The Arc challenges stereotypes, expands role in community aid

A group of family and friends excitedly gathered at The Arc Lane County building in Springfield to celebrate one of the ways the nonprofit organization is pressing forward with its advocacy for those who experience a disability.

The culmination of five years of work, the long-awaited release of "Dreams Without Limits: Changing Perceptions about People With Disabilities" was celebrated last week with a gathering of the project participants. The book, written by Laura Dianne Dahill, is a collection of portraits by Eugene-based photographer Jon Christopher Meyers that celebrates the real lives of alter-abled Oregonians.

"People with disabilities have value and they have something to contribute. They want the opportunity," said Dahill, who does marketing and communications for The Arc and is a parent of a child experiencing disability.

"We have to open doors for people rather than shut them with preconceived notions. That's the goal behind the whole book."

The Arc Lane County has been providing services for individuals with special needs and providing support for their families for 65 years. It's one of more than 600 chapters across the United States since its inception in 1950. Its mission is driven by listening to families to find out what kind of support and services are specifically needed, explained Pam Ring, executive director of The Arc Lane County.

The Lane County chapter provides services to 750 people, but Ring said it's difficult to quantify how many people are supported directly and indirectly by The Arc because they serve entire families, not just individuals.

"Our services are ever-evolving -- how we provided services in the '80s is nothing like how we provide efforts now. Our advocacy efforts really are providing services that allow people to live a full life," Ring said.

This propels the array of residential, educational and vocational resources -- among other things -- to ensure that those experiencing disability of all ages are not denied the opportunity to thrive and achieve their dreams. This might look like ensuring that the client is living where they want to, offering an inclusive place to play and are being fairly compensated by their employer.

Breaking misconceptions

For The Arc, breaking down barriers perpetuated by misconceptions or stereotypes is part of achieving that full life that people experiencing disabilities are entitled to.

By telling the stories of 39 Oregonians connected to The Arc, "Dreams Without Limits" challenges myths and shows a realistic representation of how people with different abilities live and work.

Dahill, the author, recounted that when her son first received his autism spectrum disorder diagnosis at 2, medical professionals gave the family harrowing news, only talking about what difficulties lie ahead. More than anything, she said, she was told all of the things her child would never do.

She went home feeling lost with an outlook that neglected the hope, triumph and love her family could and would experience in the next 13 years, Dahill explained.

"When my son was diagnosed with autism, the speech and language pathologist actually used the words 'mental retardation' with me, and I was given a photocopy of a cover a book that I could go and purchase," Dahill said.

"And I just thought, there has to be another way to go about this that leaves family with a different message."

It was her son's pediatric development physician Dr. Randall Phillips that would later tell her that the pathologist should have used the term "cognitive disability," and there was no way to project how her son would grow and change. Phillips' testimonial now stars in the beginning of the book.

Unfortunately, Dahill and her family's experience about learning about the diagnosis is not unique.

Frankie Moriguchi was 20 when he was photographed for "Dreams Without Limits." He experiences autism, neurofibromatosis, moyamoya, epilepsy and an intellectual disability. The book tells the story of when he was a baby, his mother Ayanna was told he wouldn't walk, talk or even live to age 18. Moriguchi and his mother have worked with The Arc since he was 2 years old.

Today he's 25 and has worked for Riverstone Clinic as a mail courier for two years. One day he hopes to be a railroad engineer, according to the book. He is passionate about trains and is concerned for the safety railroad crossings.

More and more people now recognize disability, special needs, other-abilities, alter-abilities or other preferred terms as "a natural expression of the human experience," Dahill wrote. "Dreams Without Limits" looks to provide a resource for understanding and how to widen that perception.

Five-year-old Carly Koyano's face radiates her individuality in the photo with her parents, Sara and Derek Koyano, and her big sister, Bailey. One of Carly's favorite things to say at the time was, "I did it!"

The biggest challenge faced by Carly and her family isn't her actual disability -- it is the community's perception of her.

"For me, it's important for people in the community to realize that people with disabilities are everywhere. They're our friends, our children, our family members, employees, students, and it's important to remove outdated notions and stereotypes about disability," said Sara Koyano. Her daughter inspired Sara to return to school for her master's degree in inclusive early childhood education at Portland State University.

The idea for the book was created in memory of Dave Humphreys, the father of Sydney Chamorro. Chamorro is the former Families Connected director for The Arc. She is the founder and current co-director of North Star Pathways, another program for youth experiencing developmental disability, generational poverty or are a part of the foster care system.

CARES: A natural extension

In response to the evolving needs of the community during the pandemic and wildfires this year, The Arc is debuting Community Allies Resources for Eugene-Springfield, known as CARES, on Tuesday.

The new program works in collaboration with FOOD for Lane County and the Community Alliance for Lane County, another advocacy group, to provide wraparound services to families and people in need living in Eugene or Springfield. CARES will fill needs regarding food insecurity, access to hygiene products, over-the-counter medication, home goods, school supplies, rent and utility assistance and childcare.

While the resource center was originally set up for people experiencing disabilities and their families, it has since expanded as new needs have been identified through its work with FOOD for Lane County, explained Angela Phinney, The Arc's assistant executive director.

In partnership with CALC, The Arc established a food box and food bank system in the parking lot for families affected by COVID-19 in June. This initiative was made possible with a grant from United Way. Every other Saturday, up to 150 families were seeking services through this initial set up, Phinney said.

"We were approached by United Way and FOOD for Lane County to expand services," Phinney said. "We're really looking at being a model program because most food banks are only open during the daytime, and for many working families, they just can't get there. And the other thing is our goal is not just to give food, but wraparound services."

Through the CARES project, The Arc was able to identify two target groups to serve: people experiencing disabilities and also the Latino community.

The Arc Lane County has contracted with Oregon Health Authority to provide services to people who are in isolating because of COVID, but do not have the virus. Wraparound services include rental and utility assistance, grocery shopping and child care -- whatever they need to be safe within their homes, according to Phinney.

“CARES is a natural extension of The Arc’s mission of helping people in our community who experience disabilities. Not only will CARES provide resources to people who experience disabilities, but it will also serve the greater community, including those who do not have disabilities,” Ring, the executive director, said in a release.

FOOD for Lane County will provide all food distributed through CARES. Weekly food deliveries are available.

“With the global pandemic and wildfires affecting so many, CARES is a wonderful way for The Arc Lane County to reciprocate and help our greater community," Ring said.

CARES: Get help, donate items

Where and when: Community Allies Resources for Eugene-Springfield, 4181 E St. in Springfield, is open 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

Get help: To request food or other resources, people may download WhatsApp, a free international texting app, and then text “RECEIVE INFO” to 541-285-1888. Alternatively, people may visit the CARES office. People may also arrange to have food delivered to them on a weekly basis. For general inquires about CARES, email cares@arclane.org.

Donations: The Arc is accepting new or gently used household items that can be dropped off. The following items are needed, including home goods (sheets in all bed sizes, comforters/blankets, pillows and pillowcases, kitchen ware), personal hygiene (toilet paper, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, soap or body wash, deodorant, body wipes, feminine hygiene products), household cleaning supplies and school supplies.

Contact: Employment, housing, utility bills, school and mental health resources can be accessed by appointment with a resource specialist. To reserve a time, call Nancy Berge at 541-606-9061 or send an email to nancy.berge@arclane.org. Spanish-speakers may contact Edith Osorio at 541-285-1888 or email edith.osorio@arclane.org.

Contact reporter Dana Sparks at dsparks@registerguard.com or 541-338-2243, and follow her on Twitter @danamsparks and Instagram @danasparksphoto. Want more stories like this? Subscribe to get unlimited access and support local journalism.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: The Arc challenges stereotypes, expands role in community aid

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