The United Nations General Assembly has declared :
April 2 as World Autism
Awareness Day

By bringing together autism organizations all around the world, the intent is to give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help.

Please join the effort to make this possible.

"Society has a responsibility to persons with disabilities and their families...let us dedicate ourselves to enabling the family, the most basic unit of society, to fulfill its role ensuring that persons with disabilities enjoy full human rights with dignity, and flourish as individuals."
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
May 15, 2007

Announcing Access to Waiver Enrollment

Individuals who receive employment supports that are paid for by "state-only" funds may soon be offered the opportunity to enroll in one of the Home and Community Based waiver programs.

This change will allow the state to receive federal matching funds for money they spend. It also means that the state has to offer an increased number of services in order to receive the matching funds.

DDD case managers will be contacting people to conduct assessments in order to verify that they meet the disability and financial criteria.

For more information go to the link below at the Informing Families-Building Trust website or contact your DDD case manager.

Bellingham Parks and Recreation's Leisure Guide for Spring 2009 has something for everyone!

The Leisure Guide, published quarterly by Bellingham Parks and Rec. includes their Specialized Recreation Services Calendar.
Checkout their exciting, entertaining outdoor activities.

As always, the Spin Dances are the 3rd Monday of the month.
Did you know that Camp T.E.A.M.
will be May 8 & 9?
Registration deadline is April 24.
The Adaptive Cycle Expo will be May 16.
There are classes, local outings and outings down to Seattle.

For more information about the opportunities offered by Parks and Rec follow the link below to the Leisure Guide

or contact Amanda Grover at
778-7000 or TDD - 778-7011.

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.