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The Arc of Whatcom County
Parent Coalition E-alert:
February 2012 |
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Know Your Legislators |
FEDERAL
2nd District
STATE
42nd District
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Greetings!
There are many informative and recreational opportunities in the coming weeks. Please read below for more information. If you have any questions, contact Monica (360) 715-0170, monicab@arcwhatcom.org.
Thank you, and we hope you have a great week! |
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ASK THE ADVOCATE WORKSHOP:
STRENGTHENING SCHOOL & FAMILY PARTNERSHIPS | | |
You are invited to an informative evening with an interactive panel of teachers and parents. We will share and discuss various ideas and opportunities to strengthen the relationship between families and educators.
6:30-8:30pm, Tuesday, February 21
The Arc's Dan Godwin Community Center
2602 McLeod Road, Bellingham
For more information or to RSVP, contact:
715-0170, ext 303, monicab@arcwhatcom.org.
To continue the discussion, The Arc will host a Coffee & Connections on Friday, February 24th from 10am-1pm. This is a "drop in" opportunity for you to stop by and receive additional support and information.
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2012 ADVOCACY DAYS | | |
The Arc of Washington State is once again hosting weekly Advocacy Days in Olympia every Wednesday (10am-3pm) during the legislative session. If you have ever wanted to get involved in disability advocacy, this is a perfect opportunity (whether you have experience or not).
Feb 22: Independent Living Day Rally
Feb 29: Legislative Budgets
March 7: Session Wrap-up
March 8: Last Day of Session
The day starts with an hour-long briefing on current issues and ends with an afternoon of advocacy in the state's seat of power. There is a featured topic each week, but the morning briefing also covers late breaking news on budget items and bills of interest relating to individuals with developmental disabilities.
If this is your first visit and you need a guide for the day, please let them know when you register. Please call: 888-754-8798, ext 105 or e-mail: bean@arcwa.org.
More information, including map, directions and parking, is available by visiting: http://arcwa.org/takeaction/washingtonstate/advocacy_day. |
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"RECRUITING, TRAINING & MAINTAINING CAREGIVERS" WORKSHOP | | |
Finding (and keeping) the right caregiver for your son or daughter can be challenging. Please join us for an interactive panel discussion to hear about strategies for success and local resources available.
6:30-8:00pm, Wednesday March 7
St. Luke's Health Education Center
3333 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham
Contact Jessica: 676-6724 ext 32014
Sponsored by the Whatcom County Health Department |
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NEW "MUSIC CONNECT" CLASSES | | |
Designed for children with developmental disabilities (siblings are welcome too!), Music Connect is a class where fun and self-esteem have a place to come together in a musical environment. There will be sing alongs, rhythm exercises and interactive, musical group activities.
The instructor is currently working to determine the best class dates and times for everyone. If you are interested in the class, please take a quick survey by clicking here.
For more information, contact Deborah: connectionsthroughmusic@gmail.com, 393-8192. |
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MAGICAL MUSICAL MOMENTS
WITH OUT OF THE ASHES BAND | |
Out of the Ashes is a live, interactive music experience for people of all abilities. The group plays classic rock and roll and top 40 music. For more information, visit www.outoftheashes.us or call (360)770-9715.
Every Tuesday from 4-6pm
311 E. Holly Street, Bellingham
To watch a family's experience with Out of the Ashes, click here for a fun video and photos. |
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MARCH IS DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
AWARENESS MONTH | |
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Makenna Padgett held an interactive presentation with a local group of students at Bernice Vossbeck Elementary about developmental disabilities and the importance of inclusion. |
How can YOU honor Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and increase awareness, inclusion and respect? Talk with family, friends and neighbors. Consider hosting a public awareness event at your school, workplace or church. Contact The Arc (715-0170, ext 206) to arrange for Terri Hansen, Inclusion Advocate, to speak at your event.
Remember, every action makes a difference! It can be as simple as sending out informative emails, hanging posters or encouraging your friends and family to sign the " Spread the Word to End the Word" pledge. Perhaps hold a pledge drive at your school. For more information, contact The Arc's Public Awareness Director Amy McKinley (715-0170, ext 309) or email amym@arcwhatcom.org.
Thank you for helping make a difference! |
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LEGISLATION TO HELP INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES | | | Helping families save for disability-related expenses
The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act would level the playing field for individuals with autism (and other disabilities) and their families to save for disability-related expenses. Just as families can put away savings in tax-exempt accounts for children to go to college, the ABLE Act would allow such accounts for individuals with disabilities to cover their future education, housing, transportation and related expenses.
ABLE Accounts would resemble existing 529 college savings plans and would supplement, not replace, benefits provided through Medicaid, private insurance or employment.
Supporting military kids with autism
The Caring for Military Kids with Autism Act (HR.2288) would ensure all military families, whether they are on active duty or retired, receive insurance benefits for their children with autism. The bill was introduced last summer in the House of Representatives with bipartisan support, Representative Cathy McMorris Rogers of the 5th Congressional District (Eastern Washington) is the only co-sponsor from Washington State.
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SURVEY FOR AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP | | |
We need your input!
The Arc is trying to find a new time for their monthly Autism Support Group meetings. If you would be interested in attending one of these meetings, please click HERE and let us know what times would work best for you. We want to find a time and day that works best for the most people. Thanks! |
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Parent Coalition
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The Parent Coalition of The Arc of Whatcom County provides information and education to individuals with developmental disabilities, their caregivers, families and the community by responding to requests for assistance. We provide 1:1 support and serve as a resource to increase understanding of the developmental disability service system and special education system.
For information and assistance, contact Monica, Parent Coalition Co-Coordinator at (360)715-0170, x303, monicab@arcwhatcom.org.
This E-Alert is made possible by funding from the Whatcom County Health Department, Developmental Disabilities Program and the United Way of Whatcom County. | |
www.arcwhatcom.org
360-715-0170
2602 McLeod Road
Bellingham, WA 98225
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