Youth Self Advocate's Hunger Doesn't take a Holiday Food Drive

A huge thank you to all of the wonderful people who have donated food for the Youth Self-Advocates' food drive.

We have, with your help, donated 250 pounds of food to the Bellingham Food Bank.

The donation box will remain at The Arc's Dan Godwin Community Center through this week.

Thank you for helping us help our community!

Resource for legislative issues

The Arc of Washington State's website offers useful information about legislative issues that have an impact on people with developmental disabilities and their families.

You can sign up for the Action Alerts and receive information about the status of important bills.

There is information about hearings, meetings and forums statewide.

There are links that put you in direct contact with the legislators.

Infants and Toddlers Early Intervention Program (ITEIP)

ITEIP, which funds services for Infants and Toddlers with disabilities in the state, is one of many DSHS programs that risk having their funding cut in the state budget.

DSHS has requested $7,483,000 for ITEIP in the Governor's budget.
This funding is critical to maintain the current services for Infants and Toddlers with disabilities in Washington State.

Here is some important background information:

• ITEIP is a prevention/intervention program
• 27% of children exiting do not need special education by age of 3
• Early intervention is critical support in enhancing the family's role in their child's development.
• ITEIP is an entitlement program that has not been equitably or fully funded in Washington
• Funding it decreases potential law suits or litigation due to children being unserved or underserved.
• Washington state provides supports for 1.8% of the children birth to age 3 in the state which is only half the national average.

To let the governor know how you feel about this program or any other that will be affected by the budget shortfall send an e-mail through the Governor's website at the link below.

Watch for us the week of January 5.

We wish you and your family a safe and loving holiday season.