EDITIED Quarterly Newsletter Q2 2024
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Quarterly Newsletter
Ability Counts advocates and promotes a partnership with individuals
with intellectual disabilities for the purpose of assisting them to gain
access to quality vocational skills, vocational training, employment
opportunities and community integration.
April-June
2024
INDEX & UPCOMING EVENTS
Animal Print Day – April
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Sunglasses Day
Spring Fling Dance - April
Crazy Hair Day - April
Casino Day- May
Pajama Day - May
Around The World - May
Action Against Fund Delays
e.l.f Beauty Testimonial
The ARC on Budget Cuts
Taco Wars - May
Red Cross visits ACI - May
GEODIS Testimonial
National Movie Day
ACI Olympics
ACI at 66ers Baseball Game
Western Wednesday
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Index & Upcoming Events
e.l.f. Testimonials
Consumers of the month Jan-June
Equity in the Workplace
Stay Connected!
UPCOMING EVENTS
07/24 -
08/02 -
07/26 - ACI at 66ers game
ANIMAL PRINT DAY
ACI Corona shows us that Animal print day is a fun
way to connect to your favorite spirit animal! From
leopard to snake skin, they show us their fierce
fashion and creative ways to show their favorite
patterns from the wild!
SPRING FLING DANCE
The carefully placed Spring
flowers crafted by our CIT
Consumers added color and
liveliness to the event.
Huge thank you to our staff
volunteers for their hard
work and dedication in
putting together an event
that was not only enjoyable,
but also ran smoothly and
efÏciently.
Thank you La Rae, Leonor,
Samantha, Jasmine,
Veronica, Carla, and Rosa.
The first dance at ACI Riverside was a
hit! Drawing in over 50 consumers and
8 staff volunteers, who made the event
a success and paved the way for more
to be held at this location in the future.
The Spring Fling dance was made
unforgettable by the mouth-watering
fried chicken, the delicious chocolate
and vanilla cupcakes, and the stunning
hand threaded decorations
Karaoke Time showcased the impressive vocal abilities of our
consumers, while energetic group dances got everyone on their feet.
The excitement during the Electric slide, a crowd favorite, heightened
the enjoyment of the evening.
CRAZY HAIR DAY
During Crazy Hair Day, the
atmosphere of joy and
lightheartedness took over both
facilities as our consumers and
staff celebrated the opportunity
to express themselves through
their hair. From bold and
vibrant colors to gravity-defying
designs, each individual
showcased their creativity in
unique and unconventional
ways, transforming their
appearance into a canvas of self-
expression
This event not only
encouraged our Consumers to
unleash their imagination but
also fostered a sense of
camaraderie. Consumers and
staff enjoyed a day filled with
laughter, creativity, and
memorable moments. As
Consumers proudly flaunted
their creative looks and styles,
Crazy Hair Day became a
celebration of individuality
and a testament to the power
of self-expression.
“Last week, the Los Angeles Times Staff Writer Karen Garcia
published an important investigative article showing how Governor
Newsom's proposed $1 billion in funding cuts to disability services
will impact individuals with developmental disabilities, their families
and the workforce.
The Department of Developmental Services pays private contractors
(service providers) to provide residential and day programs, including
work and training activities, on a per-person basis using a
combination of state and federal funds. But lawmakers recognized in
the mid-2010s that the rates — which have been frozen or cut during
previous state budget crises — did not support an adequate supply of
providers to meet the need for services, according to the
Legislative Analyst’s OfÏce.
Garcia interviewed Jordan Lindsey, Executive Director, The Arc of
California for the story.
"When a family goes to a referred provider, they’re often met with
waiting lists of many months," said Lindsey. "Or, they’re turned away
entirely because the provider doesn’t have enough staff to support the
varying needs of new clients."
StafÏng levels are low across the state because wages start between
$16 and $20 an hour for a difÏcult, complex job, he added.
We encourage you to share with your networks, and/or write a letter
to the editor to provide comments, and urging the Legislature to reject
Governor Newsom’s proposal to delay/cut $1 billion in funding for
disability services.” – The ARC of California
April 17, 2024 10:40 AM PT
The ARC on Budget Cuts
Consumers at ACI Corona take their
chances at winning big during casino
day. They all try their best to keep
their best poker faces and think
through each decision carefully.
During Casino Day consumers show
off their money skills for the best
outcome possible!Alejandro holds
his cash winnings showing off his big
stacks!
Jackie holds her cards close to her
chest not allowing anyone an easy
win. Melissa thinks long and hard
about her moves so she can get the
best possible outcome.
Good Luck!
CASINO DAY
PAJAMA DAY
Pajama day was a cherished experience, a day that broke the routine
of stiff day clothes with some comfort and whimsy. Instead of waking
up and rushing to find the right outfit, there was the leisurely joy of
selecting the perfect pair of pajamas.
What creative sleepwear consumers and staff wore to work! It was like
entering a dreamland where everyone wore their imagination on their
pajamas. From classic flannel sets to onesies with cartoon characters,
each ensemble was a reflection of its wearer's personality.
Throughout the day, laughter filled the air as we shared experience of
lounging in our most comfortable attire. The atmosphere was so
much more relaxed. Pajama day was about fostering a sense of
community and joy, reminding us all to embrace comfort and
creativity in our daily lives.
In a culinary universe not so far away,
where tortillas are wielded like
lightsabers and salsa flows like the
Force. Taco trucks transformed into
starships, with chefs donning Jedi
robes and Sith aprons, engaging in an
epic battle of flavors and creativity.
The galaxy is united in a quest for the
ultimate taco supremacy. From classic
Carne Asada to out-of-this-world
vegan options, every imaginable
filling and topping becomes a weapon
in the hands of skilled taco artisans.
Embrace the spirit of camaraderie
and creativity.
May the fillings be with you, and may
your taco adventures be as legendary
as the battles fought in a galaxy far,
far away.
TACO WARS
RED CROSS VISITS ACI
The Red Cross visited ACI to educate us on
various topics, from natural disasters to
staying safe during emergencies. The
demonstration, led by our own Shaun Syed
and the Red Cross's Lysandra Diaz , to help
highlight the importance of disaster
readiness. Through their resources, we
learned the value of teamwork, empathy,
and aiding others in times of crisis.
Equipped with knowledge and tools, we are
to be proactive community advocates,
spreading awareness about disaster
readiness to friends and family. As the
demonstration commenced, we immersed
ourselves in simulations and hands-on
activities, learning how to handle scenarios,
from basic first aid to evacuation drills. This
approach left us feeling empowered and
prepared to tackle unexpected situations
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