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!



































































Friday, February 26, 2010

Date Change for March Meeting

Please note that our next Youth Self Advocacy meeting will be held on March 13th (not the 7th) from 10am-12pm. We look forward to seeing you there...and why not invite a friend to join you? We would love to strengthen our group with more ideas and discussions!

Thanks! Amy

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Spread the Word to End the Word



















To learn more about this exciting campaign to end the "r" word, please visit: Spread the Word to End the Word.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Advocacy and Crafts

What a wonderful meeting on Saturday!

The Youth Self Advocacy Group studied and discussed the importance of advocacy in the political process. Then we followed with Valentine's Day crafts and treats. Thank you everyone for joining us!

Amy reviewed the YSA blog with the group. Please send in your poems, stories and photos - we are excited to show off your great talents.













We enjoyed talking and catching up with one another.














Everyone did an amazing job with their Valentine's Day cards. WOW!




























Thursday, January 28, 2010

Upcoming YSA Meeting / Valentine's Day Celebration!

Saturday, February 6, 2010 is our next meeting for our Youth Self Advocacy Group.

Not only will we be learning and practicing valuable advocacy skills, but we also will be celebrating Valentine's Day with fun crafts and treats!

Come join the fun!
10am - 12pm
February 6, 2010
The Dan Godwin Community Center
360-715-0170

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Thank you Susan!

At our 2009 Holiday Party, we also had the opportunity to celebrate Susan Jewell's amazing leadership and dedication to The Arc of Whatcom County. After years of serving as The Arc's Executive Director, Susan is retiring. Fortunately she will continue to be actively involved as a consultant. Thank you Susan for all that you have done for our organization and our families!