June 2015 Employee Monthly Meeting

FOLLOW UP ON ACTION ITEMS: None at this time.

NEW BUSINESS: RemindersIn-Service If you are waiting in the cafeteria for transportation you need to stay in the lunch room. It is not alright to disrupt others while they are working. The chairs in reception area are for visitors, we will be directing individuals to wait in the appropriate and provided areas (cafeteria) for their rides. Individuals are taking up the reception area for guest and disrupting reception staff. Make sure the vestibule area in the cafeteria is clear so others can get to and from their rides in a timely manner. During the summer months, Bermuda shorts (1 inch above the knee length) are allowed. However, jogging shorts, short-shorts, open-toed shoes, tank top shirts (shirts with no shoulders), halter shirts and low cut shirts are not appropriate. Barrowing money is against the agency policy. Please see your Service Coordinator if you have further questions on this policy. Sensitivity and Accessibility

Sensitivity Sensitivity: The quality or condition of being sensitive. A person's feelings which might be easily offended or hurt; sensibilities. Guiding Principles: Treat adults as adults. Don’t use patronizing nicknames like buddy or kiddo. Never pretend to understand if you are having difficulty talking to someone. Repeat what you understand. The person’s reactions will guide you to understanding. Remember that people with disabilities are interested in the same topics of conversations as non- disabled individuals. If you would like to help someone with a disability, ask if he or she needs it before you act, and listen to any instructions the person may want to give.

People First Language People first language – Example: “ Michelle is a person who uses a wheelchair, “not” Michelle is a wheelchair user.” Example: “ Mike is a Person with a mental illness, “ not” Mike is mentally ill.” No one wants to be known for just one thing, we are unique people with lots of different things that make us who we are.

Accessibility What is Accessibility? Accessibility is the degree to which a product, device, service, or environment is available to as many people as possible. Accessibility can be viewed as the "ability to access" and benefit from some system or entity. Arnold Center will ensure reasonable accommodations are made to assist you to access the same benefits and privileges that are equal to those enjoyed by others.

Examples of Accessibility

Tornado Drills Your responsibility is to follow the directions of your supervisor by immediately reporting in safe, orderly manner to one of the designated emergency shelter areas within the building. Once in the designated shelter area, please assume the “ safety position.” Safety Position is described as: getting on your knees within three or four feet of a wall ( if possible), facing the wall and leaning forward to place your head on the floor to create a fetal position and finally, place your hands over he back of your head for protection.

SAFETY Report any safety concerns to your supervisor or Service Coordinator. Any concerns about monthly drills, contact your Service Coordinator. CARF will be coming this August on the 20 th and 21 st.

WORKER OF THE MONTH SPOTLIGHT !!

Cary R. Eric D. Christina G. Tom W. Gerald S. Shawn B. Richard P. Ryan B. Terry S. James S. Troy K. Chris H. Harold K. Stephen O. Bill R. Linda K. NOMINATED INDIVIDUALS

WORKER OF THE MONTH June2015 Gerald S.

REVIEW OF NEWSLETTERS  Inside edition Spring 2015 now available!  Copies are available after the meeting, pick one up if you are interested.

SELF ADVOCACY Clearly express what your needs are Set realistic goals for what you want to achieve Get enough information to make informed choices Get information about other resources If necessary, have an advocate, family member, or friend at meetings If you have difficulty contacting your counselor, ask to speak to their coordinator If your call is not responded to in a timely manner, or if it is an emergency, ask to speak to the supervisor TIPS

Community Employment/ Social Recreation/ Volunteer opportunities Community Employment Janitorial Several subbing opportunities at job sites. Please see your Service Coordinator if interested Social Recreation Bowling, Picnic/ Walking group, swimming, fitness group, and senior dining Volunteering Midland Center for the Arts, Recycling, and Shelter house resale

WAGE & PIECE RATE Look for postings of, Rate per piece/CWS hourly base pay/Pieces per hour.

Customer Counsel Input Please push work chairs in when you leave your workstation Please use caution when you are walking behind someone’s workstation. Please clean up after yourself when using the smoke area.

Recipient Rights Karen Elledge Arnold Center, Recipient Rights officer

CUSTOMER COMPLANTS You can fill customer complaints out yourself or ask a staff for assistance. The Customer Complaint box is located in the Arnold Center lunch room.

New Service Coordinators! Please welcome our two new Service Coordinators to the Arnold Center Access Midland team!! Nina Heygi: Service Coordinator / Community Employment Specialist Amy Chuma: Service Coordinator

ACTION ITEMS: OBJECTIVERESPONSIBLE PARTYDEADLINE Award Ceremony/ Ice Cream Social to be held at the end of July. We are looking for creative ideas for a theme and to help organize the event. If you are interested please see Jennifer Grace. Jennifer Grace / StaffASAP