The Arc of Whatcom County

Parent Coalition E-alert

September 2012   

In This Issue
IEP VIDEO SERIES
SCHOOL WORKSHOP
MAKE YOUR MARK
BUDDY WALK
CAR RACE

Quick Links

  
  

 

Know Your Legislators


FEDERAL

 

Sen. Maria Cantwell

cantwell.senate.gov

(202)224-3441

 

Sen. Patty Murray

murray.senate.gov

(202)224-2621

  
2nd District

Rep. Rick Larsen

www.house.gov/larsen/

(202)225-2605

  
  
STATE
  
42nd District

 

Sen. Doug Ericksen

ericksen.doug@leg.wa.gov

(360)786-7682

 

Rep. Vincent Buys

buys.vincent@leg.wa.gov

(360)786-7980

 

Rep. Jason Overstreet

overstreet.jason@leg.wa.gov

(360)786-7980

 

40th District

 

Sen. Kevin Ranker

ranker.kevin@leg.wa.gov

(360)786-7678

 

Rep. Kristine Lytton

lytton.kristine@leg.wa.gov

(360)786-7800

 

Rep. Jeff Morris

morris.jeff@leg.wa.gov

(360)786-7970

Join Our List

Join Our Mailing List 

Greetings!  

 

Below is information on upcoming workshops and activities for your family. If you have any questions or need support, contact Monica (360) 715-0170, ext 303, monicab@arcwhatcom.org.

 

Thank you, and we hope you are enjoying these beautiful Fall days.  

 

VIDEO SERIES ON SPECIAL EDUCATION
Special Education: What to Expect, How to Prepare
A basic primer for families in Washington State

 

Special Education services are a necessary component in the life of a child who has an intellectual/developmental disability. For most parents, the process seems overwhelming. This video series will break down the process and help you to see that it is not as complicated as it sometimes seems. Click here to watch the video series.
 

For additional information on special education services, support, legislation, and/or conflict management:

The Arc of Washington State: (888) 754-8798

Washington State Parent to Parent: (800) 821-5927

Washington PAVE: (253) 565-2266

Sound Options Group: (800) 692-2540

Washington State Office of the Education Ombudsman: (866) 297-2597

 

  

SCHOOL COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP
 
"Families and Schools: Communicating Together"
ASK THE ADVOCATE WORKSHOP
6:30-8:30pm
Tuesday, September 25
The Arc's Dan Godwin Community Center
2602 McLeod Road, Bellingham

Listen, learn and interact with a panel of teachers and parents about effective strategies that work for all involved. Please RSVP to Monica: 715-0170, ext 303, monicab@arcwhatcom.org

MAKE YOUR MARK IN 2012!
power
Did you know that 30% of eligible Americans are not registered to vote? And, in 2008, the voter registration rate of people with disabilities was 3.3% lower than that of people without disabilities. Are you part of that percentage?


People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and others who care about the issues that are important to our community have the power to impact our electoral process. But first they - and you - have to register and vote!

 

The Arc, in partnership with Nonprofit Vote, is offering an array of resources for potential voters and advocates ahead of the 2012 national elections in November through the "We've Got the Power" campaign. Nonprofit Vote is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to providing voter engagement tools and resources.
Visit www.thearc.org and click on the "We've Got the Power" icon to access information on how to register, important deadlines and eligibility. Also, explore issues such as the protection of Medicaid, civil rights, education, employment, Social Security and more, and learn how to educate the candidates about what's important to you.


Make your mark in 2012!
 

DsO BUDDY WALK
  Buddy Walk
Saturday, October 6, 2012
11:00am - 2:00pm
Fairhaven Village Green

 

The Buddy WalkŪ is a fun and rewarding opportunity to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Developed by the National Down Syndrome Society, the Buddy Walk has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to nearly 300 walks planned for 2012 worldwide.
 
The 2012 Buddy Walk will feature a one mile walk around beautiful Fairhaven, and all ages and abilities are invited to participate. After the walk, there will be food, music, dancing, a silent auction and other fun activities for families to enjoy. There will be shirts and special prizes for participants.
 
Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, your participation and generosity is greatly appreciated! Anyone can be a buddy!

 
The money raised will support local programs for individuals with Down syndrome. With everyone's active participation and generous support, the possibilities for great services and events are endless!


Visit http://arcwhatcom.org/BuddyWalk.html  to register or for more information. 

"CHALLENGE DAY" CAR RACE
car
 
Get Ready to Roll
The popular gravity car races
are coming to Bellingham!
 



The "Challenge Day" races allow children with disabilities who are 5-'2" or under and 130 pounds or less, a chance to experience the thrill of a soap box derby-type race while riding in a car piloted by a typically developing driver. An awards ceremony follows the event with trophies for all.
 
The race will be held on Saturday, September 29th in Fairhaven and is a partnership between Bellingham Elks Club, Life Enrichment Options and local volunteers. There is a great need for additional event support. To volunteer, call Laurene: 933-1922. For event details, call Ron, The Elks Club: 733-3333. For information on Life Enrichment Options, visit http://lifeenrichmentoptions.org/events.html.