Monday, July 19, 2010

U.S. Senate Confirms Self-Advocate to National Disability Council

The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Ari Ne'eman to become the first person with autism to serve on the National Council on Disability.

The Council, an independent Federal agency, makes recommendations on disability policy to the President, Congress, and Federal agencies. President Obama appointed Mr. Ne'eman along with seven others in December, but a unanimous hold was placed on Mr. Ne'eman's appointment. The hold, which prevented the Senate from voting on the nomination, was lifted earlier this month.

For more information on the Council and its members, visit the National Council on Disability website (click here).

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Youth Self Advocacy THIS SATURDAY

Interested in making friends, learning new skills, and making a difference?

Come join the fun this Saturday, July 10th from 10am - 12pm. We will meet at the Dan Godwin Community Center (rec hall downstairs).

If you have any questions, please call Amy at 360-715-0170, ext. 309.

See you then!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Ski to Sea Grand Parade (updated)

The Ski to Sea Grand Parade is THIS Saturday, May 29th! Come join the fun! :)

This year The Arc of Whatcom County is partnering with Max Higbee Center and People First for the parade.

Our entry is #64, and we will meet at the southside of Alabama - at the corner of Humbolt and Grant. Participants should arrive at 11 am. You can ride on the back of the truck, wheel in your chair, ride your bike, or walk...your choice!

See you on Saturday!

(*And next Saturday, June 5th, is our YSA meeting!)

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Come join the fun!

This Saturday is our May YSA meeting...and we would love to see YOU!

The topic will be: "Culture and Sports: We have the right to take equal part in arts, sports and leisure."

After our discussion, we will continue with the art theme. We will be creating a special project for the wonderful mothers and caregivers in our life.

We also hope to work on our community project. At the April meeting, participants decided it was important to bring love and joy to residents at a local nursing home. We will be creating beautiful flowers and cards to deliver next month as part of this effort.

Come join the fun!

Saturday, May 1st
10am - 12pm
The Dan Godwin Community Center

*If you haven't participated before, please call 360-715-0170, ext. 309 for a registration form.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Disability Awareness Fair

Western Washington University's Students for Disability Awareness (SDA) hosted their third annual Disability Awareness Fair on Tuesday.

The Arc of Whatcom County's team was headed up by Terri Hansen - Inclusion Advocate and YSA Mentor - and included other supporters of The Arc.















Jimmy Monroe, who is joining the YSA group, also attended with his family. Thanks everyone for a wonderful awareness event!



Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Lucky Me!

At our March Youth Self Advocacy meeting, we discussed attitudes and the ways we can demonstrate positive, respectful attitudes in the community. To embrace this concept, we thought we should do a community project to help others and demonstrate our compassion and strong abilities. There were many suggestions and we will decide on our first project at our April meeting. Your input is greatly appreciated!

We also celebrated St. Patrick's Day and discussed all the many ways we are LUCKY! We shared our ideas and created one large poster. Suggested blessings ranged from having wonderful friends and family to respect and independence in the community...and much, much more!

Everyone also made fun and colorful posters to take home and continue the "lucky" celebration. And of course, a St. Patrick's Day party wouldn't be complete without some yummy cupcakes. Thanks everyone for coming...so much fun!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!