Are you a parent, teacher or friend of a young child with special health care needs/and or developmental disabilities? If so, make sure to attend the "Getting Connected" workshop tomorrow (Wednesday, February 19). Please see below for more details.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Monica: 360-715-0170, ext. 303 or monicab@arcwhatcom.org.

Sincerely,
The Arc of Whatcom Team

"GETTING STARTED, MAKING CONNECTIONS"

What Families of Young Children with

Developmental Disabilities Need to Know

6-8pm, Wednesday, February 19

St. Lukes Health Education Center

3333 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham

Do you have a young child that has been involved in early intervention services, has developmental delays, or special healthcare needs?

Come and connect with other parents and get to know the community resources that are available for your child and family. Topics will include early intervention, special education, Medicaid waivers, health insurance for children, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You will also have the opportunity to meet local agencies who can provide assistance and support to your family.

This event is sponsored by The Arc, Parent to Parent, Taking Action / SEAS, and the Whatcom Infant and Childrens Council (WICC).

For a copy of the workshop flier, click here. Please share with other families...thank you!

AUTISM 202 WORKSHOP

Navigating Insurance Benefits: What You Need to Know About Health Insurance Benefits for Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism

Thursday, February 20, 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Western Washington University, Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders AIC Building, East 516 High St. Bellingham

The instructor for this workshop is Arzu Forough, founder and CEO, Washington Autism Alliance and Advocacy.

Autism 200 is a series of 90-minute classes for parents and caregivers of children with autism who wish to better understand this disorder. Faculty from Seattle Children's, the University of Washington and community providers teach the classes. Each class includes time for questions. Classes are open to the general public.

You must RSVP today (even if you have parking arrangements). For more information, email Jessica Bower at bowerj2@students.wwu.edu or call 509-638-8980.

FUND TO HELP FAMILIES WITH PECS TRAINING

Robin Bauers, an Instructional Assistant in the Life Skills program, recently attended a training on PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). She is so energized by it -- and the success her team has had with students using PECS -- that she is spearheading an effort to raise funds to provide picture binders and PECS training for families in our community.

The gofundme site is http://www.gofundme.com/silence-speacs

She has connected with the Director of Operations of Pyramid Education Consultants who provide PECS training, and they have offered to provide the training at a reduced fee if she can raise the funds she needs.

PLEASE NOTE: The information contained in this email is for informational purposes only and should be evaluated by each recipient for content accuracy and applicability. Some articles are provided only to educate about a variety of perspectives on issues. It is not intended to represent the viewpoint of The Arc of Whatcom County.