The Waiting List and Geraldo!!!

[Guest guest]

The ARC has sent the following letter (could not copy their letterhead which

was on this letter :`()

, Leah, Jayne, Joan, Margaret - who else is out there with a story

or video of how difficult, dangerous, impossible our lives are because

MEdicaid Waivers are limited and the Waiting Lists are LONNNNNGGG>

Geraldo Takes on the Waiting List Crisis!

Videos and stories documenting the crisis needed NOW.

January 6, 2009 hour-long news special to focus on the emerging crisis for

people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Visibly moved by comments from self-advocates, family members and chapter

leaders at the Opening Plenary Session of The Arc's 2008 National

Convention, renowned television journalist, Geraldo , electrified the

audience, pledging that on January 6, 2009 - the anniversary of his expose

about Willowbrook - he will present a one-hour news special to shine light

on the current crisis facing people with disabilities and their families -

the Waiting List.

This news expose will only be possible if chapters of The Arc,

self-advocates and family members come forward IMMEDIATELY with VIDEO and

STORIES that dramatically illustrate the challenge people with intellectual

disabilities face today in accessing the service they need to live freely in

the community.

The Arc of the United States will be working with Geraldo and his staff to

gather the background information, stories, video and other media to make

this show a success..... but time is very short.

Have good video to share? Send it in today.

Have a compelling story to tell? Then get to work today. Write it down or,

better yet, take out your video camera and film away!

Geraldo needs stories about the crisis people with disabilities and their

families are facing at all stages of the life span.

Send your video or stories to communications@.... For assistance

contact Hart, Director of Communications at hart@... or

Monoghan, Online Advocacy Manager, at monoghan@...

Let's make this the beginning of the end of the Waiting List.

--

Sara - Life is a journey- we choose the path.