Below is information on tonight's school advocacy workshop. We look forward to introducing our families to the new special education directors for Bellingham and Ferndale school districts. The Arc's Volunteer Orientation and Seattle Children's Autism Workshop are also happening this week and featured below.

As always, we are here for you. If you need help finding services and support in our community, please contact Monica: 360-715-0170, ext. 303 or monicab@arcwhatcom.org.

Sincerely,
The Arc of Whatcom Team

SCHOOL ADVOCACY WORKSHOP
*Come meet the new special education directors!

Tuesday, September 17

6:00-8:00pm

The Arc's Dan Godwin Community Center

2602 McLeod Road, Bellingham

parent teacher meeting

Join us for a discussion on effective strategies that parents and school professionals can use to improve the educational experience for children with developmental disabilities. Through this workshop, learn how to:

Develop and sustain positive relationships
Focus on the child's needs
Find win-win solutions
Build your case
Understand the other person's point of view
Listen actively

COME MEET THE NEW SPECIAL EDUCATION DIRECTORS!

Bellingham and Ferndale School Districts have hired new special education directors, and both are attending this workshop. This is a great opportunity to meet our new school leaders in a relaxed environment and begin to develop a healthy working relationship.

To register, contact Monica 360-715-0170, ext. 303 or monicab@arcwhatcom.org.

For a copy of the workshop flier, click here. Thanks for sharing and encouraging others to take part in this valuable workshop!

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

Get to Know The Arc!

Wednesday, September 18

12pm - 1pm

The Arc's Dan Godwin Community Center

2602 McLeod Road, Bellingham

Perhaps you have already volunteered a few times with The Arc but want to learn more about the various programs and opportunities available. Or perhaps you have been considering getting involved and just need a little nudge? Then this fun and quick "Get to Know The Arc" Volunteer Orientation is for you!

There are so many exciting things happening with The Arc, and we would love for you to be a part of it. If you are at work during that time, feel free to bring along your lunch and learn about The Arc at the same time. For more information or to sign up, please contact Christine: (360) 715-0170 ext. 305, christines@arcwhatcom.org. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you soon!

YOGA CLASS

Need to stretch, relax and refresh?

The Arc of Whatcom County is offering a 10-week yoga series at The Arc's Dan Godwin Community Center. Led by Instructor Abby Stadden, the classes will be held on Wednesdays from 10-11am and are designed for people of all abilities. (The series began last week but there is still room if you want to join.)

Participants are encouraged to sign up for the series but are also welcome to attend individual classes. The cost is $5 per session or $40 ($35 for members of The Arc) for the 10-week series.

To register, contact Christine: (360-715-0170 ext. 305, christine@arcwhatcom.org).

AUTISM 200 SERIES

Autism 209: Relationships, Puberty and Sexual Health

Thursday, September 19

7-8:30 pm

Instructors: Ron Thomson, MA, and Katrina Davis, BA

Presented by Seattle Children's Hospital

Ron Thomson, behavioral therapist, and Katrina Davis, BA, family resource coordinator and parent of a child with autism, from Seattle Children's Autism Center, will discuss how they approach working with youth with ASD around the following topics: a) understanding different types of relationships and expectations for behavior; b) common questions and concerns about puberty and sexuality raised by parents of youth with ASD and how we approach these issues; and c) how we address issues related to sexual health and hygiene, both in youth who are significantly impacted by autism and those who are more mildly impacted.

Locally the classes are presented via teleconference at Western Washington University Communication Sciences and Disorders AIC Building, 516 High Street, Bellingham. You must RSVP in advance. Contact Jessica: bowerj2@students.wwu, 509-638-8980.

For more information, visit: www.seattlechildrens.org/classes-community/classes-events/autism-200-series/.