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EmpowerA newsletter by The Arc’s Parent Coalition & Parent to Parent of Whatcom County
August 2019
Empower: August 2019The Parent Coalition of Whatcom CountyPage 1
On Sunday, June 30, The AIROW Project (Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation of Whatcom County) hosted their first annual Adaptive Kayak Expo at Blodel Donovon Park in Bellingham. AIROW partnered with Outdoors for All for this event. The Outdoors for All Foundation is a Seattle based non-profit, delivering adaptive and therapeutic recreation for children and adults with disabilities.
29 individuals came out to the kayaking expo. After a participant arrived and registered, they met with the Launch Access Team to discuss their strengths and ways our volunteers could support them best on entering the kayak. Participants then went out into the water, with a volunteer, using a kayak best suited for their needs, and enjoyed the beautiful day. 30 volunteers graciously supported the event with set up, registration, beach support, taking individuals out in the kayak. A water safety team was stationed on paddle boards supervising from the water.
AIROW would like to thank Cascade DAFO, Blue Goose Media, Brandon Nelson Partners, Farther Faster, Haggen, Community Food Co-op, Bellingham Grocery Outlet, and Whole Foods for their contributions to the event. A big thank you to all of the volunteers that were essential to making the day run smoothly. Thank you to the Bellingham Canoe and Kayak Sprint Team (BCKST), Bellingham Youth Paddlesports (BYP), and Whatcom Padders for bringing so much knowledge, support, and expertise.
AIROW is a group comprised of individuals that are passionate about adaptive outdoor recreation. AIROW is focused on creating community-based outdoor recreational activities in Whatcom County for children, teens, and adults who have a special need or disability. For more information, visit The AIROW Project: Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation of Whatcom County on Facebook, or email [email protected]
“I had a lot of fun. I got to kayak with an adult and then had a good experience of being in the kayak for the first time by myself. I felt safe” -Stella
Adaptive Kayak Expo
“This event gave me and my son Liam an amazing opportunity to do something together that we otherwise wouldn’t have been able to do. It was a very special day for us.” -Jessica
“I became a quadriplegic on my 19th birthday in 1994 due to a diving accident. On June 30th 2019 I faced my fear of water thanks to AIROW hosting this AMAZING event. I’m SO PROUD of my accomplishment that I’m already looking forward to next year’s event”. -Harley
Parent Coalition
Empower: October 2018Page 2 Empower: August 2019The Parent Coalition of Whatcom County
What is the Developmental Disability Funding Crisis and How Serious is It? • Currently Washington is 41st in the country in relationship to the fiscal effort going to people with
developmental disabilities. • We’re 13th in the size of our population and 22nd in regards to the amount spent for community
services for people with developmental disabilities. • As of 5/1/19 there are 13,776 people on the No Paid services caseload (individuals that qualify for
services, but are not receiving any) and 34,165 paid (individuals receiving services). • About 1,000 people a month are now being determined eligible for DD services. • We have the highest case manager to person ratio of anywhere in the country. • There are about 750 high school students who graduate every year from high school who are eligible
for DD Services. • People are having major challenges finding service providers and affordable housing.
Currently The Arc of Washington State is working to put together a task force to address the DD Funding Crisis. If you would like to be involved or learn more, please contact: [email protected]
What is the Developmental DisabilityFunding Crisis and How Serious is It?
• Currently Washington is 41st in the country in relationship to the fiscal effort going to people with developmental disabilities.• We’re 13th in the size of our population and 22nd in regards to the amount spent for community services for people with developmental disabilities.• As of 5/1/19 there are 13,776 people on the No Paid services caseload (individuals that qualify for services, but are not receiving any) and 34,165 paid (individuals receiving services).• About 1,000 people a month are now being determined eligible for DD services.• Our case managers share the highest caseloads of anywhere in the country.• There are about 750 high school students who graduate every year from high school who are eligible for DD Services.• People are having major challenges finding service providers and affordable housing.
Currently The Arc of Washington State is working to put together a task force to address the DD Funding Crisis. If you would like to be involved or learn more, please contact: [email protected]
Advanced HelpingParent Training:
IEP Parent Partners ProgramHosted by:
Parent Coalition and Parent to Parent10am-2pm, Saturday, September 28
The Arc’s Dan Godwin Community Center2602 McLeod Road, Bellingham
• Do you want to learn more about IEPs and special education?
• Are you interested in helping other families prepare for and navigate the IEP process?
• The IEP Parent Partners Program is a program that trains and matches an IEP Parent Partner with a parent wanting support at their child’s IEP meeting.
RSVP at (360) 715-0170 ext 303 or [email protected]
Visit https://www.arcwa.org/takeaction to sign up for the Action E-List to stay informed on the latest news.Issue Papers have informative documents including up to date budget summaries, bills of interest. Also read The Olympia Insider & Reporter with informative videos and articles on current events in Olympia relevant to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Page 3
Parent to Parent
Empower: August 2019The Parent Coalition of Whatcom County
We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who came to our Summer BBQ on Saturday July 6th. We had well over 100 attendees! Thank you to our awesome Super Sitters for doing crafts and activities with the kids. Thank you Inner Child Studio for bringing Legos and games! Thank you to all the volunteers who came early to set up, helped during the event, and stayed late to clean up. We appreciate our Helping Parents who came and connected with families. Our event was graciously co-hosted by Bellingham Parks and Recreation.
P A R E N T T O P A R E N T O F W H A T C O M C O U N T YSupporting Families of Children with Developmental Disabilities and On-Going Health Care Needs
2602 McLeod Road, Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 715-0170 www.p2pwhatcom.org
Parent to Parent is proudly sponsored by The Arc of Whatcom County
Family Swim SocialFor families of children with developmental delays, disabilities
and on-going health care needs.
Saturday, August 36:30 - 7:30 pm
Arne Hanna Aquatic Center,1114 Potter Street, Bellingham
Free!Come join us for some family fun splashing around!
Children under the age of 7 must be in the pool with an adult. If you need an extra pair of helping hands to assist you
in the pool, please call our office.
For questions, please call (360) 715-0170 ext 302 or email [email protected]
Parent Support MeetingsParents and caregivers are welcome to join our confidential support meetings. Have a snack and connect with others. Free childcare is available during our meetings, provided by our trained Super Sitters.
*NO AUGUST MEETING*
• September Meeting: Back to School Q & A
Monday, September 9, 7-8:30pm
• October Support Meeting
Monday, October 7, 7-8:30pm
Meetings located by The Arc of Whatcom County, 2602 McLeod Rd., unless otherwise noted. For interpretation services, please contact us 1 week prior. To RSVP for child supervision, contact us by the Friday prior to the meeting at (360) 715-0170 ext 302 or email [email protected]
P A R E N T T O P A R E N T O F W H A T C O M C O U N T YSupporting Families of Children with Developmental Disabilities and On-Going Health Care Needs
2602 McLeod Road, Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 715-0170 www.p2pwhatcom.org
Parent to Parent is proudly sponsored by The Arc of Whatcom County
Summer Playdate in the Park!A casual gathering for parents and caregivers of children with
developmental delays, disabilities and on going health care needs
Thursday, August 8 11am - 1pm
Squalicum Creek Park1001 Squalicum Way, Bellingham
No RSVP necessary, feel free to stop by anytime.
Questions? [email protected] ext 302
Join us for our Summer Playdate in the Park! A casual meetup for parents to come together and connect as kids play. This is a chance to meet other families in our community.
Community Events
Empower: August 2019The Parent Coalition of Whatcom CountyPage 4
Rascal Rodeo2 - 3pm, Wednesday, August 14th,
Grandstand Arena, Lynden, WAAdmission: FREE
Rascal Rodeo provides modified rodeos for people with special needs of all ages throughout the Pacific Northwest, giving those who are sometimes told “no” the opportunity to be the stars of the show. The purpose of Rascal Rodeo is to show the special needs community they are loved, cared for, accepted and can do things many say they cannot.Participants of all ages are encouraged to register for this free event to learn the different aspects of a rodeo in a safe and laid back atmosphere. Many abilities unknown to the participants, parents, and caregivers are revealed during this time of being cowboys and cowgirls. Lots of happy tears are shed at these events, especially for the parents who have never seen their child of any age so happy. Rascal Rodeo invites you to get involved by volunteering, donating, or registering your loved one with special needs. No rodeo experience is necessary.
Volunteers are needed from 1-3:30pm the day of the event. To participate or volunteer, visit www.rascalrodeo.org Preregistration is encouraged!
Sponsored by Coppinger Carter P.S Attorneys
Autism 200 Series
7-8:30pm, Thursday, August 15Autism 207: Transition to Adulthood – Abuse and Neglect of Adults with Developmental Disorders
7-8:30pm, Thursday, September 19Autism 208: Crisis Support and Autism for Complex Behavioral and Mental Health Needs
Autism 200 is a series of 90-minute classes for parents and caregivers of children with autism who wish to better understand autism spectrum disorder. Sign up for the livestream at http://www.seattlechildrens.org/classes-community/current-class-offerings/autism-200-series/
S.P.I.N. Dance
6 - 8pm, Monday, Aug 19 Theme: Popsicle Social6 - 8pm, Monday, Sept. 16 Theme: Sports Night
Bellingham Senior Center, 315 Halleck St.
At the SPIN Dances, you can always count on lively music provided by local bands or DJ’s, a healthy snack at intermission, and FANTASTIC company!
Call Amanda: (360) 778-7000 or visit http://www.maxhigbee.org/spin-dances.html
FACES Northwest Car Wash12 - 2pm, Monday, August 5
Bellingham High School2020 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham
Support FACES Northwest by stopping by and getting your car washed! Donations accepted. Visit www.facesnorthwest.com to learn more about their program.
Empower: August 2019 The Parent Coalition of Whatcom CountyPage 5
My Way Matinee: Sensory-Friendly Films at Regal Cinema
Get the movie theatre experience, but with lower sound and brighter lights. Movies start at 10:30am on the 2nd and 4th Saturday every month.For the movie schedule, visit https://www.regmovies.com/promotions/my-way-matinee
Out of The Ashes
Every Tuesday, 3:30 - 5:30pmBoundary Bay Brewery
(Garden) 1107 Railroad Avenue
Celebrate summer with great music & fun friends! Out of the Ashes is a music program that gives people with disabilities the chance to play music. Come and join in the fun this summer and learn how you can be a part of Out of the Ashes!
For more information visit http://www.outoftheashes.us/
Free Access PassThe National Park Service is offering a free pass to federal recreation sites for people with disabilities who present documentation of disability status and ask for the free Access Pass. This life-long pass provides
that person, along with three other adults, free admission to federal recreation sites around the country. For more details, visit www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm.
Washington State Parks also offer pass programs that reduce or waive camping, moorage and watercraft launch fees for limited-income senior citizens, disabled veterans, foster parents and people with disabilities. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov/131/Exemptions.
Challenge Air Fly Day9am - 4pm, Saturday, August 24
Seattle/Everett, WAPaine Field Airport
Challenge Air builds self-esteem and confidence of children and youth with specials needs, through the experience of flight. Join Challenge Air at the Historic Flight Foundation located at Paine Field in Mukilteo for our annual Fly Day for kids with special needs between the ages of 7-21 years.Visit https://www.challengeair.com to register or learn more.
Bacon & Kegs FestivalFundraiser to Support
Whatcom Center for Early LearningSunday, August 11
1-3:30pm (all ages)5:30-9pm (21 and over)
Deport Market Square, Bellingham
Bacon & Kegs Festival is a celebration of Bacon, Brews and Music to benefit infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. Regional breweries and cider houses along with food trucks and restaurants offering bacon-themed items will be here! Baby Cakes will be performing an evening concert and Black Water will entertain during the afternoon. Pick the session time and admission price that works with your budget. Session one is more family friendly, with games and activities for you to do with your children of any age (no beer in the kids area and no kids in the beer garden, including babies - state law), so plan ahead if you bring kids. Session Two is longer and exclusively 21 and over. We pack up all the kids stuff, enlarge the beer garden and eat and drink our way through the rest of the summer night.Tickets are on sale now through Whatcom Center for Early Learning’s website: http://www.wcel.net.
Empower: August 2019The Parent Coalition of Whatcom County
Down syndrome Outreach
Page 6
Buddy Walk Celebrates 16 years!Noon-3pm, Sunday, October 6thDepot Market Square, BellinghamRegistration Opens August 3rd at:
https://www.classy.org/event/2019-whatcom-county-buddy-walk/e243628
The Buddy Walk 2019 will mark the 16th year of Buddy Walk® in Whatcom County! The event is a highlight for the Down syndrome Outreach community, bringing together members, friends and family to walk and celebrate with each other. The annual Buddy Walk® in Whatcom County has grown over the years from a grass-roots event with a handful of families to a ‘full-on’ celebration with live music, activities, games, food trucks, and the 2/3-mile walk through Bellingham’s downtown streets. Last year, over 450 community members participated! All funds raised from Buddy Walk directly support Down syndrome Outreach which reaches over 90 individuals & families in our community with direct support and services, accessing support meetings, receiving information and education through our lending library, and connecting and networking with other parents.
Buddy Walk T-Shirts will not be included in registration this year. T-shirts will be the same color (Sapphire Blue) and logo as 2018. If you would like to purchase a t-shirt, they are available on our Classy page. Must purchase by Sept. 6th. Register online and start your fundraising page now: https://www.classy.org/event/2019-whatcom-county-buddy-walk/e243628. Forms also are available to print at www.arcwhatcom.org.
Ways you can continue to help!• Register and start your team at https://www.classy.org/event/2019-whatcom-county-buddy-walk/e243628• Sponsor or connect with businesses for sponsorship opportunities. • Donate to Down syndrome Outreach at either our Classy site or donate through The Arc’s website at arcwhatcom.org under “Contribute”. • Volunteers are needed on the day of the event to help set up, give directions, hand out info, and more. Email [email protected].
Unable to make it to the Buddy Walk? You can simply make a charitable donation to help support DsO by clicking on the “Donate To This Event” on the Classy registration page and searching for the name of the individual or team you would like to support. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, your participation and generosity are greatly appreciated! Down syndrome Outreach is a program of The Arc of Whatcom County a 501(c)3 Organization (Federal Tax ID #311579359). For more information about registration, volunteering, sponsorship, or general questions, contact 360-715-0170 ext 200 or [email protected]. This event is being held in an accessible location and sign language interpretation is provided.
The Parent CoalitionThe Arc of Whatcom County provides leadership support for individuals 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 services.
The Parent Coalition newsletteris published monthly by:
The Arc of Whatcom CountyDan Godwin Community Center
2602 McLeod Road Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 715-0170www.arcwhatcom.org
OFFICE HOURS: 10am-1pm Monday - Thursday
Newsletter Production Staff:Melissa Abraham, Karlene Umbaugh,
Monica Burke
Executive Director: Beverly PorterProgram Director: Monica BurkeCare & Resource Coordinator:
Mary Jo DurborowDsO & Self Advocacy: Jessika HoustonP2P Coordinator: Karlene Umbaugh
P2P Parent Assistant: Melissa AbrahamPadres a Padres: Marta Mejia
Board of DirectorsMichelle Karaffa, President;
Jen Thistle & Susan Larson, co-Vice President;
Dale Whipple, SecretaryBarbara RoxasWhitney Kiewit Detrick Grimes
Stay ConnectedOnline Community Calendar: Visit The Arc’s website at www.arcwhatcom.org and click on Events.Facebook: Visit our FB page: www.facebook.com/ArcWhatcom for the latest information and events.E-alerts: The Parent Coalition emails updates on legislation, workshops and upcoming activities. To sign up, visit www.arcwhatcom.org or email [email protected].
The Parent Coalition is funded by grants from the Developmental Disabilities Program of Whatcom County,
the United Way and your generous donations.
PARTNER AGENCY
Empower: August 2019The Parent Coalition of Whatcom CountyPage 7
Self Advocacy
WATER SAFETY FOR THE POOL AND BEACH
WATER SAFETY:• Take swim lessons if you do not know how to swim
• Try to swim with a friend. If you do not have a friend to swim with, ask someone to watch you or swim near a lifeguard
• Lifeguards are there to help you. Make sure you listen to them and follow directions
• Wear a life jacket (US Coast Guard approved)
• Watch the weather before going into the water. Do not swim if there is lightning or stormy weather
WHEN IN THE POOL: • Be careful of the deep end and stay where the water is not over
your shoulders
WHEN AT THE BEACH:
• Watch for dangerous waves and fast moving water
• Know the meaning of colored beach flags: RED = Danger YELLOW = Be careful when you swim, there is still danger in the water GREEN = Safe to swim, but be careful when swimming BLUE AND PURPLE = Sharks, jellyfish and other dangerous sea animals
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS
SUMMER SAFETY TIPSHEAT SICKNESS
(When it is hot outside your body can heat up too much)
SIGNS OF HEAT SICKNESS MAY INCLUDE:• Fainting
• Headache and feeling dizzy
• Not sweating, even though it is hot outside
• Red, hot, dry skin
• Cramping
• Feeling sick to the stomach or vomiting
• Fast heartbeat and rapid, shallow breathing
• Feeling confused
• Seizures
PREVENT HEAT SICKNESS BY:• Staying in the shade and keeping cool
• Wear lightweight, light colored and loose fitting clothing
• Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Do less outside in the afternoon. The sun is the hottest from 10 am to 4pm
IF YOU FEEL YOU MIGHT HAVE HEAT
SICKNESS, CALL 911 AND GET
MEDICAL HELP QUICKLY!
SUN SAFETY
• Do not stay in the sun for long. The sun is the hottest from 10 am to 4pm
• Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day
CLOTHING:• Wear light, loose fitting clothing, a hat and sunglasses with ultraviolet ray (UV) protection
• Make sure to put on dry clothing if your clothes are soaked from sweat
SUNSCREEN:• People with all skin tones need to wear sunscreen when going outside
• Put on sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15
• Put on sunscreen on both sunny and cloudy days
• Put on sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going in the sun
• Put on sunscreen again after swimming or sweating
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS
Remember to ALWAYS wear
sunscreen!
The Arc’s HealthMeet® InitiativesTaking care of your health is one of the most important things that you can do. People who are healthy are happier, have more energy to get things done each day, are more likely to get out and into their communities, and even live longer.Check out The Arc of the US HealthMeet Self Advocacy Resources page where you will find resources like these that you can use to be healthier: https://www.thearc.org/healthmeet/self-advocacy-resources.
WATER SAFETY FOR THE POOL AND BEACH
WATER SAFETY:• Take swim lessons if you do not know how to swim
• Try to swim with a friend. If you do not have a friend to swim with, ask someone to watch you or swim near a lifeguard
• Lifeguards are there to help you. Make sure you listen to them and follow directions
• Wear a life jacket (US Coast Guard approved)
• Watch the weather before going into the water. Do not swim if there is lightning or stormy weather
WHEN IN THE POOL: • Be careful of the deep end and stay where the water is not over
your shoulders
WHEN AT THE BEACH:
• Watch for dangerous waves and fast moving water
• Know the meaning of colored beach flags: RED = Danger YELLOW = Be careful when you swim, there is still danger in the water GREEN = Safe to swim, but be careful when swimming BLUE AND PURPLE = Sharks, jellyfish and other dangerous sea animals
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS
SUN SAFETY
• Do not stay in the sun for long. The sun is the hottest from 10 am to 4pm
• Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day
CLOTHING:• Wear light, loose fitting clothing, a hat and sunglasses with ultraviolet ray (UV) protection
• Make sure to put on dry clothing if your clothes are soaked from sweat
SUNSCREEN:• People with all skin tones need to wear sunscreen when going outside
• Put on sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15
• Put on sunscreen on both sunny and cloudy days
• Put on sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going in the sun
• Put on sunscreen again after swimming or sweating
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS
Remember to ALWAYS wear
sunscreen!
Special thanks to The Arc of New Jersey forthis valuable information.
Event CalendarAUGUST
**Please note there will be no Self Advocacy or Parent to Parent Meetings in August. Meetings will resume in September.
3 Saturday, 11amBellingham Kids Fest 1355 Civic Field WayBellingham
3 Saturday, 6:30 - 7:30pmP2P Swim Socialsee page 3 for more details
5 Monday, 12 - 2pmFACES NorthwestCar Washsee page 4 for more details
8 Thursday, 11am - 1pmP2P Playdate in the Parksee page 3 for more details
14 Wednesday 2 -3pmRascal Rodeo at The Northwest Washington Fair!1775 Front St, Lyndensee page 4 for more details
16 Thursday, 7 - 8:30pmAutism 200 Seriessee page 4 for more details
19 Monday, 6 - 8pmSPIN DANCETheme: Popsicle Socialsee page 4 for more details
24 Saturday, 9am - 4pmChallenge Air Fly Daysee page 5 for more details
SEPTEMBER
5 Thursday, 4:30 - 6:30pmSelf Advocacy MeetingContact [email protected] more information
9 Monday, 7 - 8:30pmParent to Parent Support MeetingTopic: Back to School Q & Asee page 3 for more details
16 Monday, 6 - 8pmSPIN DANCETheme: Sports Night see page 4 for more details
28 Saturday, 10am - 2pmIEP Parent Partners Programsee page 2 for more details
OCTOBER
3 Thursday, 4:30 - 6:30pmSelf Advocacy MeetingTopic: tbd
6 Sunday, 12 - 3pmDown syndrome Outreach’s 16th Annual Buddy Walk!Depot Market Squaresee page 6 for more details
7 Monday, 7 - 8:30pmParent to Parent Support Meetingsee page 3 for more details
21 Monday, 6 - 8pmSPIN DANCETheme: Halloween Costume see page 4 for more details
DID YOU KNOW?
Whatcom TransitFree Fare Week
WTA offers a week of free fares every August, in appreciation of our regular riders, and to encourage new riders to try the bus. Free Fare Week is Sunday August 11 through Saturday August 17. Other than Route 80X to Mt. Vernon, on which regular fares apply, all rides are free throughout Free Fare Week, on all buses and paratransit.
Currently Washington is 41st in the country in fiscal effort
going to people withdevelopmental disabilities.
See page 2 for more information
The City of Bellingham is working on an ADA Transition Plan to ensure the safety of all pedestrians. Learn about the process by visiting https://www.bellinghamada.com/ Your input is valued and needed for the Bellingham ADA Transition Plan. Please visit the survey, now available at https://www.sur veymonkey. com/r /BellinghamADA.
De-escalation Training10:00am – 11:30am, Tuesday,
September 10First Christian Church
495 East Bakerview Road
During this free training session led by Bellingham Neighborhood Police Office Jon Knutsen, attendees will learn basic techniques about de-escalation, such as ways to: stay calm, manage your own response, set limits, handle challenging questions, and prevent a physical confrontation.For more information, contact 360-734-6820 or [email protected]
