The Arc of Whatcom County

PARENT COALITION E-ALERT

April 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

Autism Awareness

Transition Fair

Autism Workshop

Research Project

Brews Day Brunch

RESOURCES

Upcoming Events

Legislative Action Center

Programs

ELECTED OFFICIALS

FEDERAL

Sen. Maria Cantwell

cantwell.senate.gov

(202)224-3441

Sen. Patty Murray

murray.senate.gov

(202)224-2621

1st District

Rep. Suzan Delbene

delbene.house.gov

(202) 225-6311

2nd District

Rep. Rick Larsen

http://larsen.house.gov/

(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)786-7854

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

MAILING LIST

April 2014 Newsletter

We hope you are enjoying the April sunshine!

Not only are we celebrating the arrival of Spring, but this month is also Autism Awareness Month. Please see below for more information.

The April newsletter was mailed at the end of last week. For an electronic copy, please click here.

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

AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

To highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, April is designated as National Autism Awareness Month. This is a special opportunity to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community.

To learn more about autism, therapies, workshops, life stories and more, here are websites of three national autism resources:

Autism NOW: http://www.autismnow.org

Autism Society: http://www.autism-society.org/

Autism Speaks: http://www.autismspeaks.org/

To read more about the latest CDC report (1 in 68 children being identified with autism spectrum disorder), visit:

http://www.cdc.gov/features/dsautismdata/

TRANSITION FAIR

"A World of Possibilities" life after school

Thursday, April 17

9:00am-12:30pm

St. Luke's Health Education Center

3333 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham

The transition fair is for students with disabilities, families, educators, and interested community members. Everyone (especially middle and high school aged students) who is interested in planning for the future is welcome to attend!

Come and learn about: housing options, recreation, advocacy, employment and vocational supports, guardianship, community/tech colleges, Social Security, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), and Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). The event is sponsored by The Whatcom County Division of Developmental Disabilities Program, DVR, DDA, and The Arc of Whatcom County.

For more information, call 360-676-6724 ext. #32014.

AUTISM WORKSHOP

(Presented By Seattle Children's Hospital)

The Ins and Outs of ABA

Thursday, April 17

7:00pm-8:30pm

Western Washington University

Speech-Language Clinic

You are now able to see these classes in Bellingham thanks to Children's video and teleconferencing outreach program. 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Two students have volunteered to help coordinate this series. Please email them if you plan to attend by April 15th - even if a parking permit is not needed.

Olivia: ponzeto@students.wwu.edu

Katey: sulliv42@students.wwu.edu

RESEARCH PROJECT ON SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTHCARE NEEDS

Survey Photo Your input is needed!

Whatcom Taking Action and Heather Christensen, a student at Western Washington University, are seeking insight into how the systems of care and support are working for children with special healthcare needs and their families.

They are looking for families to participate in short informal interviews about your experience finding and receiving care for your children. They want to learn what has been helpful and what needs to be changed.

There will also be a workshop on April 29th from 5:30-7:30pm at The Arc's Dan Godwin Community Center. The goal will be to gather data from families on building a system of care map for Whatcom County.

Every parent will have the opportunity to create their own care map that will illustrate and connect the various providers for their children. This is a powerful visual tool to help parents understand the magnitude of their "team" (and why it seems so overwhelming at times) and to show others as well.

Parents get a Fred Meyer gift card for participating in either of these activities. If you would like more information or to participate: contact partakingaction@gmail.com or Monica at 715-0170 ext: 303

HURRY, limited number of slots available!

BREWS DAY BRUNCH

Max Higbee Center's Brews Day Brunch

Sunday, April 27

10am-2pm

Boundary Bay Beer Garden

Max Higbee has expanded their April Brews Day event to create a more family friendly connection to the fundraiser: Brews Day Brunch. The goal is to create an inclusive event where the community can be more involved with Max Higbee members, so the more families and individuals attend the better!

Enjoy a heaping plate of hot food (for only$10!), bluegrass music by Tear Jerkers and Moongrass, and win raffle prizes for Max Higbee and April Brews Day merchandise.

For more info, visit www.maxhigbee.org/brews-day-brunch.html

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.