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The Arc of Whatcom County
Parent Coalition E-alert:
June 2012 |
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Know Your Legislators |
FEDERAL
2nd District
STATE
42nd District
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Greetings!
Wow, thank you for your tremendous support of The Arc's Sprout Film Festival! It was an incredible success with nearly 400 people attending the festival. What a perfect opportunity to increase awareness, respect and understanding of individuals with developmental disabilities! With your support, we hope to continue bringing such exciting events to Whatcom County!
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2012 Sprout Film Festival at The Pickford Cinema |
There are many family workshops and activities 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 wonderful week!
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AUTISM WORKSHOP THIS THURSDAY | | | The Young Adult Transition: Tangible Steps to Independence
This talk is relevant to all parents of children, teens and young adults who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Please note, however, that the speaker has primarily worked with high-functioning Autism, Asperger's and PDD-NOS, therefore the talk will have higher emphasis for those specific client populations.The lecture will address specific strategies that parents can take to help their son or daughter gain a more independent mindset and the skills that will help them become better prepared to transition out of secondary school to academic, vocational and social opportunities. Parents will be given some potential benchmarks so that they can target for growth areas earlier and more effectively. Specific ideas and resources will be presented that parents can use to help their child build social skills, academic, recreation/leisure supports, vocational experience and independent living skills.
Requirements to attend the Autism Series teleconference at Western Washington University have changed. Attendance is still free of charge, but you MUST enroll in advance to attend. (And please note that the WWU teleconference site may be cancelled if low enrollment.)
The Autism 200 series will be video teleconferenced from 7:00-8:30 pm at WWU's Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic in the AIC building, third floor room 364. Contact Dr. Eva Baharav: Eva.baharav@wwu.edu, (360) 650-3881 with the number in your party and whether you need a parking voucher.
AUTISM SERIES IN BELLINGHAM
- Autism 206: The Young Adult Transition - Tangible Steps to Independence, June 21
- Autism 207: Feeding Issues - From Picky Eaters to Feeding Disorders, July 19
- Autism 208: Facilitating Early Communication Skills, August 16
- Autism 209: Bullying, Thursday, September 20
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PARENT TO PARENT FAMILY BBQ | | |
Come and enjoy an evening with friends and other families of children with developmental disabilities/delays. Sitters will offer fun activities for the kids. Hot dogs, side dishes and drinks will be provided. For more information, call Christine at 360-255-2056 ext. 1.
Parent to Parent Summer Evening Family BBQ
Friday, June 29, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Fairhaven Park Pavilion
107 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham
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WANTED: SMILES OF LIFE MODELS! | |
The annual Smiles of Life Calendar is an amazing tool to promote understanding and respect of individuals with developmental disabilities. We would love for you to be a part of it! Not only do we feature your beautiful smile, we also include an inspiring profile all about YOU!
Nominations are open to all persons with a developmental disability residing in Whatcom County.
If you are interested or would like more information, contact Amy: amym@arcwhatcom.org, 360-715-0170, ext. 309.
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DO YOU VOTE?
CEAC SEEKING REPRESENTATION
FOR DISABILITY COMMUNITY | |
The Citizen's Election Advisory Committee (CEAC) has an opening and is seeking representation for the disability community. Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. in conference room 514 on the fifth floor of the courthouse.
The members of the committee review and provide feedback on various issues, including: demonstrations of proposed election systems and election topics of interest to the public.
For more information, contact Nancy Moore in the Whatcom County Auditor's Office: 676-6740, ext. #50071.
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"MORE THAN WORDS"
COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP | |
 More Than Words is a family-focused program that gives parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) practical tools to help their children communicate.
There are a limited number of available slots for this program offered at Western's Speech-Language Clinic. There will be five weekly meetings starting June 26 on Tuesdays 6-8:30, ending July 24.
The child must be registered for services in the clinic during the summer session (starts June 20 till July 27) and will continue to receive services throughout the year. Three additional parent sessions will be held late fall to continue support for the child's progress. The course is offered free of charge, except for the guidebook purchase (approximately $58). |
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CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MICHELE HILL | | 
Friends, family and community members will join together on June 30th to celebrate the life of Michele Hill, who passed away in March 2012. All are welcome to attend this event and honor her legacy.
Michele was a lifelong educator and children's advocate. After her retirement as Executive Director of Whatcom Center for Early Learning, she volunteered with the American Museum of Radio and Electricity and The Arc of Whatcom County. She served as an officer on the Board of Directors of the Arc of Whatcom County for many years and was instrumental in the creation of the Arc's Dan Godwin Community Center.
For information, call The Arc (360-715-0170) or visit www.arcwhatcom.org to learn about the Michele Hill Endowment Fund.
LIFE CELEBRATION OF MICHELE HILL
Saturday, June 30, 20121:30 - 2:30 pm
Dan Godwin Community Center
2602 McLeod Road, Bellingham |
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FAMILY WORKSHOP | |
When Families Take the Lead...Anything is Possible!
You are invited to a workshop to learn from Janet Klees and her experience with the Deohaeko Support Network, a family guided support network with twenty years experience providing individualized and inclusive lifestyle support.
This is a session primarily for families who want to make a positive difference in the lives of their children now and into the future. It is an opportunity for families to see what happens when we look at gifts and contributions rather than focus on problems; when we look for what is similar, not different; when we join in community, rather than move away from it.
Preregistration is required. Contact Cheryl Hughes 604-542-4817, imaginetogether@shaw.ca and include your name and contact information.
Sunday, June 24th
1:00pm - 5:00 pm
Alexandra Neighbourhood House, Lodge Lounge
2916 McBride Avenue, Crescent Beach, Surrey BC |
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NEW LOCATION FOR OUT OF THE ASHES | | 
Beginning June 26th, Out of the Ashes will be playing at Boundary Bay every Tuesday at 4pm. Come join the fun! |
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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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