Ethical Climate of the Arc

1. Some policies of the Arc include the person-first language is to identify the individual as a person, a human being, in every reference to that person. It may be easier to focus on a certain characteristic or disability than on the person who possesses those things, but when we focus on the diagnosis, disability, or characteristic, the human being is being moved into the background and becomes somewhat dehumanized. The Arc handbook regulates the way in which executives, administrators and supervisors are made aware of problems and respond to those problems through corrective actions in order to minimize the potential for recurrence of the same or similar situations. By regulating these processes it is believed that individuals will be protected from harm and physical or mental abuse. By regulating these processes it is believed that individuals will be protected from harm and physical or mental abuse. In addition, the quality of services provided will remain high because incidences and accidents can be prevented. Responsibility l: Recognize and stop all forms of abuse immediately. Responsibility 2: Protect the individual from further danger and harm and seek medical attention if necessary. Responsibility 3: Report incidents as soon as they occur or are discovered. Recall that failure to report is considered abuse as well. OPWDD takes its responsibility to support staff that follow policies and procedures when reporting incidents very seriously. It is expected that staff will be honest and accurate when providing information within the context of an investigation. It is important that staff avoid breaching confidentiality by refraining from discussing" the incident with co-workers; friends, or people outside of work. Even a casual mention in a text message, in the parking lot, or on Face-book or other social media, must be avoided. Jonathan's Law was put into place to govern the way in which information and reports of investigations are shared and with whom. The workers may be asked for information by family members or advocates about the investigation progress and their involvement. “Allegany Arc is committed to a work place free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, nation or origin, disability, status, as a veteran, or any other, protected status” (The Arc).

2. The Arc Mission Statement is:  “the Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. The Arc has 5 important values: people first, equity, community, self-determination, and diversity. People first means that they believe all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are defined by their own strengths, abilities and they are not defined by their disability. Equity is they believe that residents should be given the same rights as other people including respect, dignity, equality, safety, and security. Community is the residents belong in the community they live. Self-determination is the residents, with appropriate resources and supports, can make their own decisions about what they do on a daily basics and must have input to the issues that affect their well-being. Diversity is the residents benefit from the contributions of people with diverse personal characteristics that include: race, ethnicity, religion, age, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender and type of disability” (The Arc). The Arc has 5 guiding principles: participatory democracy, visionary leadership, public interest, collaboration, and transparency with integrity and excellence. Participatory democracy is when the family of the residents and the public has opportunities to inform. Advocacy is determining policy and positions on important issues. Visionary leadership is articulating a positive vision for the future of all the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Public interest is supporting all the residents regardless of their disabilities. Collaboration is working with individuals, organizations and coalitions to promote effective partnerships between volunteer and staff leadership. Transparency with integrity and excellence is conducting the business with integrity, accountability, being open, honest and timely in their communication (Mission and Values).

3. Transparency, integrity, and excellence is conducting the business with integrity, accountability, being open, honest and timely in their communication (Mission and Values).

4. The Arc handbook regulates the way in which executives, administrators and supervisors are made aware of problems and respond to those problems through corrective actions in order to minimize the potential for recurrence of the same or similar situations. By regulating these processes it is believed that individuals will be protected from harm and physical or mental abuse. In addition, the quality of services provided will remain high because incidences and accidents can be prevented. Failure to report is considered abuse and it is always important that staff avoid breaching confidentiality.  Jonathan's Law was put into place to govern the way in which information and reports of investigations are shared and with whom (The Arc).

5. The Arc website keeps updates on issues and policies relating to disabilities. Some of the issues that the website focuses on are: civil rights, education, employment, healthcare, housing, long term supports, Medicaid, social security, and transportation (The Arc).

The Arc. (n.d). The Arc. Retrieved February 18, 2014 from http://www.thearc.org/

Mission and Values. (n.d). The Arc. Retrieved February 18^th, 2014 http://www.thearc.org/who-we-are/mission-and-values