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The Arc of Whatcom County

PARENT COALITION E-ALERT

September 2014

IN THIS ISSUE
School Partnerships Workshop
Autism 200 Series
WCEL Family Day
Respite Issues
No Paid Services

RESOURCES

  
  

 

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

[email protected]

(360)786-7682

 

Rep. Vincent Buys

[email protected]

(360)786-7980

 

Rep. Jason Overstreet

[email protected]

(360)786-7980

 

40th District

 

Sen. Kevin Ranker

[email protected]

(360)786-7678

 

Rep. Kristine Lytton

[email protected]

(360)786-7800

 

Rep. Jeff Morris

[email protected]

(360)786-7970

MAILING LIST

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Greetings!  

 

Don't miss tonight's Parent Coalition workshop: Strengthening School Partnerships! This is a great opportunity to meet Whatcom County special education directors in a relaxed environment. Please RSVP, so we can plan accordingly.

 

For additional events, click here for The Arc's community calendar or click on the left sidebar.

 

As always, we are here to help you. Please contact us anytime.

 

The Arc of Whatcom County 
360-715-0170 

 

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STRENGTHENING SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS

 

Reminder: Tonight! 

Tues, Sept. 16, 6-8pm

The Arc

2602 McLeod Rd 

 

Invited special guests include the special education directors from across Whatcom County. This is a great opportunity to meet them in a relaxed environment and begin a healthy working relationship.

 

Learn 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

 

To help us prepare for the workshop, please RSVP: 360-715-0170 ext 303, [email protected].

 

 AUTISM 200 SERIES

 

Autism 209: Sleep & Autism

Thursday, Sept. 18

7-8:30pm

 

 

Autism 200 is a series of classes for parents and caregivers of children with autism. Faculty from Seattle Children's, the University of Washington and community providers teach the classes via teleconference. Each class is open to the public and includes time for questions. Locally the classes are presented at Western Washington University Communication Sciences and Disorders AIC Building, 516 High Street, Bellingham. You must RSVP in advance. Contact Katey: [email protected] .

 

Autism 209: Sleep and Autism

The Bumpy Road to the Land of Nod

7:00pm-8:30pm, Thursday, September 18

Instructors: David Camenisch, MD; Mendy Minjarez, PhD

 

Difficulties with sleep are commonly present in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Seattle Children's Dr. David Camenisch, a child psychiatrist, and Dr. Mendy Minjarez, a behavioral psychologist, will discuss common issues related to sleep in children with ASD. Strategies will be presented to help parents facilitate better sleep habits, including medical and behavioral treatments. 

 

The Seattle Children's Autism Center's website:

www.seattlechildrens.org/clinics-programs/autism-center/resources 

 

  

 

 WCEL FAMILY DAY 

 

Saturday, September 20, 10am-5pm

Bellewood Acres

6140 Guide Meridian, Lynden, WA

 

Whatcom Center for Early Learning is hosting a family day at Bellewood Acres.  This day is open to all community members.

Free face painting, sensory table play, bubble blowing, and play area! Jonamac, Gala and Honeycrisp Apples should be at their peak and available for u-pick or at the store. Contact: Dawnette Chadwick,

(360) 671-3660, ext 101.

 

www.wcel.net

 

www.bellewoodfarms.com

  

 

 RESPITE ISSUES 

 

 

Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is seeking input and participation regarding respite. 

 

 

 

Have you had trouble finding or becoming a respite provider? Names and stories are needed from families who can't find or keep a part-time provider and family members and friends who want to provide respite but have had difficulties due to the new requirements.  Other respite providers are also needed to speak about their experiences and the barriers they face. 

 

The Training Partnership is willing to start a Communications Focus Group on these issues and will pay the expenses of respite providers to participate.  Names are needed for a meeting on Sept. 25 at SEIU/Training Partnership headquarters in downtown Seattle.  For more information, contact:  Donna Patrick, Director of Public Policy, WA State Developmental Disabilities Council; [email protected] or 360-586-3566; 1-800-634-4473. 

  

 

 WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
 
As a result of upcoming changes to key state programs, DDA anticipates being able to provide services to as many as 5,000 individuals who are currently on the NPS caseload, beginning mid-2015 (and beyond). Most will be enrolled in the Individual & Family Services (IFS) program, which is for children and adults who live in the family home. IFS includes services such as respite, therapies, behavior support, and other interventions that help the individual continue to live at home.

Because DDA will identify individuals from a list of those who have been assessed to need services, it's important to make sure you're on the Service Request List. (Note: This is a new term to learn for those who are used to hearing wait list or enrollment database.)

If you or someone you know is on the NPS caseload, consider this a friendly reminder to contact your local DDA office and leave a message, asking to be assessed for IFS (or confirming that you are on the Service Request List if your son/daughter has already been assessed).

Here is the number: Region 2 (Everett) 800-567-5582
 
Source: Informing Families, Building Trust
  
  
  
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.