Interview with an Arc Self-Advocate: Dick Simon
Introduction
Since its founding, The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham has relied on passionate advocates who speak up for inclusion, accessibility, and the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One of those advocates is Dick Simon, who has been part of The Arc since its earliest days. In this interview conducted by Matthew Wheaton, a senior from Bridgewater College and intern of The Arc, Dick shares his experiences, reflections, and hopes for the future, along with insights into the importance of self-advocacy and community engagement.
How long have you been with the Arc for? How has it been significant for you?
Dick Simon: “Since 1988 I’ve been with the Arc. In the beginning I’ve worked with the Arc and have seen changes over time in the program in terms of more services and events hosted. It was a lot of fun doing certain activities in the past with others at the Arc.”
Additional Context: The family of Dick Simons was crucial in founding the Harrisonburg and Rockingham chapter of The Arc. Since then, Dick has been active involved and has participated in many events and conferences alongside staff and participants.
For those who want to contribute to the Arc’s mission, what should they know about the program?
Dick Simon: “They should know about what The Arc does for its participants, as well as the services and care they provide for them. The events should also be known too and supported.”
Additional Context: Dick emphasizes the importance of the services and events The Arc has in Harrisonburg and Rockingham. Services include transportation/bus services, equipment assistance, and advocacy support through groups such as the ALLY SelfAdvocacy Alliance. Events that are offered also include the Santa-Run, art shows, and movie nights.
What is the statewide conference, and what will you be doing there?
Dick Simon: “We will be going there to meet with friends, get together and see people talk on certain issues and other programs. We go to separate rooms for these discussions while having some time for fun in-between talks. The people talking to us would be from other organizations similar to The Arc. Some talks can include discussions on policy issues regarding care and accessibility.”
Additional Context: The Statewide Convention, hosted by the Arc of Virginia, is an important networking and learning opportunity for self-advocates similar to Dick. It connects participants from across Virginia, offering sessions talking on policy issues, accessibility, and program development, alongside opportunities to socialize and have fun.
What initiatives/events have you felt were most significant and that you enjoyed?
Dick Simon: “The Santa-Run that we do in December had us do a lot of activities during the season. We could walk, run, or roll in wheelchairs in Harrisonburg for awareness. This was a fun event to do during the Christmas season with other participants while raising awareness and advocacy with locals of the city and county.”
Additional Context: The Santa-Run is a fun run hosted by the Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham, where participants of all ability levels can run, walk, or roll in wheelchairs through downtown Harrisonburg. This is to raise awareness for The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham, as well as the services it advocates for.
Where do you see the Arc in five years?
Dick Simon: “In five years, The Arc will be able to provide more job opportunities to individuals seeking to work with the program. There would also be an expansion of services too throughout Harrisonburg and Virginia, and more opportunities for participants.”
Additional Context: Dick’s vision for growth is to see The Arc’s services and community engagement expand while providing more job opportunities.
What does self-advocacy mean to you?
Dick Simon: “Self-advocacy means you try to fight for yourself and others like you with similar circumstances. All you can do is keep trying to fight alongside others, form groups, and spread awareness, so you get the services and care needed.”
Additional Context: Self-advocacy is central to Dick’s perspective. He frames it as both personal empowerment and collective action among groups of people, emphasizing the need to stand up for one’s rights and needs.
What challenges and opportunities do you see in expanding advocacy?
Dick Simon: “Some challenges could include getting more people into helping the ALLY Self-Advocacy Alliance for Virginia, especially the youth. We could get more people to come to information meetings regarding The Arc and its services. They should learn more about The Arc’s mission, how it started out, its advocacy and its history.”
Additional Context: Dick sees a goal in gathering more people to volunteer and work for The Arc, including younger individuals who may be interested in social services and The Arc’s mission. At the same time, he sees opportunities in educating more people which will bring about a stronger push for changes in policy and services.
How would you like to see the Arc’s services expanded in Harrisonburg and Rockingham?
Dick Simon: “Reaching out to more people about the program, including the youth, will be important. It is up to people if they seek to contribute, but spreading awareness and getting more information out to people through meetings around Harrisonburg and Rockingham would help with expanding The Arc’s services.”
Additional Context: Expansion within local communities depends on the level of outreach and awareness. Dick highlights the importance of reaching younger people interested in social services, as well as organizing town halls to spread information about The Arc’s services and statewide policymaking.
How can our local self-advocates better connect with statewide initiatives?
Dick Simon: “Reaching out to others in other organizations will help self-advocates with pushing their message and pushing for policy changes regarding access across the state. This will help in contacting representatives within Virginia to push for more change.”
Additional Context: Dick emphasizes the importance of coalition-building by working with other participants and organizations while contacting state representatives. Local self-advocates can strengthen their influence in policy this way, as well as expanding advocacy beyond the local level.
How can people contribute to the Arc’s mission and push for meaningful policy changes regarding care and accessibility?
Dick Simon: “Check with your local congressman, ask them why certain services are not available and push for changes alongside other organizations. For example, more access to wheelchairs and other medical equipment while providing speedy repairs for them when broken. We should also push for more legislation on a federal level regarding care, which could be the most meaningful way of getting policies implemented.”
Additional Context: Dick stresses the role of advocacy through contacting local, state, and federal representatives, and providing examples of certain policies such as access to medical equipment and providing speedy repairs for them when broken. He sees legislative action as the most impactful route to lasting change.
Conclusion
For more than three decades, Dick Simon has been a steadfast advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and community engagement through The Arc. His words reflect both personal dedication and a vision for collective action. As The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham looks to the future, voices like Dick’s remind us that progress depends on advocacy, outreach, and the power of working together.