The Arc Cedar Valley

12/20/2025

Today's resource spotlight is a guidebook on Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome developed by the National Down Syndrome Society, in partnership with the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices and the Alzheimer's Association. It contains a wealth of information to support individuals with Down syndrome and their caregivers.

Topics include:
▪ the connection between Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease
▪ screening and diagnosis
▪ stages and progression
▪ planning meaningful daily activities for individuals with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease
▪ care for the caregiver
▪ and many more.

Our Resource Library has a link to this resource and others on Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome ➡ https://adscresources.advocatehealth.com/alzheimers-disease--down-syndrome-a-practical-guidebook-for-caregivers/

10/17/2025

💚 A huge thank you to Veridian Credit Union for their generous donation to The Arc Cedar Valley in celebration of International Credit Union Day! Through their Give Back to the Community initiative, Veridian supports organizations like ours and we’re so grateful for your support today. Your generosity helps us continue advocating for and supporting people with disabilities in our community! 💚

09/06/2025

Great opportunity!

🗣️ Your Story Matters — Let It Be Heard! 🗣️

Don't miss your opportunity to apply!!

Join the Storytelling for Family Leaders course from the Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute!

📅 September 18 – November 21, 2025
📍 Hybrid format: In-person kickoff in Ankeny, followed by Zoom sessions

✨ This 9-week training helps you:
✅ Craft and share your lived experience
✅ Gain confidence as a family advocate
✅ Learn how to impact systems and policies
✅ Connect with other Iowa family leaders
🔗 Apply now: https://bit.ly/IFLTI-SFL
📩 Questions? Contact Diane Brenneman at diane-brenneman@uiowa.edu

08/06/2025

📚 Want to understand IEPs better?
Join us for an inspiring session with Anna Crenshaw — a passionate advocate and experienced teacher who’s here to break it all down.
📍 Cedar Falls Public Library | 📅 August 10th | 🕑 2:30 PM

✨ Whether you're a parent, educator, or just curious, this is for you!

🔗 Register today!: https://app.dvforms.net/api/dv/e3kkyd

Don’t miss it!

07/29/2025

Nearby event.

In just a couple of weeks... be sure to join us for this family friendly, all inclusive, event for all ages! You will be able to get up close and personal with over 40 large, unique, and fun vehicles including agricultural, construction, military, first responder, service and more all in one place! We even have the Weiner Mobile coming.

There will also be food, music, activities and more. Free will donations will be collected to support The Arc of East Central Iowa.

Saturday, August 9th from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
*11:00 - Noon | Sensory Hour - No lights or sirens will be used.
At Kirkwood Community College - North Parking Lot of Linn Hall

Event details: https://www.facebook.com/share/1WMB9cxCvJ/

Hope to see you there!

07/26/2025

On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law—paving the way for a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable society.

At EPI, we honor this landmark legislation and the generations of advocates who made it possible. The ADA is more than a law—it’s a promise of equal opportunity, community inclusion, and a stark reminder that advocacy matters.

🧡 As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to breaking barriers and building a future where everyone can thrive.

07/25/2025

Adaptive Sports Iowa's mission is to provide sports and recreation opportunities for Iowans with physical disabilities.

07/24/2025

Let’s tell them why!

60 hours, 60k actions. One goal: Protect Medicaid.
Call now: 855-564-1489

We’re on Capitol Hill today, reading real stories from across the country of people with disabilities whose lives are on the line. Why? Because earlier this month, Congress voted to make the biggest cuts to Medicaid in the program’s 60-year history. Millions of people with disabilities rely on Medicaid for health care and vital services, and these cuts will make it even harder for people to access the care they need. We want members of Congress to know how their decision will hurt families and communities across the country.

You can join us from home by calling today and telling your elected officials what Medicaid means to you. We have a script ready for you. It only takes a minute to take action. 📢📲

07/16/2025

Just a reminder that if you are interested, to purchase your tickets to this great inclusive event by The Arc of Iowa at the Blank Park Zoo!

🎟️ 🎟️ The free tickets are SOLD OUT. If you’d like to join us for an inclusive day at the zoo, Tuesday, July 29 from 10 to 2 pm you can buy tickets here.

https://webstore1.centaman.net/BlankParkZooTickets/gatickets

Individuals with Disabilities & Their Caregivers! 🦖

FREE TICKETS for Individuals with Disabilities & Their Caregivers! 🦖 Share with your friends and like our page to learn about future opportunities!

Join us for a roaring good time at JURASSIC ARC – a fun-filled day at Blank Park Zoo!

🦕 Explore the zoo
🎉 Enjoy inclusive activities
💚 Celebrate disability pride

📅 Date: July 29, 2025 from 10 am - 2 pm
📍 Location: Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines

👉 Call 515-664-2252 or send us a private message to reserve your tickets today!

Let’s make this a day to remember. 🦖💥

07/16/2025

We've been sent an opportunity to share for info gathering at Augustana Research Institute, please consider participating.
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Share your experiences with navigating living options for adults with IDDs!

Calling families and advocates: Help shape a new supportive living community for adults with IDD

Dr. Suzanne Smith (Augustana Research Institute) is leading a project to gather input from families of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities about independent living options and how well they meet (or don’t meet) families’ needs.

Our team wants to hear from families across the broader Sioux Falls, SD region, including families in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Iowa.

Families are invited to take part in a brief (about 15-minute) interview by Zoom or phone. We have slots available from now through August 29th, 2025. Schedule by going to https://calendly.com/ssmith-ari/independent-living

Once you schedule, an automated calendar invitation will be sent to you.

If none of the proposed times work, or if you have questions about this project, please email suzanne.smith@augie.edu or ari@augie.edu.

07/16/2025

Surveys help provide information, consider participating.

There is still time for people with disabilities to take the 2025 National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD). The survey will close July 31 at midnight Accommodations are available: https://links.iowacompass.org/46Pt6em