Registration Open! Celebrity Golf Tournament!
March DD Awareness
March is the month to make your mark!
Twenty five years ago, thanks to the advocacy efforts of The Arc and its network of chapters, including BARC…Bakersfield ARC, President Ronald Reagan officially declared March to be National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. We, and service providers like us, have worked tirelessly to achieve equality, respect and independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). We have made tremendous progress in promoting and protecting the rights of people with I/DD and creating opportunities for them to live, learn and work as valued members of their communities. However, there remains a long road ahead to achieve all of our goals.
In 2012, a pivotal national election year, we are fighting to protect support systems in the face of tough economic times and drastic budget cuts. Since many people with disabilities rely on publicly funded services to fully participate in their communities, policymakers and candidates need to know you concerned about continuing these vital services. Take advantage of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to make your mark on this election by getting involved and getting active today.
What Can You Do?
• Be an advocate. Visit the BARC website at www.barc-inc.org to learn more about our organization, the people we serve and how to volunteer or donate.
• Speak out. Help us educate candidates and legislators about the issues concerning people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn more about the proposed budget cuts to essential services and policy changes that will adversely affect the lives and livelihood of those with I/DD. Write letters and go to campaign events to tell the candidates what you expect from them to earn your vote.
• Spread the word. Educate yourself about issues important to the intellectual and developmentally disabled community and then tell the world what you found out. Use March as a great excuse to post your positive thoughts about the I/DD movement on your Facebook page or Twitter account. Follow BARC on Facebook and Twitter and express yourself. Or go “old-school” with a good, old-fashioned letter to the editor of your local newspaper explaining to your community why they should care about those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Join us during March to help raise awareness. Find out more about intellectual and developmental disabilities and what you can do at www.barc-inc.org today!
Read the official 1987 Proclamation here.
Click here to learn the facts about intellectual and developmental disabilities.
They Don’t Hear Us…Yet
People with developmental disabilities have no voice. That’s not true, you might say. They have families, caregivers, doctors, service providers, like BARC, and the protection of the Lanterman Act. How could that be possible with so many looking out for their rights? It’s very simple – the people with the power (the State of California) do not hear the voices of the developmentally disabled community. Though our voices are many, they have not been in unison, and without that unity, there is no strength. That must change.
Thanks to an advocacy partnership with United Cerebral Palsy, a growing community organizing effort and a lawsuit against the State of California, things are beginning to change. But more must be done. In order for our clients to continue their quest for independent, productive lives, it is incumbent upon all of us to stand together and become one voice. A voice stronger and more powerful than those who seek to undermine client rights and services.
Information and education are key components. The statement, “knowledge is power” could not be more true as when speaking of the developmentally disabled community. Learn about the importance of the Lanterman Act, know what the rights of the disabled are and how the State is working to whittle those rights and services away. There are a great many resources out there and we highly recommend visiting the Keeping the Lanterman Promise website (www.ktlp.org). Although the entire site is brimming with relevant information, of particular interest are the following posts:
- We should not allow California to adopt a policy saying that every adult with a developmental disability should work in integrated competitive employment
- Do you know your Lanterman Act rights? Here’s why knowing them is more important than ever.
There is a wealth of valuable information available for all of us to learn and then to SHARE with others. A critical aspect of building that strong voice is to involve as many people as possible – share what you know, what you’ve learned, your own personal story or struggle with friends, families and colleagues. Help build that strong voice to protect our developmentally disabled community.
The Magic Continues
The Magical Forest just wrapped up its sixth year and what a year it was! We broke our previous attendance record in the second week this year – thanks in part to the mild weather we enjoyed throughout the month.
New this year was our miniature mini-golf course all done up in BARC blue. The course was designed and built by a local high school student, Zachary Casberg, as his Eagle Scout project. Zachary and his fellow Boy Scouts spent several months raising the money to cover the cost and then building the course in his driveway. The project culminated with the set-up at The Magical Forest the week prior to our opening. The course is also portable and, as there are only four holes, it can be expanded. Zach did a fantastic job and, judging by the use it got at the Forest, it is going to be a huge hit for years to come.
The reason for our success is simple…people. The staff and clients of BARC that spend countless hours setting up, taking down and working the event itself and our dedicated volunteers who make every Forest special. And, of course, the community, who supports us with their attendance and their enthusiasm. We are grateful for everyone who plays a role in making The Magical Forest an enchanting and successful event.
The Magical Forest continues to gain momentum as the premier holiday event in Bakersfield and we are already hard at work to make the 2012 Forest bigger and even more exciting. We look forward to seeing you in December.
2011 Annual Dinner
BARC’s annual dinner is right around the corner, for more information contact Christa McAuley, Project Manager at 661-834-2272 ext. 278 or cmcauley@barc-inc.org.
2011 Kern County Fair is here!
The best season of the year in the Central Valley arrives this week. Although we always have to be ready for a last blast of summer heat, fall weather is a treat to be savored. Evening walks, open windows instead of air conditioning, high school football on Fridays and, of course, The Great Kern County Fair makes the beginning of fall all the more enjoyable.
Cafe BARC is conveniently located just steps from the midway.
The Great Kern County Fair kicks off this Wednesday, September 21st for a 12-day run. As with most Kern County attractions, you would be hard pressed to find anyone who has not experienced the Fair at least once. For most families, it is an annual tradition they wouldn’t dream of missing.
Whether you go for the great free entertainment, rides and midway attractions, the junior livestock shows, the rodeo or just to catch up with friends, a stop – or two…or three – at the plentiful and varied food booths, whose delightful smells beckon you from all over the more than 160 acres that comprises the fairgrounds, is a must.
Café BARC, poised at the entrance to the midway, has been serving up tasty hamburgers, hot dogs, frito boats and more for over 30 years. Last year we added a fabulous NY Steak sandwich and sweet potato fries to our menu, which proved to be a huge hit. Last year, the Ortega Burger made its debut at Café BARC. The Café is staffed with BARC employees and dedicated volunteer groups who work hard to keep the food flowing and the lines short.
BARC is proud of its long association with the Great Kern County Fair. As local organizations with a rich history, BARC and the Fair represent the importance of tradition and community involvement.
Stop by and say hi, have some sweet potato fries on your way to take in all the Fair has to offer and know that you have not only helped us continue to Give People Purpose, but that you’ve participated in one of the greatest traditions our community has to offer.
