October 2006

The Arc of East Central Iowa E-Challenger
General News and Updates

Drop-In Program

Are you free during the day? Are you looking for fun, new ways to spend your time?

The Special Population’s Drop In Program is for adults 21 and older, and provides a variety of activities Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sports, games, cooking, crafts, walking club, weightlifting, computer, Play Station 2, guest speakers, and community events are just some of the activities available. Benefits from this program include improved social skills, leisure and safety awareness, increased knowledge of health and exercise activities, recreation skills, community skills and integration, new cooking skills, and quality time spent with friends.

Call Michelle Rhoades at 286-5796 for more information. Activities are free unless specified in the Time Check monthly calendar.
Teen Night at Time Check!

Hang out with your classmates and friends at Time Check! Enjoy a safe and fun environment and take advantage of the gyms and game room including air hockey, pool, ping-pong, and more! Experienced staff will supervise while you relax and enjoy music, games, and free pop and popcorn on the following Friday nights:

October 6: 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
November 3: 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
December 1: 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Time Check is located at: 1131 5th St. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA.
PDD/Asperger’s Support Group

October 15, 2006. Witwer Occupational Therapy. An informal meeting including time to share will take place from 4 - 6 p.m. at Salem Church (225 1st Ave. S.W. - across from Dairy Queen).

The purpose of PDD/Asperger’s meeting is to provide support and information for the parents of children with Asperger’s PDD diagnosis. If you have questions, contact Beth Horth at 294-0993, Tim and Barb Soukup at 364-6173, or Melinda Kranig at 298-9590.
The Importance of Self Esteem for Self Advocates!

Presenter: Debbie Ackerman
Date: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Arc of East Central Iowa

Cost: $1 –Voices Unlimited members
$2 – Non-members

Light refreshments will be served. Contact Stephanie Boss at (319) 365-0487 x1043 or at sboss@arceci.org with questions.

Halloween Dance!

Dress in your best costume and join other spooky creatures at Time Check’s 13th annual Halloween Fling. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. All are encouraged to attend on Friday, October 27, 2006 from 7 – 9 p.m. $4.00 per person. At Kirkwood College, Iowa Hall.

Introducing... Adult Friday Flix!

Adult Friday Flix is a new Group Respite that provides an opportunity for adults to socialize with friends over popcorn, movies, and games. It will be held at The Arc of East Central Iowa’s main office from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. on the dates listed below. Movies will be determined at a later date. This Group Respite will accommodate adults ages 18 and over and will be led by Stacia Boots.

Upcoming Adult Friday Flix will take place on October 13, November 10, and December 15, 2006. Please contact Michael McGinley at (319) 365-0487 X1015 or mmcginley@arceci.org to reserve your spot today!
People First of Iowa Fall Conference Thurs Oct 26th - Fri Oct 27th
4 Points Sheraton, Des Moines

Join self advocates from across Iowa as we energize ourselves and strategize ways to make Iowa a better place for people with disabilities to live and pull together to make a plan!

Registration materials are available by e-mailing info@thearcstory.org OR nwitt@prairieinet.net or by visiting www.thearcstory.org and clicking on the People First of Iowa link. Registration fee for PFI members is $20. Non-members is $25. Registration includes three meals, entertainment and educational sessions. Hotel room information will be on the registration form.
7th Annual Assistive Technology Expo and
Abilities In Action Conference
Wednesday, October 11 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Kirkwood Training and Outreach Services Center: 3375 Armar Drive, Marion

Don’t miss this opportunity to view the latest development and advancements in assistive technology devices and services. The Abilities in Action Conference, scheduled in conjunction with the expo, features educational opportunities focusing on issues affecting individuals with disabilities.

More than 20 vendors will display and demonstrate the latest in home and vehicle modification techniques, as well as communication, mobility, and other adaptive devices. The expo is free and open to the public.

For more information about the Abilities in Action Conference, or to request a conference brochure, contact Cindy Martin with the Kirkwood Continuing Education Program at (319) 398-5628.
Action list for October:
The Arc of East Central Iowa
680 2nd Street SE, Suite 200
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
319-365-0487 or 1-800-842-0272
Have a response? E-mail echallenger@arceci.org
Don't forget to visit www.arceci.org to see pictures in our photo album!