The Parent Coalition Newsletter The E-newsletter of The Arc of Whatcom County
June 30, 2008

Greetings!

in this issue
  • Upcoming Events
  • Webcast on Disaster Preparedness
  • Animals as Natural Therapy
  • ADVOCATE
  • Save the Date
  • Thanks for reading...

  • Webcast on Disaster Preparedness

    Discusses community responsibilities for disaster preparedness and emergency planning with regards to people with disabilities.

    Lex Frieden, the presenter, is credited with defining and pioneering the concept of "independent living" in the early 1970's, and was instrumental in conceiving and drafting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

    The webcast will cover:

    • how people with disabilities must be involved in the planning process
    • how to develop plans that accommodate people with disabilites
    • best practice models for community preparedness
    • how the Americans with Disabilities Act impacts planning and execution
    • resources available including http://www.disability911.org

    For instructions on how to access a webcast visit: http://www.ilru.org/html/training/webcasts/instructions.html

    For technical assistance:
    http://www.ilru.org/html/training/webcasts/FAQ.html
    or [email protected] or
    713.520.0232 (v/tty).

    Please visit this site ahead of time to test and ensure your computer is configured and updated to participate in the webcast.

    This webcast is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).

    Tuesday, July 1
    2:00 p.m. Central (12:00 p.m. Pacific)


    Animals as Natural Therapy

    Farm Friends Tour

    "Animals as Natural Therapy" provides safe nurturing environments where people can practice skills essential for meaningful and successful relationships based on mutual respect, communication, responsibility and trust.

    Through their animal assisted education programs they support relationship skills and personal growth that carries over into the rest of an individual's life.

    They offer free tours of their farm on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.

    Aug. 20
    Sept. 17
    Oct. 22
    Nov. 19

    4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

    RSVP

    721 Van Wyck Rd.
    Bellingham
    360-671-3509


    ADVOCATE

    The Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2008 (H.R. 5772)

    The Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2008 (H.R. 5772) was introduced to increase the number of housing units for low income persons with disabilities.

    People with significant disabilities are facing a severe crisis in accessible and affordable housing. In recent years, the average cost of renting a 1 bedroom apartment exceeded average monthly Supplemental Security Income payments in the U.S.

    The Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 811 Supportive Housing Program for Persons with Disabilities (Section 811) is the only federal program that produces affordable and accessible units for low-income individuals with disabilities.

    Unfortunately, the Section 811 program does not produce nearly enough units to meet the growing need.

    The Senate will be addressing this issue along with many others when they return from the long 4th of July recess.

    To find your senators' and representative's phone numbers, you may use a searchable online congressional directory or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202)224-3121 and ask for your senators' and/or representative's office.

    Remember that telephone calls are usually taken by a staff member, not the member of Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue about which you wish to comment.


    Save the Date

    18th Annual Region 3
    Supported Employment Conference

    Creating Connections

    Employment...
    Respect,
    Support, Independence,
    Career, Choice,
    Inclusion

    October 2, 2008


    Thanks for reading...
    Logo

    Upcoming Events
    Friends at the Human Race

    Friends at the Human Race

    Happy 4th of July!
    The Arc of Whatcom County
    will be closed Friday, July 4.

    Wednesdays
    Care Giver Support
    Learn Self-Nurturing Techniques

    Noon-1:30 p.m.
    Weekly Group Meetings for parents and other family members who are primary care providers
    Facilitated by
    John Davies and Jan Jung
    203 W. Holly St.
    Bellingham, WA
    No fees
    Registration required: Call 360-715-0170 X 302

    July 12
    Everything you Need to Know:
    Medicaid Personal Care Training 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    The Arc's
    Dan Godwin Community Center
    2602 McLeod Rd. Bellingham
    Information contact: Beverly at
    715-0170 X 306

    July 14
    Parent to Parent Support Meeting

    7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
    2001 H Street
    Contact: Christine at
    360-255-2056 ext. 1
    Childcare available,
    please call ahead

    July 19
    Youth Self Advocacy Group
    10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
    The Arc's
    Dan Godwin Community Center
    2602 McLeod Rd.
    Bellingham, WA
    Contact: Maureen at
    360-715-0170 X 302
    NOTE DATE CHANGE

    July 28
    Whatcom County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board
    4:30-6:00 p.m.
    3333 Squalicum Pkwy.
    Bellingham, WA
    Information Contact: Jessica at
    360-676-6724 X 32014

    Know Of An Event ?
    Want One Published?
    Contact Us at [email protected]



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