The Arc, Upper Valley

10/21/2026

Invisible disabilities are conditions that aren't immediately noticeable but can still significantly impact daily life. They include things like chronic pain, mental health conditions, learning differences, and more.

About 10% of Americans live with an invisible disability, meaning it's more common to meet someone with an unseen disability than you might think!

For those living with invisible disabilities, it can be hard to get the accommodation and support they need. Because their challenges aren’t always visible, their disabilities are sometimes misunderstood or not taken seriously. But just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t there.

This week is Invisible Disabilities Week. Take a minute to share this post to remind others that not all disabilities are visible and that inclusion matters.

10/20/2026

☕ Coffee with Friends is Brewing Again!

Join The Arc Upper Valley for our November Coffee with Friends virtual education session!

Introduction to Dementia in Individuals Living with Developmental Disabilities

As individuals with developmental disabilities age, understanding dementia and its potential impact becomes increasingly important. Join us to learn more about dementia, ask questions, and gain information that may be helpful to individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, guardians, and others.

Our Presenter:
Julie Praska-Moser, Program Manager
Minnesota–North Dakota Chapter, Alzheimer's Association

📅 Tuesday, November 10, 2026
⏰ 6:30–7:30 PM
💻 Virtual via Zoom

☕ Grab a cup of coffee (or tea!), get comfortable, and join us for an evening of learning and conversation!

Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Scan the QR code on the flyer or follow the link below to register.

🔗 Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/98XjJ2IMREGBqiimwn2YKA

Coffee with Friends is a free monthly virtual education series hosted by The Arc Upper Valley, bringing people together to learn, connect, and explore disability-related topics.

10/19/2026

Trunk or Treat was overrun by 👻 scary and spooky 🧛‍♂️ friends of all ages yesterday. Thanks Family Voices North Dakota and Joan Karpenko for such a great event! 🎃

Post a picture of yourself in your costume below. 🧙‍♀️ ⬇️

10/17/2026

Thank you to The Arc of North Dakota for providing comments regarding the Level D setting discussion. We are in regular communication with The Arc of North Dakota regarding this and the ongoing special education workforce matter.

One disability advocate said the district should invest in supporting students at existing schools.

10/16/2026

We love this! 🩰

Adaptive Dance classes are BACK by popular demand! Join us for another 4 week session of fun!!
All Adaptive Dance classes are co-taught by a North Dakota Ballet Company & Academy instructor and a therapy professional from Suedel Therapeutics and Wellness. We also have extra hands on deck with pre-professional volunteers from UND assisting in the classes.
Please note that pre-registration is required via the NDBC website here:
https://www.northdakotaballet.org/fallclasses
Classes are held Monday evenings from 6:30-7:00 at Suedel Therapeutics and Wellness - 117 N Washington St location.
Your dancer will be supported in this fun and creative class tailored for those with unique sensory, social, and physical needs! We can’t wait to dance with you again!

10/12/2026

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR THE ARC OF NORTH DAKOTA LISTENING SESSION. YOUR VOICE CAN HELP SHAPE ADVOCACY IN OUR REGION AND STATE.

The Arc Upper Valley is partnering with The Arc of North Dakota to host a Listening Session for the Grand Forks region.

Thursday, October 29, 2026, 6:30 pm
Online via Zoom
Free and open to the public
Follow the link or QR code to register

Have concerns about education, disability services, benefits, health care, or other issues affecting people with disabilities and their families? What is working well? Where are the barriers or gaps? We want to hear from you.

As we prepare for the 2027 North Dakota Legislative Session, this is an opportunity to help make sure the experiences, needs, and ideas of people in our region are part of the statewide conversation.

You do not need to be a member of The Arc to participate, but registration is required.

Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfeoRWvc7M7JtMjcrirXDt3LquLwUwuOB7BtA2ZEyE6lMxRSw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=114467770696148261443

10/12/2026

Have you signed up for tomorrow night's training? We will be learning about the "Application and Eligibility Determination Guidelines for Developmental Disability Services in North Dakota."

Follow this link to RSVP: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/KuqTYou2RWCEuwT4yCZH5w

☕ OUR EDUCATION SESSIONS ARE BACK - WITH A NEW VIBE!

Meet Coffee with Friends - our relaxed virtual education series! Grab a cup of coffee (or your favorite drink) and a snack, get comfortable, and join us for conversation, connection, and learning about disability-related topics.

Everyone is welcome! People with disabilities, families, caregivers, guardians, professionals, community members, or anyone interested in learning more.

And because we’re meeting from home, real life is welcome too! Kids, pets, and background activity are no problem (just hit mute when needed - we are learning, after all 😉). If a kiddo or pet crawls into your lap, we love that you’re living your best life. ❤️☕

📅 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM
💻 Online

👇 Check out our first session and register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/KuqTYou2RWCEuwT4yCZH5w

We have more exciting sessions in the works, so stay tuned for upcoming topics and speakers

☕ Come as you are. Bring your coffee. Learn something new. Connect with friends.

10/05/2026

Thank you to The Arc of North Dakota for supporting our work here in the Grand Forks community, opposing the proposed standalone Level D educational setting, and adding your voice to this important conversation.

The Arc Upper Valley will continue working alongside families, educators, Grand Forks Public Schools, and our statewide partners to advocate for individualized supports and services that protect the rights of students with disabilities and support their inclusion in their schools and our community.

We appreciate The Arc of North Dakota standing with us, with families, and most importantly, with students with disabilities.

Read the full statement by following the link below.

The Arc of North Dakota is deeply concerned about Grand Forks Public Schools’ proposal to establish a separate “Level D” special education facility. We oppose the creation of a standalone segregated school for students with disabilities. We call on the district to stop this proposal and instea...

10/02/2026

SAVE THE DATE: YOUR VOICE CAN HELP SHAPE ADVOCACY IN NORTH DAKOTA

The Arc Upper Valley is partnering with The Arc of North Dakota to host a Listening Session for the Grand Forks region.

Thursday, October 29, 2026, 6:30 pm
Online via Zoom
Free and open to the public

Have concerns about education, disability services, benefits, health care, or other issues affecting people with disabilities and their families? What is working well? Where are the barriers or gaps? We want to hear from you.

As we prepare for the 2027 North Dakota Legislative Session, this is an opportunity to help make sure the experiences, needs, and ideas of people in our region are part of the statewide conversation.

You do not need to be a member of The Arc to participate, but registration is required. Registration information is coming soon.