DsO Buddy Walk!

Are you excited about next Saturday? We certainly are...it's the annual Down syndrome Outreach Buddy Walk!

Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, come and join the Buddy Walk. Anyone can be a buddy!

The event is being held at Maritime Heritage Park in Bellingham, WA and will include lots of FUN! Please call 360-715-0170 for more information.

See you Saturday!

"We Have Human Rights" Handbook

In 2007, the United Nations passed a law: people with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else.

To learn more, there is an accessibly written and designed "mini manual" just for you! This manual will support persons with developmental disabilities (self-advocates) wishing to do human rights education and advocacy work. We can use it to not only learn about our basic human rights, but also to teach others about these rights.

What’s Included

• Step-by-step exercises on Human Rights


• Participatory activities, including role-play exercises


• Stand-alone pages on 12 rights


• Group activity with each right


• Photos from self-advocates around the world


• Beautiful full-color design for all pages

This manual is free to download. Just click HERE and enjoy learning and advocating!

President Obama Signs UN Rights Treaty

On July 24, 2009, President Obama invited disability advocates to the White House to celebrate the 19th anniversary of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Chester Finn was there representing SABE, Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered.

During the celebration President Obama announced that the United States was signing the United Nations Treaty on Rights for People with Disabilities.

“Disability rights aren't just civil rights to be enforced here at home; they're universal rights to be recognized and promoted around the world,” President Obama said. “And that's why I'm proud to announce that next week, the United States of America will join 140 other nations in signing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities -- the
first new human rights convention of the 21st century.”

Read more thoughts and photos from Chester Finn by clicking HERE.

You have earned it!

"The right to play on any playing field?
You have earned it.

The right to study in any school?
You have earned it.

The right to hold a job?
You have earned it.

The right to be anybody's neighbor?
You have earned it."

-- Eunice Kennedy Shriver
1987 Special Olympics World Games, South Bend, Indiana

Ski to Sea Parade

WOW! What a day!

The Arc of Whatcom County's entry in the 2009 Ski to Sea Parade was quite a success! Lots of dedicated people, fun balloons, spirited signs and celebration of inclusion!

Thanks everyone for making this happen. We are looking forward to the 2010 parade, and we hope to see you there!