The Parent Coalition Newsletter The E-newsletter of The Arc of Whatcom County
August 18, 2008

Greetings!
in this issue
  • Upcoming Events
  • Thundering Responses
  • 2008 Co-occuring Disorders Conference
  • DsO Movie Night!
  • Creating Connections
  • Thanks for reading...

    • Thundering Responses

    Movie production studio asks for citizen input

    DreamWorks Studios has just released their movie "Tropic Thunder."

    The movie has received a tremendous amount of publicity due to their portrayal of persons with developmental disabilities and their use of offensive language.

    The Arc of the United States and many other disability rights organizations have been in communication with the studio to mitigate the effects of the movie.

    The website for The Arc of the United States (the link below) has a lot of information about the movie and the community response to it.

    If you would like to comment on the movie,
    call DreamWorks Studios at this number:
    1-818-733-9919 (this NOT toll free)
    or contact them at:
    comments@dreamworksstudios.com

    DreamWorks Studios would like to
    hear from you.
    Please call/email to express your views of Tropic Thunder.


    2008 Co-occuring Disorders Conference

    A cross-systems, integrative approach to supporting clients with alcohol/substance abuse problems and other disorders.

    The Division of Developmental Disabilities is partnering with the Divisions of Mental Health, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Aging & Disability, Juvenile Rehab., the Dept of Corrections and CODIAC as sponsors for this conference.

    The conference includes a keynote by Ralph Edwards, a parent, TASH Board Member, and Director of Citizen Participation in the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation as well as an expert on alcohol and substance abuse treatment.

    Workshops in the DD track will be largely focused on improving cultural competencies in working with Asian, African-American, Native American, disabled and disadvantaged groups.

    Other topic areas this year include Youth, Supportive Housing and Employment, Promising Practices, Legal/Corrections, Medical (with continuing medical education credits), Research Training, Consumer, and Traumatic Brain Injuries.

    September 29-30, 2008
    Yakima Convention Center


    DsO Movie Night!

    March of the Penguins

    Once again, Down syndrome Outreach is offering great family entertainment.

    Come and join us for a movie and popcorn!

    Saturday, August 23
    6:00-8:00 p.m.

    The Arc's Dan Godwin Community Center
    2602 McLeod Rd.
    Bellingham

    For information contact:
    Kristy at 360-715-0170 X 307

    EVERYONE WELCOME!
    Bring a friend and enjoy the evening.


    Creating Connections

    18th Annual
    Region 3
    Supported Employment Conference

    Employment

    • Respect
    • Support
    • Independence
    • Choice
    • Inclusion

    October 2, 2008
    Warm Beach Conference Center
    Stanwood, Washington

    Watch for more details soon!


    Thanks for reading...
    Logo

    Upcoming Events

    2008 Smiles of Life Calendar
    Look for the 2009
    Smiles of Life Calendar
    at the
    Chris Burke Inclusion Concert

    Wednesdays
    Knowing Your
    Personal Boundaries~
    Safety Awareness
    Register now
    Groups now forming for
    weekly sessions that will
    begin in September!
    Here is an opportunity to learn all about personal safety and awareness.
    Presented by
    John Davis and Jan Jung
    Husband and Wife Team
    Mental Health Counselors
    Registration required
    please call 360-715-0170 X 302

    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

    August 23
    DsO Movie Night
    The March of the Penguins
    6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
    The Arc's
    Dan Godwin Community Center
    2602 McLeod Rd.
    Bellingham
    For information contact:
    Kristy at 360-715-0170 X 307

    September 1
    Labor Day
    The Arc of Whatcom County
    will be closed.
    We will reopen on
    September 2 at 9:00 a.m.

    September 6
     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

    September 8
    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

    September 12-14
    People First of Washington
    2008 Convention
    Holiday Inn
    3105 Pine St.
    Everett For information and registration call:
    1-800-758-1123

    September 23
    Inclusion Concert Celebration
    Chris Burke with
    Joe and John DiMasi
    7:00 p.m.
    For information contact:
    Kristy at 360-715-0174 X 307

    September 24-26
    Valued Lives Conference
    Keynote speaker: Chris Burke and
    Featured presenter: Rachel Simon
    Yakima Convention Center Registration Information: 590-966-1998 or
    www.valuedlives.com

    September 22
    Whatcom County
    Developmental Disabilities
    Advisory Board
    4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
    St Lukes Health Education Center
    3333 Squalicum Pkwy
    Information contact: Jessica
    360-676-6724 X 32014

    Know Of An Event ?
    Want One Published?
    Contact Us at parentcoalition@arcwhatcom.org



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