The Parent Coalition Newsletter The E-newsletter of The Arc of Whatcom County
September 8, 2008

Greetings!
in this issue
  • Upcoming Events
  • Survey from the Arc-USA
  • "Chilling' Hardship Rates Among Families Raising a Child with Disabilities
  • PBS program focuses on classroom inclusion
  • Thanks for reading...

    • Survey from the Arc-USA

    From Peter V. Berns
    Executive Director of Arc-USA

    The Arc of the United States' Board of Directors has a Task Force on Affiliation and Growth that is assessing the current status of the organization and mapping out plans for the future.

    This planning process will only be successful if we have active participation of a broad range of people who are concerned about issues affecting people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

    To gather input our consultants, Tom McLaughlin and Stacey Zelbow of Grant Thornton, have created a confidential online survey.
    The link to the survey is below.

    To date we've had a very impressive response with more than 3,000 surveys completed.... but we need even more.

    Forward the link to all of your board members, staff, self-advocates, members, volunteers, donors and colleagues in the field.
    Encourage them to complete the survey as well, if they haven't already done so.

    Survey deadline is September 12, 2008.


    "Chilling' Hardship Rates Among Families Raising a Child with Disabilities

    University of North Carolina study shows impact of raising a child who experiences a disability on families.

    This will not be new information for families.

    It does, however, give clear, concise facts to share with legislators and policy makers who determine the eligibility standards for federal and state programs designed to assist families.


    PBS program focuses on classroom inclusion

    Discover how we as parents can give our kids the tools they'll need to become strong readers.

    A new PBS show, "Toddling Toward Reading," outlines the critical importance of language development and the crucial years before kindergarten.

    One show segment focuses on Avery, a preschooler who has Down syndrome, and how her language skills have improved in an inclusion model preschool.

    "Toddling Toward Reading," in many markets, will be paired with "A Chance to Read," another episode in the "Reading Rockets: Launching Young Readers" series that focuses on literacy programs for students with various physical or learning challenges.

    These two episodes will air on PBS stations across the country beginning in September (local listings vary).


    Thanks for reading...
    Logo

    Upcoming Events
    Helping out at the DsO Waterslides event!

    Helping out at the Down syndrome Outreach
    Waterslides event in August

    Wednesdays
    Knowing Your
    Personal Boundaries~
    Safety Awareness
    4:00-5:30 p.m.
    Register now
    Groups now forming for sessions
    that will begin this month!
    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
    203 W. Holly St.
    Bellingham, WA
    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

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

    September 23
    Inclusion Concert Celebration
    Chris Burke with
    Joe and John DiMasi
    7:00 p.m.
    Syre Theatre
    Whatcom Community College
    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

    October 4
    5th Annual Buddy Walk of
    Whatcom County
    11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
    Maritime Heritage Park
    Come celebrate
    Down syndrome Awareness month
    sponsored by the
    Down syndrome Outreach
    For information contact Kristy at
    360-715-0170 X 307

    October 4
     Youth Self Advocacy Group
     The October meeting will be at the Buddy Walk
    11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
    Maritime Heritage Park
    Bellingham, WA
    Contact: Maureen at
    360-715-0170 X 302

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



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