The mission of The Arc of Whatcom County is to improve the quality of life, increase the independenceand assure the full inclusion in the community of any person with a developmental disability.

The Parent Coalition of Whatcom County Issue5/2012

All are in Bellingham unless otherwise noted.

May 20125 Saturday, 10am-12pmYouth Self AdvocacyThe Arc’s Dan Godwin Community Center2602 McLeod Road Contact Beverly: 715-0170 ext 306

9 Wednesday, 5:30-7:30pmThe Arc of Whatcom County’sAnnual Membership Meeting The Arc’s Dan Godwin Community Center2602 McLeod Road Contact Dana: 715-0170 ext 200

12 Saturday, 10amWhatcom Volunteer CenterHuman RaceZuanich Point ParkContact Maureen: 303-7842

17 Thursday, 7-8:30pmAutism 200 Workshop Series:Special Education LawWWU Communications ClinicContact Eva: eva.baharav@wwu.edu

17-19 Thursday - SaturdayFinding Your Voice” WorkshopsSee page 2 for information

19 Saturday, 11am-2pmAdaptive Cycle ExpoCivic Field TrackContact Amanda: 778-7000

20 Sunday, 12-3pmDsO Spring FlingFairhaven Park PavilionContact Makenna: 715-0170 ext. 205

21 Monday, 6-8pmSpin Dance Senior Center, 315 Halleck StreetContact Amanda: 778-7000

26 Saturday, 7-8pmPeople First of Whatcom CountyCenter for Independent Living114 West Magnolia, Suite 104Contact Ken: 441-0104

26 Saturday, 10am-12pm The Arc’s Board of Directors MeetingThe Arc’s Dan Godwin Community Center2602 McLeod Road Contact Dana: 715-0170 ext 305

June 20122 Saturday, 10am-12pmYouth Self AdvocacyThe Arc’s Dan Godwin Community Center2602 McLeod Road Contact Beverly: 715-0170 ext 306

May 2012 Page 2 - Education Workshops Page 3 - Record Keeping Workshop Page 4 - Youth Self Advocacy

Transitioning to AdulthoodThe 6th Annual Whatcom Country Transition Fair was a great success and very well attended by local schools, students and families.

Agencies and organizations relating to employment, housing, activities and education for individuals with developmental disabilities were available to share information, answer questions and provide guidance.

This year’s fair also featured three breakout sessions to provide interactive and hands-on experience for the students.

Presenter Linda Schleef and Ferndale students - Amelia and Steven - worked to create a video resume on the iPad.

Sessions included:• TRANSITION videos and discussion • ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY with iPads• EMPLOYMENT “make and take”

with resumes, portfolios and forms

“I came to the fair today to learn how to find a good job,” commented Timber, a student at Sehome High School.

His classmate, Mariana, will head to Community Transitions next year. She hopes to find a job helping children or working as a Teacher’s Assistant.

Steven (pictured above) really enjoyed learning how to take pictures and record sound using the iPad. “I like learning new skills,” added Steven.

The Transition Fair is a collaboration of: The Whatcom County Developmental Disabilities Program, Division of Developmental Disabilities, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and The Arc of Whatcom County.

Students, teachers and families visited the various agency booths and gathered information.

Sehome High School students - Mariana, Timber and John - were most interested in learning about

employment opportunities after graduation.

May 2012The Parent Coalition of Whatcom CountyPage 2

The Latest in Whatcom County & Washington State

CDC Releases New Autism DataThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just released new data about the prevalence of autism – 1 in 88 children in the United States has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is a 23% increase since the last report in 2009 and a 78% increase since the first report in 2007.

NOTE: If your family is impacted by ASD, this new data is helpful to share with your legislators so they can understand the magnitude of this disorder. Advocating for yourself and your family does make a difference!

Developmental DisabilitiesLife Opportunities Trust

In 1999, the State of Washington made it easy for families and individuals with developmental disabilities to prepare for their future financial stability. The Legislature passed a bill establishing the Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund - now called the Life Opportunities Trust (DDLOT).

As a special needs trust, the Life Opportunities Trust shelters and preserves assets that would otherwise disqualify someone from government benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. The trust also allows for families and individuals to save for services that may not otherwise be provided by the government, such as work training, assistive technology, respite care and more.

For more information, visit www.ddlot.org or contact Ed Holen, DDLOT Director: 800-634-4473, Ed.Holen@ddc.wa.gov.

NOTE: For information on other special needs trusts or financial planning options, contact The Arc of Whatcom County: 715-0170, ext 303, monicab@arcwhatcom.org.

The Sprout Film FestivalInspiring Films about Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

FAMILY MEMBERSSaturday, May 19

9am- 2:30pm

A day for parents and family members to learn to navigate and partner with public schools so kids can succeed. Register at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/

FYVParentInstitute.

PROFESSIONALS / TRAINERSThurs-Sat, May 17-19

Thurs/Fri: 9am- 4pm, Sat: 9am- 2:30pm

A 3-day training on helping parents navigate the public school system and advocate so their kids can succeed in school. Register at: www.surveymonkey.

com/s/FindYourVoice2012

“Finding Your Voice”School Advocacy Trainings

The Washington State Office of Education Ombudsman provides “Finding Your Voice” trainings to promote equity in education. The events will be held at St. Luke’s

Health Education Center in Bellingham. Both are free, but you must register as space is limited. Call (206)729-3211 or visit: www.waparentslearn.org.

The Arc of the United States has partnered with Sprout to bring this exciting festival to communities across the nation. By presenting films of artistry and intellect, the festival provides an enjoyable and enlightening experience that will help breakdown stereotypes

and promote a greater acceptance of differences and awareness of similarities.

Thursday, June 7Screenings: 11:00am and 6:00pmPickford Film Center, Bellingham

The morning screening will be free to the public. (Please RSVP due to limited space.) The evening program will include a fun reception with delicious appetizers, desserts and opportunities to win prizes. tickets will be $20 for members of The Arc or The Pickford and $25 for non-members.

For tickets, visit www.arcwhatcom.org, or call The Arc: (360)715-0170.

* Your help would be greatly appreciated! If you are interested in helping to sponsor this community event or volunteer, contact Amy: 715-0170 ext. 309, amym@arcwhatcom.org.

May 2012The Parent Coalition of Whatcom CountyPage 3

The Parent Coalition newsletteris published monthly by:

The Arc of Whatcom County2602 McLeod Road

Bellingham, WA 98225(360) 715-0170

www.arcwhatcom.orgOFFICE HOURS: 9am-12pm M-F

Newsletter Production Staff:Amy McKinley, Nancy Briegel, Dana Little,

Sonja Hellinga, Olivia Murguia, Amanda Daviau,Mt. Baker High School students and other volunteers.

Board of DirectorsKen Larson, President

Katie Edson and Maureen Monroe, Co-Vice PresidentsMelissa Bartel, SecretaryPatty Reimers, Treasurer

Jennifer Schouten, Dale Whipple & Veonne Brown

The Arc of Whatcom County Board meets the last Saturday of the month from 10am-12pm.

All are welcome to attend.

Executive Director: Beverly PorterOffice Manager: Dana Little

Parent Coalition Co-Coordinator: Monica Burke

Upcoming Community Activities and Opportunities

“Team Invincible”Come join the fun at the Human Raceand show your support for The Arc!

The Arc of Whatcom County’s TEAM INVINCIBLE will be participating in the Whatcom Volunteer Center’s 2012 Human Race, and we want you to join the fun! We are very excited to increase awareness in our community and raise money for valuable programs at The Arc. To get involved, contact Maureen: 303-7842, rmkje@msn.com.

Saturday, May 129am - Registration begins, 10am - Race begins

Zuanich Point Parkwww.whatcomvolunteer.org

Down Syndrome Outreach

Spring Fling12-3pm, Sunday, May 20Fairhaven Park Pavilion

Come meet new families, reconnect with friends, and enjoy a wonderful afternoon! There will be activities, food and the playground. Please bring a potluck dish (if possible) to share. Hot dogs and beverages will be provided. Everyone is welcome. If you are interested in helping with the event, please contact Makenna: 715-0170 ext 205, makennap@arcwhatcom.org.

Ask the Advocate Workshop:

The Binder ofEpic Proportions6:30-8:30pm, Tuesday, May 1The Arc’s Dan Godwin Community Center

2602 McLeod Road, Bellingham

When caring for an individual with developmental disabilities, the amount of paperwork to maintain can be daunting. It is important to have organized records so you can quickly access information for caregivers, doctors and other service providers.

If you have a folder/box/pile of papers that need to be organized, this workshop is for you! For information, contact Monica: 715-0170 ext 303, monicab@arcwhatcom.org.

The Arc of Whatcom CountyAnnual Membership Meeting

5:30-7:30pmWednesday, May 9

The Arc’s Dan GodwinCommunity Center

2602 McLeod Road, Bellingham

RSVP: 715-0170 ext 200admin@arcwhatcom.org

Everyone is welcome. Childcare and light refreshments will be provided. (Please RSVP by May 2nd for childcare.)

We will be sharing progress updates and working together to create effective programs and inclusive activities. Committees will be formed to involve more of the community. Your participation is crucial as we expand and improve our services. Please get involved today!

*PLEASE NOTE: This will be a working meeting.A pizza party will be held later this year.

The Parent CoalitionThe Arc of Whatcom County provides leadership support for a broad-based coalition of persons with developmental disabilities and their parents/guardians. The goal of the Parent Coalition is to enable persons with developmental disabilities and their parents/guardians to become effective

and involved in accessing community services.

Funded by grants from the Developmental Disabilities Programof Whatcom County, the United Way and your donations.

Get involved... make a difference!As members of The Arc,

you have the power to guide programs, activities and more. This is an opportunity to make

your voice heard and help impact our community.

The Arc of Whatcom CountyDan Godwin Community Center 2602 McLeod Road Bellingham, WA 98225

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDBellingham, WAPermit No. 124

May 2012The Parent Coalition of Whatcom CountyPage 4

Choice and Self-Advocacy

The Youth Self Advocacy (YSA) group enjoyed a beautiful and productive meeting in April. They cleaned and weeded the raised, accessible beds and planted various herbs in the garden. The group discussed the herb scents and what flowers they wanted to plant. Participants wanted to ensure the gardens were ready for any visitors to The Arc.’s Dan Godwin Community Center.

At the next meeting on Saturday, May 5th, the group will plant flowers and make plans for the rest of the year. The YSA group is a fun opportunity to learn about self-advocacy, make friends, and work together to make a difference!

NOTE: Participants must be 14 to 30 years of age and an eligible client of the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Registration is required before participation. For information, contact Beverly: 715-0170 ext 306, beverlyp@arcwhatcom.org

The YSA group is looking forward to involving more young adults and organizing more advocacy activities in the community.

Youth Self Advocacy in Action

Did You Know?Throughout the winter months, the YSA group conducted their annual “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Holiday” food drive and collected 175 pounds of food.

The Bellingham Food Bank was very gracious to receive the large donation. Thanks everyone for helping making a difference in our community!

Amy Terri

Jim Ricky