The Parent Coalition Newsletter The E-newsletter of The Arc of Whatcom County
July 14, 2008

Greetings!

in this issue
  • Upcoming Events
  • Summer Meals Program
  • Online service lets blind surf the Internet from any computer
  • Free CPR Classes
  • ADVOCATE
  • Thanks for reading...

  • Summer Meals Program

    Free Summer Meals are available to all children, from infants up to age 18.

    Do you know families who could use some extra food during the summer? If so, please refer them to the Summer Meals Program.

    Summer Meal sites can offer breakfast, lunch, snack and some even have dinner.

    To find a Summer Meal site near you,
    follow the link below or
    call WithinReach Family Food Hotline at
    1-888-4 Food-WA (1-888-436-6392)
    Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.


    Online service lets blind surf the Internet from any computer

    New software, called WebAnywhere, launched recently lets blind and visually impaired people surf the Web on the go.

    For the roughly 10 million people in the United States who are blind or visually impaired, using a computer has, so far, required special screen-reading software typically installed only on their own machines, thus tying them to a specific machine.

    A new tool developed at the University of Washington turns screen-reading into an Internet service that reads aloud Web text on any computer with speakers or a headphone connection.

    This is the first accessibility tool hosted on the Web, meaning it doesn't have to be downloaded onto a computer. It processes the text on an external server and then sends the audio file to play in the user's Web browser.

    The Web-based service also eliminates the need for local technical support: there is no software to install or update because each time a person visits the site he or she gets the latest version.

    The free program and both audio and video demonstrations are at:


    Free CPR Classes

    The Mt Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross will present the 1st Annual CPR Saturday.

    The Mt Baker Red Cross is offering free CPR classes on Saturday, August 2nd.

    Registration is open to all especially those who are not able to afford the fee-based class.

    The American Red Cross, in its efforts to promote community emergency preparedness, recommends that at least one person in every family be trained in the life saving skills of CPR.

    Participants must pre-register for
    CPR Saturday by visiting
    [email protected] or
    360-733-3290 ext 0 in Whatcom County, or
    360-424-5291 ext 0 in Skagit County

    Saturday, August 2

    St Luke's Education Center,
    3333 Squalicum Parkway
    Bellingham.


    ADVOCATE

    Comments requested for proposed ADA regulations

    On June 17, 2008 the Department of Justice issued a request for comments on proposed regulations for Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

    Title II of the ADA pertains to state and local government and Title III pertains to commercial entities.

    Federal agencies periodically create regulations to provide guidance, clarification, or changes to existing laws and programs. Once regulations are final, they can have as much impact as laws.

    Comments must be received by August 18, 2008.

    After meeting with the Department of Justice, the Disability Policy Collaboration and other disability organizations have selected 11 questions of particular importance.
    These questions request examples of personal and anecdotal experiences.

    Please see the priority questions for both titles and background information at: http://www.thearc.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=1151. Differences in the questions for both titles are highlighted.

    For assistance, contact Janet L. Blizard,
    Deputy Chief, Disability Rights Section,
    Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice,
    at (202) 307-0663 (voice or TTY).
    This is not a toll-free number.

    Information may also be obtained from the
    Department's toll-free ADA Information Line at
    (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY).

    To view the document and to make an online comment , follow the link below and enter Title ll of the ADA or Title lll of the ADA in the comment search box.


    Thanks for reading...
    Logo

    Upcoming Events
    Transition Panel at 2008 Whatcom County Transition Fair

    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 Davis and Jan Jung
    Mental Health Counselors
    203 W. Holly St.
    Bellingham, WA
    No fees
    Registration required, please call
    360-715-0170 X 302

    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 24-26
    Parent to Parent Super Sitter Training

    9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    For more details and to register
    Contact: Christine at 255-2056 X 1

    July 26
    Parent to Parent Family Picnic

    12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Bleodel Donovan Park
    Hot Dogs provided;
    Bring a dish to share!
    Contact: Christine at 255-2056 X 1

    July 26
    DsO Movie Night
    "Cars"

    6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
    Grades 5 - 12
    The Arc's
    Dan Godwin Community Center
    2602 McLeod Rd.
    Bellingham
    Contact Kristy at 715-0170 X 307 Bring a Friend...
    EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

    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

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