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For Immediate Release Contact: Denise Tift The Arc New London County dtift@thearcnlc.org 860-889-4435 x116 TheArcNLC.org May 30, 2018 The Arc New London County Receives Funding from The Arc US and Walmart Foundation to Continue Building Employment Program Norwich, CT – The Arc New London County has received $12,000 from The Arc of the United States and the Walmart Foundation to continue bridging the gap between the career world and workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), through The Arc@Work initiative. Research indicates that 85% of people with IDD are currently unemployed. However, with the right supports, people can successfully build a career alongside peers without disabilities. With the Walmart Foundation’s generous support in 2016 and 2017, The Arc and its chapters significantly increased the number of individuals with IDD placed in community-based employment. Over this two-year span, the Walmart Foundation has supported The Arc@Work and chapters of The Arc located across the country, training more than 2,000 individuals and placing more than 800 individuals into competitive and community-based jobs. The Arc New London County is one of several participating chapters who together have forged relationships with nearly 500 local and regional employers, connecting jobs with job candidates and providing staff training on creating inclusive work environments. “This funding is extremely important as it supplements our existing micro-business platforms, funding job development funds to successfully transition people into community employment, which is always the goal,” The Arc NLC CEO Kathleen Stauffer said. “With these funds and other grants, our Employment Transition Center in Groton will have a full-time Job Developer and several part-time supplemental positions, which is key to training and placing people in competitive jobs in southeastern Connecticut. We are always seeking to develop more lasting and positive relationships with area employers. We look forward to working with The Arc@Work and the Walmart Foundation on this project.” The Arc advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy and other diagnoses. The Arc has a network of nearly 650 chapters across the country promoting and protecting the human rights of people with IDD and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes and without regard to diagnosis. For more information regarding The Arc New London County’s Job Development initiative or the Employment Transition Center, contact Denise Tift at (860) 889-4435 x 116 or dtift@thearcnlc.org.