Health Administration at 724-430-1370 and speak to someone within
their Early Intervention Unit.
-Submitted by: Amanda Kanouff, The Arc of Fayette County Occupational Therapist
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May by reaching millions of
people in the United States through the media, local events, and screenings.
Mental Health Awareness Month also comes to The United States via the Mental Health
America organization. During this month, National Health America runs a number of activities
which are based on a different theme each year.
The theme for the 2014 Mental Health Awareness month is “Mind Your Health.” A focus of this
year’s theme is to create a motivational effort that will put toward the goal of building public
recognition in regards to the importance of mental health and to the overall health and wellness
of those around us. The association hopes to inform United States citizens of the connection
between the mind and body and intends to provide advice, tips, and strategies that will encourage
people to take positive actions and protective measures for one’s own mental health and whole
body health.
Free Mental Health Screenings - Axiom will offer mental health screenings and assessments to
the public during the Month of May. Call (724) 439-0308 to schedule. There are several
community awareness events scheduled throughout Fayette County for the month of May.
Please visit the Fayette County Behavioral Health Administration’s website at www.fcbha.org
for a calendar of events.
March for Babies 2014
On Saturday, April 26, 2014, The Arc of Fayette County participated in The March of Dimes
Campaign, March for Babies by sponsoring a table, registering a team, and fundraising. This was
the 24th annual walk for the March of Dimes. There were over 50 teams with 400 walkers
registered. The Arc of Fayette County’s team of “power walkers” consisted of Jaimie Tresatti,
Beth Kaider, Maria Kelley, her daughter, Shannon Kelly and two grandsons, Shane and Noah
Kelly. Donald Morgan, Brenda Fike and Dana Zinck greeted visitors at the Arc’s table that was
set up during the walk. They were able to provide information regarding child development and
Early Intervention services. The Fayette County March for Babies raised $40,000 this year.
(Pictured above L-to-R: Dana Zinck, Beth Kaider, Jaimie Tresatti, Donald Morgan, and Pam Morgan)
Ida’s Wrap-Up
March 2014:
We held our first annual End the R-Word Rally on the steps of the Fayette County Courthouse on Friday, March 6.
We worked hard to make posters for the rally and had a great turn out of support from the community. The Herald
Standard wrote a very nice article. You can view the article on our website at: www.arcfayette.org
On March 7, Tamika Burke, Donald Morgan, and I went to Lafayette elementary school to speak to the students
about ending the R-Word. I was very excited to see my first program specialist from The Arc of Fayette County,
Lori, who is now a teacher there.
Spring is here! Yay us! I am so ready for spring after such a long winter.
April 2014:
We had a contest to make the best spring wreath for the doors of our program area. Southside Sunburst won! We
also had an Easter coloring day, it was so fun!
Every Wednesday, each room takes turns going to Meals on Wheels. I love when it’s our turn in Candy Crush! I
love helping others.
Every Friday a group of program participants and staff goes out to the Laurel Mall to sell items from our store
“Twice As Nice"
May 2014:
I am so excited about the new computer class every Thursday. I help Brenda out with the beginner class. Brenda
says that I am a wonderful assistant.
On May 6 we wore our Penguin Gear.
“A Walk in the Spring,” By K. Clark
What could be nicer than spring
When little birds begin to sing
When for my daily walk
Through fields that once were white with snow
When in green open spaces
Lie baby lambs with sweet black faces
What could be finer than to shout
That all the buds bursting out
And oh at last beneath the hill
To pick a daffodil
One Man’s Junk, is Another Man’s Treasure…
Every Friday afternoon a group of program participants and staff from the Adult Training
Facility (ATF) travel to the Laurel Mall. A former employee, Mary Budinsky, has donated an
area and table of her rental space to The Arc of Fayette County. Items that have been donated to
the agency have been taken to the mall and staff along with program participants spend the
afternoon selling the items. The program participants are given the opportunity to work on
developing vocational skills, socialization, and money management skills.
Spring cleaning??? Donate your unwanted items to The Arc of Fayette County. All proceeds
benefit the Adult Training Facility.
Throughout the month of March several events were held in honor of
Disabilities Awareness Month. A special thanks to the following for their
support:
 The Fayette County Commissioners
 The Fayette County Behavioral Health Administration
 Sheetz-Uniontown Route 40
 Uniontown Mall
 Wal-Mart-Uniontown
 Bullskin Elementary School
 Lafayette School
Where Have the Years Gone?
The year was 1974…President Nixon refused to hand over tapes subpoenaed
by the Watergate Committee, a 55 MPH speed limit was imposed, Cher filed
for legal separation from Sonny Bono, and on September 4, 1974 Patti Jo
Crawford was hired at The Arc of Fayette County as an Aide in the Child
Development Center.
The year was 1978…the television show, “Dallas,” premiered on CBS, 1st class
postage was 15 cents, a gallon of unleaded gasoline was 59 cents, and on
November 6, 1978 Neil Dinan was hired at The Arc of Fayette County.
My career at The Arc of Fayette began on September 4, 1974 as an aide at the Child
Development Center. I had graduated from California University with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Special Education and was eager to work with children with disabilities. I was
promoted to teacher the next year at the Connellsville Center and within a couple of years was
promoted to the supervisor of the Early Intervention Program in Uniontown. In 2006, I was
named Director of the Home and Community Services, which included supervising the Home
Based Waiver program. In my 39+ years at The Arc of Fayette County, I have had the
opportunity to meet and work with many wonderful children and their families. I have also had
the opportunity to work with many great professionals and non- professionals in the field of
developmental disabilities. I have seen many positive changes in the field since 1974 for
children and adults with disabilities
I have decided that having spent 39+ years at The Arc of Fayette County, it is time for me to
retire and spend time with my 2 daughters, their husbands, and my 3 grandsons. I am anxiously
awaiting the arrival of 2 more grandchildren in the fall…hopefully girls. I will be splitting my
retirement time between Pennsylvania and Florida. With that being said, I am sure I will miss all
the children, families, and staff that I have had the pleasure to work with. Maybe if I get bored, I
will apply for a part time job at The Arc of Fayette County. It has been a wonderful place to
work. Thanks Arc for a wonderful career and a lifetime of memories.
-Patti Jo Crawford
There are many changes that occurred over 36 years of working with the same agency, but in
those 36 years there has been one constant, the people we serve. Whether I have been called
“Babu”, a “handsome old goat”, or “Meil” I have had the opportunity to work with the nicest,
most genuine population of people for all these years. They will all be my fondest memory.
People ask me “what are you going to do after you retire?” The only answer I can think
of is to do what I want, when I want, for as long as I want. I believe I am going to be a “natural”
at the retirement thing.
-Neil
Well Wishes…
It is with mixed emotions that The Arc of Fayette County says goodbye to 2 outstanding
individuals this summer that have spent their careers helping children and adults with disabilities
throughout Fayette County. For those of you that have worked with Neil and Patti Jo, their
knowledge base and genuine concern for those we support are apparent.
I first met Neil and his smiling face when I was a Supports Coordinator with the Fayette County
Behavioral Health Administration and regardless of the referral or support needs, Neil was
always willing to give them a chance. I am happy to say that those same program participants
are still attending our Adult Training Facility and they “light-up” when they see Neil coming
down the hall.
Over the last year and half, Neil has been a resource for me and he is always willing to offer a
helping hand. I want to say thank you for supporting me during my first year and a half as
Executive Director.
I first got to know Patti Jo when I was a Casework Supervisor with the Fayette County
Behavioral Health Administration as we would meet monthly to review the Home-Based Waiver
caseloads. It amazed me that she knew all the program participants and it still amazes me…no
matter the name, Patti Jo can give you their background information. If you have had an
opportunity to attend an annual Fayette County Board Meets Board Night, then you have heard
the Early Intervention families thank Patti Jo for her support and guidance through the years.
Patti Jo has held several positions at the agency over the 39+ years and if I have a historical
question about the agency, I know I can rely on Patti Jo for the answer…thanks for all your
support and assistance over this last year and a half.
I would like to wish both Neil and Patti Jo a very relaxing and rewarding retirement!! They will
be missed by the program participants, families, and staff at The Arc of Fayette County.
Thank you and God bless!!
-Audra Barozzini, Executive Director
-Patti Jo,
It was a pleasure working with you and getting to know you. Thank you for sharing all your
experience and knowledge with me. Also, thank you for making me feel welcome when I came
to The Arc of Fayette County. Enjoy your retirement with your family, especially those
grandbabies.
Dana
-Neil,
I remember when we worked for competing day programs. It was a pleasure working with you at the Arc
for the past year. Thank you for all your help. Relax and enjoy your retirement.
Dana
-Neil and Patti Jo,
Thanks for welcoming me with open arms to the Arc Family. It was a pleasure to call you a co-worker.
Good Luck and I hope your retirement treats you well.
Sincerely,
Donald
-Neil and Patti Jo,
Good luck and hope your retirement is relaxing. Enjoy it!
Janet
To Neil Written by: Kelli R. Newell
Your voice, your actions, your demeanor…
Every bit of you we are going to miss for sure…
Your sense of humor and sense of style…
Will surely be remembered fondly for quite a while…
Your skills, your abilities, your star qualities will
Be recalled, along with other memories…
Now can you see how much we care about you…
Which we will always continue to….
For teaching us a lot of wisdom that cannot be learned by reading…
And knowledge that cannot be bought, farewell dear boss…
In life, whichever way you go…
All your talents may you always show…
I hope you pursue your future dreams…
Lots of good wishes to you from me…
-Neil,
It has been great working with you. Our room worked as a team. I have learned so much from
you and your guidance has helped me become the person I am today. From bake sales to ball games, it
has been a great journey. Although you will be gone, you will not be forgotten. You will be truly missed.
Enjoy Retirement!
Thank you!
Jaimie T.
Upcoming Events
 Pirate Game-May 20, 2014 for Home and Community Habilitation Program Participants
 Pirate Game-June 19, 2014 for Adult Training Facility Program Participants
 Home-Based Waiver Picnic-July 17, 2014 3p-7p at Fairchance Playground/Ballparkplease RSVP to 724-438-9042 Dana Zinck
 Idlewild Day-July 25, 2014 (Adult Training Facility)
 New to the Adult Training Facility-Computer classes are being held every Thursday in
our computer lab. There is a beginner’s class and intermediate class for those that wish
to participate.
The Arc of Fayette County will be closed in observance of the following
holidays:
 Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2014
 Independence Day, Friday, July 4, 2014
 Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2014