Advocating for Quality, Inclusive Wellness Opportunities and Participation in programs that promote health and wellness, such as those that promote physical activity, nutrition, and recreation, is an important opportunity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Maintaining good health, strength, and function over time can help a person maximize their independence, and self-determination. Just as important, these activities are enjoyable for many people.  And, participation in inclusive community activities of this type builds friendships and community networks, improving their well-being.

There are many options for engaging in wellness activities in communities, and disability should not exclude a person from participation.

However, in reality there are too few wellness opportunities that are high quality and truly inclusive. Some characteristics of quality wellness programs are:

•Programs should be accessible.

•They should be flexible to fit the needs of the individual, and allow for supports that are appropriate to the individuals.

Quality programs should be welcoming and allow for choice. In the next several months we will be adding some new initiatives in the community for the people that we serve.

We will be doing some creative arts projects at the Austin Artworks Center. We have collaborated with the Mower County Extension Service to host a pilot program called Adventures in Engineering, Science and Technology starting in the spring.  We are collaborating with the Hormel Historic Home hosting a teen night for children grades 7-12, up to age 17, with autism.

There are many opportunities in the spring 2018 activity guide including Special Olympics athletics (track and field) and softball, adaptive yoga and dances, just to name a few.

So get out your sneakers and join us as we discover all the ways we can be healthy and active in our community. We will be looking for other community opportunities where individuals with intellectual and or developmental disabilities can learn and grow, and be a part of this wonderful community that we live in.

If you or someone you know would be willing to support our endeavor or have some community activities that we can become a part of, please call The Arc Office office at 507-433-8994 or email jamey@thearcmc.org.

23rd Annual Rose Sale – Where Promise Lives, Hope Blossoms

Sale Dates:  Feb. 19 – March 30

Note:  If you missed the sale, We always order a few extra dozen roses that can be purchased on April 17.

Pick-up and delivery day:  Tuesday, April 17 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Roses will be delivered 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All proceeds from The sale benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities including down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy.  One in 10 families has a member with a disability. Your participation provides critical funding for programs and services.

Volunteers are needed to help with pick-up and delivery.  Register to volunteer by visiting http://bit.ly/2zSyB9b.

Upcoming Events

•Mower County Special Olympics Track and Field -— April 2-May 21 from 5:45-7:15 p.m. at the Wescott Field Track.

•Engineer-It Adventure Club — Wednesday, April 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16 and 23.  Learn more at http://bit.ly/2GduGax.

View the complete activity calendar at http://bit.ly/2ETIAOn.